Movement for the Mind: Advancing Mental Health Through Physical Activity
Milwaukee Marriott West
W231N1600 Corporate Ct.
Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA, 53186
September 27 - 28, 2025
This international conference brings together experts, innovators, and advocates to explore evidence-based research and practical solutions that connect movement with mental wellness.
Interested in Attending the 2025 Conference?
Register by July 15 to take advantage of our Early Bird Special
and secure your spot at a discounted rate.
About
Join Us for a Groundbreaking Two-Day International Conference on Movement and Mental Wellness
Discover how physical activity can revolutionize mental health care.
This dynamic event will bring together leading experts, clinicians, researchers, and advocates from around the world to explore the latest evidence-based research and innovative strategies that integrate exercise, sports, and movement therapies into mental health treatment.
Highlights Include:
Cutting-edge insights on the role of physical activity in mental health prevention and care
Practical tools and solutions for clinicians, therapists, educators, and policymakers
CME credits/certification to support your ongoing professional development
A holistic approach to treating patients—mind and body
Virtual attendance options available
And much more!
Whether you’re a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, nurse, student, or wellness advocate, this is your opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with a global network of professionals passionate about transforming mental health through movement.
An Evening with Dr. Peter Gray
Join us for an enlightening and thought-provoking evening with renowned psychologist and author Dr. Peter Gray, as he explores the vital connection between play, autonomy, and mental health in his compelling talk, Mother Nature’s Prescription for Mental Wellbeing: The Power of Play and Other Self-Directed Activity.
In this engaging presentation, Dr. Gray will draw from decades of research in developmental and evolutionary psychology to illustrate how free play and self-directed learning are not luxuries, but essential components of healthy emotional and cognitive development. With increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout—particularly among children and young adults—Dr. Gray offers a timely and evidence-based perspective on how returning to nature’s blueprint for learning and living can help restore balance and joy in our lives.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, mental health professional, or simply someone interested in human development, this evening promises to challenge assumptions, inspire new thinking, and highlight practical steps we can take to support wellbeing through autonomy, curiosity, and play.
2025 Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring?
Contact us today!
Click here
Who Attends?
Physicians/Nurses/Health Care Workers
Understanding the Mind-Body Connection: Can gain a deeper understanding of how physical health impacts mental health. This knowledge helps in providing more comprehensive care by recognizing and addressing the physical aspects of mental health conditions.
Psychiatrists/Psychologists
Integrated Treatment Plans: Learning about the physical health factors involved in mental health can aid in creating more effective, integrated treatment plans that consider both mental and physical well-being.
Students
Continuing Education Credits: Provide CME certification/ continuing education credits, which are necessary for maintaining professional licenses and certifications.
*Students, you will be refunded your registration fee after attending the conference and completing an evaluation form.
Mental Health Advocates
Community Health Impact: Gaining insights into the interplay between physical and mental health helps in designing interventions that can improve community health outcomes.
Counselors/Social Workers/Therapists
Improved Client Outcomes: Understanding the relationship between physical and mental health can lead to better outcomes for clients. Effective management of physical health issues can significantly enhance mental health treatment outcomes.
Physical Therapists/Fitness Enthusiasts
Motivation and Compliance: Knowledge gained can help in addressing psychological barriers to treatment, improving patient motivation and compliance with physical therapy regimens.
Neuropsychologists
Latest Research and Trends: Conferences provide access to the latest research, treatments, and trends in the field. Staying updated helps mental health professionals apply the most current and effective practices in their work.
YOU
We all have a responsibility to prioritize our mental well-being, and if you are looking to explore resources and techniques for maintaining wellness, this upcoming conference is tailored just for you! Taking care of our mental AND physical health is crucial, especially in today’s fast-paced world where stress and anxiety are prevalent. Remember, investing in your mental health is an investment in your overall well-being and quality of life.
2025 Speakers
2025 Agenda
Day and Time
Presentation Title
To Be Determined
Designing Community-Based, Culturally Safe Physical Activity Programs to Support Mental Health in Vulnerable Populations
Saturday, 7-9 PM
Mother Nature’s Prescription for Mental Wellbeing: The Power of Play and Other Self-Directed Activity
To Be Determined
Enhancing Mood Through Movement: The Role of Physical Activity in Youth Emotion Regulation
Sunday, 9-10 AM
Seth Himelhoch
Behavioral Activation, Exercise, and the Brain’s Reward System: Leveraging Physical Activity for Emotional Resilience and Mental Health
To Be Determined
Art Kramer
The Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Cognitive and Brain Health Across the Lifespan
To Be Determined
From Wearables to AI Coaches: The Evolving Digital Toolkit for Mental Health
To Be Determined
Jacob Meyer
Strength in Mind: Exploring Resistance Exercise as a Therapeutic Tool for Depression
To Be Determined
Michelle Pebole
Making Exercise Spaces Trauma-Informed: Practical Guidelines for Implementation
To Be Determined
Implementing lifestyle interventions in mental healthcare: the third report from The Lancet Psychiatry Physical Health Commission
2024 Presentations
Physical Activity And Mental Health Through The Lens Of The Global Refugee Crises
Translating Evidence To Practice In Sydney, Australia: How Addi Moves… Moved!
Harnessing The Neuroprotective Effects Of Exercise
Barriers To The Movement Prescription
Endocannabinoids And Stress
Exercise And The Stress Resistant Brain
Using Exercise To Support People With Experiences Of Sexual And Partner Violence
Lifestyle Interventions For Traumatic Stress (LIFTS): The Rationale, Evidence, And Potential Role For Exercise In Treatment PTSD
Understanding The Physiological, Psychological, And Behavioral Factors Associated With Physical Activity In Veterans With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
FAQ
This is the first conference where you will gain insights into the intersection of movement, brain health, and psychological wellness in this one-day conference. We will be bringing in speakers from Australia, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Alabama, and Colorado.
These speakers each bring a unique perspective on the intricate relationship between physical and mental health, highlighting how advancements in clinical research have significantly contributed to our understanding. For instance, one speaker may delve into exercise and the stress resistant brain, while another may discuss the rationale, evidence, and potential role for exercise in treatment PTSD.
By exploring these various facets, we gain a more holistic view of how our bodies and minds are interconnected. Research studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. This demonstrates the powerful link between physical activity and mental health outcomes.
This is the second conference where you will gain insights into the intersection of movement, brain health, and psychological wellness in this two-day conference. We will be bringing in speakers from around the world.
These speakers each bring a unique perspective on the intricate relationship between physical and mental health, highlighting how advancements in clinical research have significantly contributed to our understanding. For instance, one speaker may delve into exercise and the stress resistant brain, while another may discuss the rationale, evidence, and potential role for exercise in treatment PTSD.
By exploring these various facets, we gain a more holistic view of how our bodies and minds are interconnected. Research studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. This demonstrates the powerful link between physical activity and mental health outcomes.
Yes, the conference will be in-person at Milwaukee Marriott West, W231N1600 Corporate Ct, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA, 53186. A virtual option will also be available.
If you’d like to be a sponsor or have a question, send a note to Zayna at zayna@adelbkorkorfoundation.org.
Yes, details will be coming soon.
Yes, food will be provided.
Yes! We recommend you use the below template:
Dear [Boss’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request funding to attend the International Motion Impacts Emotion Conference, scheduled to take place in Waukesha, Wisconsin on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28. This conference focuses on crucial advancements in mental health that directly relate to our current projects and initiatives.
Attending this conference would provide me with invaluable insights and practical knowledge that I can directly apply to our team’s efforts. Specifically, the sessions on [mention any specific topics or sessions that are relevant to your work] are particularly pertinent to our ongoing projects [mention project names or details if applicable].
Here is a brief overview of the conference agenda:
- Date: Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28, 2025
- Location: Milwaukee Marriott West, W231N1600 Corporate Ct, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA, 53186
- Conference Website: conference.abkf.org
Estimated costs for attending the conference include registration fees, accommodation, and travel expenses. I have researched cost-effective options to ensure that the expenses are within reasonable limits.
I believe that the insights gained from this conference will contribute significantly to our team’s goals, particularly in enhancing our approach to [mention specific goals or challenges where the conference insights will be beneficial].
I kindly request your approval for funding to cover the expenses associated with attending this conference. I am more than willing to provide a detailed post-conference report and share key takeaways with our team to maximize the benefits of this opportunity.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to discussing this further at your earliest convenience.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
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2025 schedule is to be determined.
Register Now
Are you a student interested in attending the Motion Impacts Emotion Conference?
We’re excited to support emerging professionals in the field! Students can receive a special discounted rate of $35 but is limited to only 25 students—just reach out to us at info@abkf.org with a copy of your valid student ID, and we’ll send you a promo code to apply at checkout. After those discounts are gone the price will increase to $50. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow!
In-Person Registration
Virtual Registration
