A Neuroscientist, a Clown and a Business Executive Walked Into a Bar...
CHICAGO, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- No joke. The three of them were planning the 25th Annual Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) Conference, "Beat the Blues with Humor" being held April 19-22 at the Westin O'Hare, Chicago, IL.
The AATH annual conference is a rare coming together of scholars who study humor and those who apply and promote healthy humor in a variety of settings. In April, compassionate hospital clowns will mingle with business owners interested in learning how humor and laughter increase productivity and profitability. Educators will learn ways humor positively impacts learning and exchange ideas with Certified Laughter Club Leaders (CLL's) and Laughter Yoga practitioners. Parents will learn to de-stress and grief specialist and Oprah guest, Tom Zuba, will share how humor is useful when dealing with loss and tragedy.
Other conference keynoters include Latin American actress, comic, and author of "Chemo-rella," Katy Franco, improvisational comedy troupe, Winwave, and University of Zurich Professor of Psychology and eminent humor researcher, Dr. Willibald Ruch. Speaker and cartoonist Jason Kotecki is on a mission to end "adultitis" and former stand-up comic, counselor, and professor of special education, Dr. Joyce Saltman will discuss how learning is enhanced through humor.
In addition to six world-class keynote presentations, the conference offers 18 concurrent sessions, an opportunity to earn a certificate or graduate credit by enrolling in the AATH Humor Academy, and a pre-conference intensive featuring National Speaker's Association Past President and author Mark LeBlanc. LeBlanc's tried and true strategies for small business success are focused, practical, and infused with humor.
Add 12 cutting-edge research posters, conference bookstore, and the latest in humor-related novelty items and you have an event sure to help everyone "Beat the Blues."
"This is a conference like no other," according to conference co-chair and Singing Nurse, Deb Gauldin. "The common thread for all who attend is an appreciation for humor. It's a gathering of personable, compassionate, people who share a sincere desire to increase humor and laughter in their own, as well as other's lives. AATH attracts positive people working in diverse fields from around the globe. The conference is as relevant for those studying brain chemistry as it for balloon artists. Continuing education for professionals includes educators, nurses, social workers and recreational therapists."
For detailed information about the conference, please visit aath.org.
SOURCE Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor
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