🌿 Call for Papers

Wellness2027 Conference: Promoting Health, Well-Being and Quality of Life for Infants, Children, Youth and Families/Caregivers

Theme: "Health and Wellness Approaches for Infants, Children, Youth, Families and Caregivers"
Date: February 6, 2027
Location: Florida International University, Biscayne Bay Campus, Wolfe Center, 3000 NE 151st Street, WUC 325C, North Miami, FL 33181

Conference developed by Michael Pizzi, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

We invite occupational therapy professionals and students to share their expertise by submitting a proposal for a 3 hour workshop that highlights innovative approaches to promoting health, well-being, and quality of life for infants, children, youth, families and caregivers. This can include lecture and research, and each workshop must include interactive and/or hands-on work to help practitioners build new skills.

Proposal submissions considered by academics, students and practitioners for this live and in-person innovative conference.

About the Conference

The conference brings together Occupational Therapy Practitioners and OT students dedicated to promoting health, prevention, wellness and optimizing function and development for infants, children, youth, families and caregivers.

This year’s theme highlights practical, integrative, and innovative approaches that support well-being in clinical, community, and organizational settings. We are especially interested in strategies that can be applied directly in practice and daily life to empower children, youth, families and caregivers for optimization of health, wellbeing and quality of life.

The focus of this conference includes emphasis on hands-on approaches and using evidence to support them, promoting sensory, mental, physical, emotional, and social health through culturally appropriate assessment and intervention.

Suggested Topics (not all inclusive)

We invite proposals showcasing real-world practice, research and applied approaches, assessments and interventions in areas such as:

  • Maternal, infant, and early childhood health: Prenatal care, infant nutrition, early intervention, and developmental outcomes
  • School-age and youth wellness: Physical activity, mental health promotion, obesity management, substance use prevention, sleep, and digital well-being
  • Family-centered approaches: Strengthening caregiver–child relationships, family resilience, and trauma-informed care
  • Public health and policy innovations: Immunization programs, food security, environmental health, and access to care
  • Mental health and emotional well-being: Early detection, integrated behavioral health, peer support, wellness and prevention strategies, bullying prevention, trauma-informed practice and stigma reduction
  • Health equity and social determinants: Addressing disparities across socioeconomic, racial, and geographic lines
  • Caregiver well-being: Stress management, burnout prevention, community supports, and workplace policy, caregiver education
  • Technology and health promotion: Digital interventions, telehealth models, and health literacy tools for families
  • Community and school-based interventions: Collaborative, cross-sector programs promoting wellness across contexts
  • Global and cultural perspectives: Comparative and culturally grounded frameworks for promoting child and family wellness
  • Wellness in Education: School-based programs, mindfulness in classrooms, and student resilience
  • Handwriting skill development that supports health
  • Sensory approaches for individuals and populations supporting quality of life and wellness

Presentation Formats

  • All workshops are 3 hours in length offered from 9-12 and 130-430 on Saturday February 6, 2027

Workshop Submission Guidelines

  • All sessions should be no more than 750 words describing the content including the hands-on portion. The hands-on portion could be, for example, reviewing a new assessment, handling guidelines, sensory approaches or demonstrations with participant participation.
  • Include 2 learning objectives (At the end of this session, attendees will:……) (not included in word count)
  • Include at least 2 peer-reviewed articles that support your topic (not included in word count)
  • Include: Title, presenter(s) with credentials, all contact information (name, address, phone, personal email) (not included in word count)

Important Dates

  • Proposal Submission Deadline: Sept 15, 2026
  • Final Materials Due to conference committee (PPT, handouts, video): January 7, 2027
  • Conference Dates: Saturday Feb 6 from 9-12 and 130-430

How to Submit

Submit your proposal through MPZWellness@gmail.com. Alternative email is mpizzi58@gmail.com

Subject line: Submission

NOTE: ALL presenters

  • can choose another workshop when not presenting
  • receive free conference registration
  • receive stipend of 40% of participant fees

Conference Fees

Entire conference of choosing (2) 3 hour workshops plus lunch will be $150 for everyone.

Certificates

Certificates of attendance will be provided upon submission of the conference evaluation. Application for 7 CEU’s has been submitted.