Have you ever wondered how CPN conferences compare to International PCP Congresses? Well, two CPN members who have attended both weighed in on this issue. Amberly Panepinto concluded that they are not too different from each other. Amberly goes on to explain, “it is wonderful to gain perspectives from people who are living and working in other parts of the world, but I have found those perspectives even at the North American conferences that I have attended.  I think that North American conferences tend to include more presentations on clinical work; whereas, I found the International Congress to have a greater focus on research.  I also found that there was not much of an emphasis on other forms of constructivism/constructionism at the International Congress.  One thing that I loved about the International Congress was the evening of Creative Construing where many constructivists performed (vocal, instrumental, poetry).  It was great to see so many talents.  A highlight for me was Mary Francis' a cappella choir of graduate students.  It was a wonderful way for the students to connect and be showcased.  I still have that song stuck in my head at times.”

Spencer McWilliams adds, “It seems to me that I have experienced perhaps more ‘within group variance’ than ‘between group variance.’ In other words, each conference/congress has its own qualities and characteristics that make it memorable, whether the particular mix of participants, the location (always a significant factor), or particular sessions.  On the other hand, as I reflect on them I note that the international congresses have, of course, more diverse participants (I always enjoy seeing colleagues from Australia, Europe, and elsewhere) and perhaps a slightly higher proportion of  sessions on theory, methodology, and non-clinical applications than the CPN conferences.  The international congresses have often had substantial participation from the established, well-known ‘names’  in PCP, although as that cohort moves into retirement age those numbers continue to dwindle.  In addition to the pleasure of visiting new locations for both conferences, the locations also often place a ‘stamp’  on the conference experience due to attendance by local participants, particularly students, who contribute new energy, life, and ideas to the established group.