2025 AATH Conference &
Humor Academy
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to laugh, learn, and connect at this one-of-a-kind event from May 1st to May 4th, 2025. Join us at the Hilton Charlotte University Place in Charlotte, NC, where humor enthusiasts from around the globe will gather for a truly unforgettable experience.
Whether you're a humor researcher, a therapist looking to integrate humor into your practice, a seasoned comedian, or simply someone who loves a good laugh, our annual humor conference has something for everyone. Our lineup of renowned speakers, workshops, and interactive sessions will explore the science, art, and therapeutic benefits of humor in all its forms.
Immerse yourself in a world of wit as you engage with fellow attendees, share your own humorous insights, and discover new techniques for infusing humor into your personal and professional life. From improv comedy to laughter yoga, from the psychology of humor to the latest trends in comedy writing, our diverse program offers opportunities for growth, connection, and, of course, laughter!
Where Laughter Meets Learning!
More Ways to Join the Fun at the AATH Conference!
The 2025 AATH Humor Conference isn’t just about laughing—it’s about connecting, showcasing, and sharing your work with a community that values the power of humor. Whether you're looking to promote your business, sell your book, or support the event as a sponsor, there are plenty of ways to get involved!
Explore CE opportunities, group discounts, and why this conference is a must-attend. Download for details!
Laugh & Learn: The Best Investment Yet!
Want more savings?
Act fast and register now to lock in the discounted rate, giving you access to all the laughter and learning before rates increase on March 1st. Reserve your spot early to guarantee your place and maximize your savings, ensuring that your experience is as affordable as it is unforgettable. Don't delay – register today!
This activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and AATH. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited and approved by the following:
• Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
• Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE)program.
• American Psychological Association
• CA Board of Registered Nursing
• Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling (FL BBS
Advertise, Exhibit & Sponsor
Want to get your brand in front of humor enthusiasts, therapists, educators, and professionals? Choose from various sponsorship, exhibit, and advertising options to showcase your work in a way that makes an impact (and maybe even gets a chuckle).
Calling All Authors!
Have a book that tickles the funny bone or brings joy and insight? Join our onsite bookstore and introduce your work to an audience that loves humor as much as you do. This is your chance to get your book in the hands of attendees who appreciate the value of humor in everyday life.
Don't just attend—be part of the humor!
Be Prepared to Laugh, Learn, and Be Inspired!
The 2025 AATH Conference & Humor Academy is heading to Charlotte, NC, May 1-4! Meet our incredible keynote speakers, who will fill the stage with insight, connection, and, of course, humor.
2025 Keynote Speakers
Thursday PM
Brenda Elsagher CHP
How Becoming a Certified Humor Professional Enriched My Life
Join Brenda Elsagher, CHP, for a laughter-filled presentation exploring humor's power in our daily lives. From work to community, friendships to family, humor can be a game-changer. Brenda discovered this firsthand when she used laughter to navigate a cancer diagnosis 30 years ago—an experience that led her to a thriving career as a comedian, speaker, and author. A Certified Humor Professional (CHP), Brenda shares how humor not only enriches our lives but also strengthens resilience, reduces stress, and fosters meaningful connections. Get ready for an engaging session filled with insights, inspiration, and plenty of laughs—because sometimes, the best way to tackle life’s challenges is with a good sense of humor!
Friday AM
Robin Johnson CHP
Mind Over Mirth: Exploring Cognitive Behavioral Theory and the Power of Humor
Can laughter really change the way we think, feel, and heal? In this engaging and enlightening keynote, Robin Johnson introduces HEALARIOUS*, a groundbreaking program that blends the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the power of comedy. Through personal stories, humor, and science-backed strategies, Robin explores how shifting our thought patterns through humor can reduce stress, build resilience, and foster emotional well-being. Discover how humor can reframe negative thoughts, break cycles of anxiety and depression, and create meaningful connections. Whether you’re a mental health professional, caregiver, or simply someone looking to add more joy and perspective to life, this session will leave you with practical tools—and a good laugh—to rewire your brain for positivity. Come ready to chuckle, reflect, and embrace the healing power of mirth!
Friday PM
Ed Dunkelblau
Ed Talks: Telling the Emperor He Has No Clothes Without Losing Your Head: The Role of Irreverence in Therapeutic Humor
Humor can be a powerful tool for truth-telling, but how do we balance irreverence and impact—especially in therapeutic settings? This engaging session explores the delicate art of using humor to challenge perspectives, address uncomfortable truths, and break down barriers while maintaining trust and respect. Through discussion and real-world examples, we’ll examine how irreverence—when used skillfully—can foster connection, encourage self-awareness, and promote healing. Attendees will learn when humor helps, when it hinders, and how to navigate the fine line between boldness and sensitivity in professional and therapeutic contexts. Join us for a lively discussion on how humor can reveal the truth—without losing your head!
Saturday AM
Dr. Sam Shay, DC, IFMCP
NeuroSpicy: Love, Life, & Comedy on the Spectrum
Get ready for a laugh-out-loud journey through the wonderfully unpredictable world of neurodiversity! Dr. Sam Shay shares the hilarious, heartfelt, and often unexpected realities of navigating life with Asperger’s Syndrome in a world designed for "Normies." With wit and storytelling, he breaks down stereotypes, challenges misconceptions, and proves that humor is one of the best ways to bridge the gap between neurodiverse and neurotypical experiences.
Saturday PM
Saranne Rothberg
Living Fearlessly Daily: 15 Steps To Manifesting A Fearless Approach To Leadership And Life
In this interactive keynote, Saranne will guide you through her unique leadership method, sharing 15 powerful steps to living fearlessly. Whether you’re looking to overcome a health challenge, advance your career, disrupt an industry, become an influencer, break free from a toxic relationship, raise resilient children, run for office, or simply feel more empowered, remember: you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Saranne's unconventional upbringing taught her to see opportunities without being hindered by obstacles.
Sunday AM
Mary Kay Morrison CHP
What's So Funny About Aging?
How old are you—seriously? This lively session takes an in-depth look at how laughter and humor can promote optimal aging. Research indicates that humor significantly promotes brain growth, while playfulness supports a healthy lifestyle. This interactive session will highlight Mary Kay’s research findings from the Journal of Mental Health and Social Inclusion and Legacy of Laughter: The Playbook.
