We are pleased to be supporting the 5th annual Happiness, Health and Wellbeing @ Work conference on September 14. Our very own Cris Popp (along with Joanna McMillian) will be helping participants identify and overcome some of the challenges to wellbeing at work. This is a great opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others and the wisdom of the experts. If you’ve never seen Cris speak – don’t miss out – he’s a great speaker. As well, Tony Grant, from the ABC’s ‘Making Australia Happy’ will present lessons learnt and explain how these ideas can be applied in Australian workplaces.

The conference is run out of Sydney University and features Australia’s leading experts on psychology, leadership and Human Resources with the latest research and strategies on workplace health and wellbeing programs.

It attracts around 100-150 HR Managers, OHS staff and Wellbeing Managers each year from both the private and public sector and is especially useful for those involved in implementing Wellbeing programs in the workplace.

It is also great for anyone who is looking for health and wellbeing ideas to take back to their workplace.

More information about the conference can be found on the conference website http://www.happyworkplaces.com.au/

I’m thrilled, and a little flattered, to announce that after two and a half years of hard work I’ve been invited to take Laughter Yoga to the “Happiness and Its Causes 2010″ conference! This conference has featured some of the biggest, baddest (or should that be happiest?), and most influence figures in happiness Dalai Lama; Martin Seligman (the ‘father’ of positive psychology); Marva Collins (US educationalist); and Tal Ben Shahar.  This year I am very much looking forward to seeing Barbara Fredrickson – a pioneer in the field of positive emotions.

Happiness & Its Causes is the world’s largest forum on human happiness and is being held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, 5-6 May 2010.  Each year, over 2,000 people from all walks of life meet at the conference to examine the big issues of life.   The conference provides a unique combination of hard-edged science, real life inspiration, gut-wrenching personal stories and practical wisdom.  Many have hailed it as a life-changing experience.  I know I certainly have – it is also an incredible buzz to be in a room so many people all interested in human development.

There are some fantastic key note speakers scheduled to present over the two-day event, including some of the world’s best psychologists, scientists and philosophers (and of course – me)!   I am very grateful for the opportunity to bring laughter yoga to so many people – I hope you can be one of them.   If you do come please popp (sorry couldn’t resist that pun) over and say hello.

Yours Laughingly, Cris

We were so honoured to receive this from Madan Kataria himself (the founder of the world laughter yoga movement) that we just had to share it with you!

“Dear Cris Popp,

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that on behalf of Laughter Yoga International you have been chosen for the award “Laughter Ambassador” for your contribution to the Laughter Yoga movement. 

It was because of your efforts, many people’s lives have been touched and you continue to inspire others to bring more laughter to their lives. This award will be conferred on you at the All Australia Laughter Yoga Conference to be held in Melbourne between August 23-24, 2008. I look forward to seeing you at the conference.

Madan Kataria, Founder,
World Laughter Yoga Movement.”

Thank you Madan, from The Laughter Works team.  May your work continue at a good pace too.