The International Association for Adventure and Nature-Based Therapies is thrilled to announce its next global conference, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Kerry, Ireland, in April 2028.
Every three years, practitioners, researchers, educators and community leaders from around the world gather to explore the transformative potential of adventure and the natural world in therapeutic practice. Rooted in diverse traditions and informed by evolving research, this conference is a space where experience meets evidence, and where the wisdom of land, culture and community informs our shared work.
Why we gather
Each conference offers a vital opportunity to pause, reflect, and look forward together. Delegates share emerging research, innovative practices, ethical considerations, and stories from the field.
As a collective, we examine how our work responds to global challenges — mental health crises, climate change, social inequity — and consider how adventure and nature-based therapies can contribute to more just, sustainable and connected communities. With climate change and biodiversity loss deepening distress such as eco-anxiety and displacement, these practices offer ways to foster resilience, emotional regulation and psychological wellbeing.
The conference embodies IAANT's commitment to deepening the connection between people and nature, and to the wellbeing of humans, all beings, and the planet. Guided by principles of justice, repair and plurality, it celebrates the rich traditions and knowledge systems that inspire this field while fostering collaboration and mutual learning across cultures.
Most importantly, this conference is about relationships — with one another, with the land that hosts us, and with the people and communities we serve. As we exchange ideas and deepen our practice, may we also cultivate curiosity, humility and courage.
What to expect
A dynamic five-day programme, including:
Keynote speaker sessions
Experiential, active workshops
International research and poster presentations
Immersive outdoor experiences honouring the cultural and ecological contexts of nature-based therapies, and the stunning environment Kerry has to offer
A range of opportunities to connect, gather, share and celebrate
Following in the IATC footsteps
Previously known as the International Adventure Therapy Conference (IATC), our conference has been held in ten locations since 1997 — growing with each gathering, inspiring collaboration, sharing knowledge and deepening connections.
Recent conferences: Denver (7IATC), Sydney (8IATC), Norway (9IATC), and most recently Taiwan (10IATC), the first held in Asia.
The Local Organising Committee
The Local Organising Committee in Ireland is led by Jasmin and Philip Stallard of New Wave Wild Project, and comprises key stakeholders in practice, services and research across Ireland.
The conference has strong backing from Fáilte Ireland, the Kerry Convention Bureau and Tralee Chamber Alliance.
Stay in the loop
Follow the conference The conference website will include full details as they emerge. Check out: iantc2028.org
Join the IAANT community For everything else across our global network — what our working groups are doing, news from practitioners around the world, opportunities to connect and get involved, and early word on the conference — join our community mailing list. https://www.iaant.org/contact
Help make it happen
Like all areas of IAANT, we have an international working group of volunteers supporting the Local Organising Committee. The Conference Working Group maps the core values and key aspects of IAANT, and provides guidance to the LOC in the host country.
If you're passionate about adventure and nature-based therapies — and excited about helping to run an event of this scale — this is your chance to get involved.
The commitment involves meetings every six to eight weeks over the next two years. To find out more, contact Jasmin Stallard at jasmin@newwavewildproject.ie
Let's work together to make the 11th International Adventure & Nature-based Therapies Conference truly unforgettable.three years, practitioners, researchers, educators, and community leaders from around the world gather to explore the transformative potential of adventure and the natural world in therapeutic practice. Rooted in diverse traditions and informed by evolving research, this conference is a space where experience meets evidence, and where the wisdom of land, culture, and community informs our shared work in this ever evolving community.