Long Beach, California
May 3rd—5th
Our 2025 peer convention will be in the attractive coastal city of Long Beach, California. This gorgeous area beckons our community members from all over! The Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the closest airport, but the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is also an option for more direct flight options and the John Wayne Airport is close as well. The convention will take place May 3rd–5th.
We’ll be returning to the Courtyard by Marriott (Long Beach Airport) for our convention (this is NOT the Long Beach Downtown location). The hotel is within a very close walking distance of a variety of eateries and a shopping center called the Long Beach Exchange. The Long Beach Exchange has many more tantalizing restaurants and practical delights, including PetSmart and Whole Foods.
We want everyone to be able to relax from the pressures of the world at PSDP events. PSDP and our volunteers’ commitment to welcoming our LGBTQ+ community members includes a “bathroom buddies” option. Only folks who want to be part of a safe, hate-free space should attend.
We will have precautions against airborne diseases, which may include at least providing/encouraging KN95 masks and having room ventilation with doors-open, inside-outside air crossflow in a large room with a small group (policies subject to change). Anyone who is feeling unwell should expect to isolate/visit urgent care. The same goes for your dog.
To avoid spreading canine sickness, for at least five days prior to the convention please avoid boarding places, dog parks, or non-emergency vet visits with your dog. If this will be a problem, please contact us.
The convention will take place over three days. Plan to arrive by Friday, May 2nd so you can attend the welcome meeting Saturday morning. Typical convention activities end Sunday, May 4th, but those who can should join us for a group outing to the city of Seal Beach’s waterfront on May 5th. Seal Beach Main Street has shops and restaurants, and is right on the beach with a pier, wheelchair mats, and beach wheelchairs.
Registration
Discounted ($25 off) registration closes December 31st, 2024. Standard registration closes on April 3, 2025. Details are on the 2025 Convention Registration page.
Standard convention scholarship applications are due January 1, 2025. A streamlined tourism day scholarship application is available through April 3, 2025.
Info packet
Last year’s 2024 info packet has much of what you want to know about the peer convention, plus the policies you need to know about if you’re considering joining us. We will post a draft 2025 info packet when it’s ready; it’s subject to change.
What’s it like? Are there pictures?
PSDP peer conventions are times for prospective and current psychiatric service dog handlers to network through workshops, training, support, and a lot of fun! The 2024 peer convention pictures are linked in this sentence.
For more of a taste of what they’re like, enjoy the quotations below and find more pictures on the pages of previous peer conventions.
Sponsors
We’re accepting convention sponsors through April 3rd for 2025 and we’d love to have you partner with us. If you have a donation of goods or services, volunteers like Deanna Thompson—our Goodie Bag Guru—await you with a warm heart and a smiling face.
Our 2024 peer convention was rated 4 / 5 overall by convention-goers! Our previous attendees had the following to pass along to those considering joining us at future conventions:
I’ve found my family of choice at the conventions! Everyone is so kind and caring and supportive.
It was truly an amazing experience to spend time with other service dog teams. I’ve learned so much and felt very supported by everyone. Thank you PSDP for all you do and for hosting this wonderful convention!
The convention is a wonderful and unique opportunity to spend time with other service dog users. Feeling like you have a community when you’re disabled is really powerful!
These people are my kind of people. I feel safe among people I did not know a few hours before. Everyone is so accepting of me and my imperfect dog.
Attend. You won’t regret it!