What to Expect During the ABAverzus Block Party for BWIBAAD
Heyy BCBA Ruby here,
I just got back from the BWIBAAD2025 (Black Women in Behavior Analysis Appreciation Day) conference in Orlando, and I’m still buzzing from all the energy and excitement. One of my most memorable highlights of the entire conference was definitely the ABAverzus Block Party, which I had the honor of hosting with Magali, Kendall, and Dr. Monica on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 in the ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Hotel – Downtown Orlando. After two full days packed with CEUs and tons of learning, this was exactly the kind of event we all needed to wrap up the conference. If you missed it this year, don’t worry—here’s what you can expect when the next one rolls around!
The Atmosphere: A Vibe Like No Other
Picture this: after a full day of powerful talks and CEUs, we all headed to the block party. The moment you walked in, you could feel the excitement. There was music in the air, laughter all around, and people just letting loose. It wasn’t your typical networking event—this was a celebration. A chance to connect, recharge, and have some fun!
We kept the mood light and energetic, knowing everyone had been absorbing a ton of information all day. The block party gave everyone a chance to unwind, enjoy the good vibes, and meet new faces in a laid-back setting. Magali, Kendall, Dr. Monica, and I had so much fun creating that perfect mix of learning, laughter, and new connections.
Key Activities and Highlights: Fun, Games, and More!
At the ABAverzus Block Party, we had some awesome activities planned, designed to get people talking and connecting in a fun, interactive way. The crowd favorites included Shoutouts and Music Lyric Fill Ins!
Shoutouts was definitely a hit, where people could recognize each other for their contributions to the field. It felt amazing to see everyone celebrating each other's achievements and efforts—such a powerful and uplifting moment.
Music Lyric Fill Ins had everyone singing and laughing as we filled in the blanks to some iconic songs. It was the perfect way to mix in some fun with networking, and you could see everyone getting into the groove.
We also had Trivia, where we tested everyone’s knowledge of ABA and beyond, sparking some healthy competition and tons of laughs.
Movie Recall was another fun activity that had everyone reminiscing about their favorite movie quotes and guessing classic lines from fan-favorite films.
One of the coolest parts? The tables were broken down into teams, making the activities even more exciting as people worked together, shared laughs, and cheered each other on. There was so much positive energy and collaboration that it felt less like a competition and more like a team-building experience.
Networking with a Twist: Building Relationships While Having Fun
This wasn’t your standard networking event where people awkwardly stand around exchanging business cards. The ABAverzus Block Party was all about building real connections. We mixed in fun games and interactive activities so that networking didn’t feel like a chore. Instead, it became a chance to laugh, share, and relate to others in a more relaxed setting.
It was amazing to see so many people meet face-to-face for the first time, especially after building online relationships through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It felt like the perfect way to put a name to a face and take the conversation offline, all while enjoying some great music and food.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the ABAverzus Block Party
If there’s one thing I’ll recommend to anyone attending BWIBAAD in the future, it’s don’t miss the ABAverzus Block Party! This event is a great opportunity to build genuine relationships, have some fun, and take the pressure off the typical “networking event” vibe. It’s a space where you can relax, let your guard down, and make connections that go beyond just professional introductions. You’ll leave feeling like you’re part of something bigger, with a whole new group of people to connect with—whether for future collaboration or simply to share your journey in ABA.
Closing Thoughts
Hosting the ABAverzus Block Party with Magali, Kendall, and Dr. Monica on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 in the ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Hotel – Downtown Orlando was one of my most memorable highlights of BWIBAAD. It was a perfect ending to an inspiring conference, and I can’t wait to see what the next one brings. It’s events like these that remind me why I love being part of this community. If you ever get the chance to attend, trust me—mark that block party on your calendar. It’s the perfect way to end a powerful conference, and it might just be the most fun you’ll have all weekend.
Until next time—keep recharging your passion for ABA, and I’ll see you at the next block party!
