I created this list when a woman asked me which
courses to suggest to her husband. She thought he'd insist on
spending most of his time on the golf course but if she could
talk him into trying some of the classes, "which might be action-based,
lively, entertaining - not "talking heads or a bunch of power points and
research? He doesn't want something heavy or to be roped
into touchy feely therapy exercises." Hmmm, I think I get it.
In fact we should all probably include a few of these in our schedules to
break up the intensity. I also told her she can assure him he won't stand
out as one of the "non professionals". With 2,000+ people attending he'll
blend into the crowd. MANY public – "just regular folks" – attend. - diane

I defintely recommend that spoues join you for the keynotes and banquets - they'll
all be entertaining and interesting even to a non-clinician/non marriage-educator and
it's great fun to have your spouse there listening with you. And since an emerging
theme at this year's conference is all about sex, makes it even more interesting
to have your partner there.

The keynotes are included in the conference registration or in a daily registration,
if your spouse wants to join you for just one day. This includes the Friday Night Live
Harville Hedrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt Imago Dialogue keynote and the Saturday Night
Tools of the Trade and Tools of the Internet updates by Julie Baumgardner and Marc Payan.
Also note that lunch is included with the mid-day keynotes on Thurs, Fri, and Sat. 

You can buy guest tickets for both the Tues (Gary Chapman: Five Languages of Apology) and
Thurs (John Gray: Mars and Venus in the Bedroom) banquets which I highly recommend.

Also Note that it's easy to add sessions in the 800# Saturday afternoon series - they're included in
conference or daily Sat registration, but it's just $15 to add a guest ticket.
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The following workshops are active, play-based, and fun.....

Warm Things Up!
Katherine Robredo, MSW, Maureen Griner, MA
You've taken the classes, now learn to be a great presenter
with 20 icebreaker activities to enliven any class and
enhance group learning. Plus tips on adult learning styles
and dealing with difficult people.

Sherod’s Squares
Sherod Miller, PhD
Get to the heart of a relationship in two minutes with this
powerful, engaging non-verbal technique. Use in classes or
clinical settings for uncannily accurate assessment and intervention!

The Power of Play
Elaine Braff, MPS, Hal Braff, JD
Play is the secret ingredient to marital satisfaction. Learn
exercises and tools to add to any marriage program to
help couples make play an everyday part of their marriage.

The Art of Couples Play - TOOB
Keith Hackett, DMin
Experience how play can improve your relationship – help
solve conflicts, have better sex, communicate and bond.
Learn how to create your own Playshop. Attend alone or
with a partner.

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The following, while not strictly "play" are exercise-based, and/or
entertaining, funny, got very high marks at past conferences
from people who report they brought
their non-professional spouse who loved – and "got the most
out of" – these sessions without a touch-feely vibe in sight: