International Motion Impacts Emotion Conference
About this Event
Join us for a groundbreaking two-day international conference exploring the powerful connection between movement and mental wellness.
Discover how physical activity can transform the future of mental health care through evidence-based research, innovative therapies, and practical real-world applications. This dynamic event will bring together leading clinicians, researchers, educators, advocates, and wellness professionals from around the globe to examine how exercise, sports, and movement-based interventions can support mental health prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Conference highlights include:
- Cutting-edge research on the impact of physical activity on mental health
- Practical strategies and tools for clinicians, therapists, educators, and policymakers
- Innovative approaches that integrate mind and body wellness
- Opportunities to connect and collaborate with an international network of professionals
- Inspiring discussions focused on advancing mental health through movement
Whether you are a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, nurse, educator, student, researcher, or wellness advocate, this conference offers a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, gain practical insights, and be part of a growing global movement dedicated to improving mental health through physical activity.
Student discount available! Students can register for just $125 by sending a photo of their valid student ID to [email protected].
Agenda
*AGENDA MAY CHANGE*
🕑: 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM
Friday - Registration and Continental Breakfast
🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:45 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Host: Adel Korkor
🕑: 08:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Plenary I - Foundations
Info: PLENARY I - FOUNDATIONS: How Movement Changes the Brain
Moderator: Simon Goldberg
Presentations
Dane Cook
Exercise, Brain Function, and Mental Health: Complexities and Mechanisms Across Health and Disease
Brandon Alderman
Neurocognitive Adaptations to Physical Activity: Implications for Mental Health and Resilience
Benjamin Greenwood
Exercise, Stress Resilience, and Brain Health
Presentation Time: 30 minutes each
Followed by: 30-Minute Moderated Discussion and Audience Q&A
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Movement Break
Host: Amy Bantham
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
State-of-the-Art Lecture
Host: Simon Rosenbaum
Info: Movement as Medicine: The Emerging Integration of Physical and Mental Health
45-minute Lecture
15-minute Audience Q&A
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:15 PM - 03:15 PM
Plenary II: Clinical Translation
Info: PLENARY II - CLINICAL TRANSLATION: Integrating Physical Activity into Mental Health Care
Moderator: Jacob Meyer
Presentations
Jacob Meyer
Integrating Exercise Into Mental Health Treatment: Opportunities and Challenges
Kevin Crombie
The Effect of Exercise on Fear Extinction Learning and Decision Making in PTSD: Potential Implications for Enhancing Psychotherapy
Kristin Szuhany
Leveraging Exercise to Improve Mental Health Outcomes: Mechanisms and Clinical Applications
Emily Mailey
Helping People Move: Behavioral Counseling and Nature Prescriptions for Mental Health Providers
Presentation Time: 20 minutes each
Followed by: 40-minute Panel Discussion, Audience Questions, and Interactive Discussion
🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:45 PM
Movement Break
Host: Amy Bantham
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:45 PM
Oral Abstract Presentations
Info: Six Selected Oral Abstract Presentations
🕑: 04:45 PM - 05:45 PM
Poster Reception & Networking
Info: Highlights from accepted poster abstracts and collaboration opportunities
🕑: 05:45 PM - 06:30 PM
Optional Guided Power Walk Along Lake Mendota
Info: Guided Walk Along the Shores of Lake Mendota.
Open to all attendees and speakers.
An opportunity for informal conversation, networking, and movement before the evening social event.
🕑: 06:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Dinner, Music and Dancing
Info: Conference Social Event: Dinner, Music, Dancing and Informal Networking
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Saturday - Continental Breakfast
🕑: 08:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Plenary III: Movement, Community and Global Mental Health
Info: PLENARY III - MOVEMENT, COMMUNITY AND GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH
Moderator: Simon Rosenbaum
Presentations
Simon Rosenbaum
From Evidence to Implementation: Physical Activity and Mental Health Across Communities
Jeroen Deenik
Moving Beyond the Clinic: Implementing Physical Activity in Community Mental Health Settings
Lea Denny
Community-Activated Mental Health: Movement, Connection, and Healing
Sana Mahmud
Running Toward Hope: Physical Activity, Resilience, and Young Women’s Empowerment in Conflict-Affected Communities
Presentation Time: 20 minutes each
Followed by: 40-minute Panel Discussion and Audience Engagement
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Movement Break
Host: Amy Bantham
🕑: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Plenary IV: Future Directions
Info: PLENARY IV - SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MOVEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH
Moderator: Adel B. Korkor
Amy Bantham
From Evidence to Action: Building a More Active and Mentally Healthy Future
Interactive fireside conversation, expert panel, audience breakout discussions, and development of a conference action plan/white paper.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Closing Session - Conference Summary and Key Takeaways
Info: Conference Summary and Key Takeaways
Moderator: Adel B. Korkor
Highlights from:
• Foundations
• Clinical Translation
• Emerging Research
• Community Implementation
• Future Directions
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 225.00 to USD 250.00
