Conference Overview
Manchester, UK – 13th to 15th July 2025
Are you tired of attending conferences that leave you with more questions than answers? Are you seeking real-world emotional intelligence skills that you can immediately apply to your career, team, and personal life? Look no further. Your journey towards emotional mastery begins here.
Hearts and Minds is the ground-breaking conference that will revolutionise the way you understand and leverage emotions. This isn’t just another talkfest – it’s a three-day transformative experience filled with interactive workshops, actionable insights, and the latest research from leading experts in the field.
Why Attend Hearts and Minds?
Interactive and Action-Based
Unlike traditional conferences, Hearts and Minds is workshop-based, focusing on real-world applications. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops with pioneers such as David Matsumoto and Joseph LeDoux, join interactive discussions, and participate in practical exercises designed to enhance their emotional intelligence.
What You'll Gain
Gain a deeper understanding of your own emotions and those of others with greater clarity and precision.
Build stronger relationships and navigate difficult conversations with confidence and empathy.
Develop resilience and manage stress effectively, even in high-pressure situations.
Inspire and motivate your team through emotionally intelligent decision-making and communication.
Achieve greater self-awareness, fulfilment, and happiness in all areas of your life.
Learn to resolve conflicts amicably, fostering a harmonious and productive environment in both personal and professional settings.
Learn from the Best

Dr David Matsumoto
Dr David Matsumoto is a world-renowned expert in emotion and facial expressions. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, he has become one of the leading figures in the field of nonverbal communication. Dr Matsumoto is a professor of psychology at San Francisco State University and the Director of Humintell, a company dedicated to research and training on human intelligence, including the analysis of nonverbal behaviour.
Dr Matsumoto’s groundbreaking research has significantly advanced the understanding of emotional expressions and microexpressions. He has published over 400 academic works, including articles, chapters, and books, which are widely cited in both academic and applied settings. His expertise has been sought after by organisations such as the FBI, the CIA, and various law enforcement agencies globally. Dr Matsumoto’s insights into decoding nonverbal cues have helped countless individuals and professionals build stronger, more empathetic relationships.

Dr. Marc Brackett
Dr Marc Brackett is a world-renowned expert in the science of emotional intelligence. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, he has become one of the leading figures in developing evidence-based frameworks for teaching emotional skills in educational settings. Dr Brackett is a professor in the Child Study Center at Yale University and the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, a pioneering research hub dedicated to understanding how emotions affect learning, decision-making, and personal well-being.
Dr Brackett’s groundbreaking work on the RULER program—implemented in thousands of schools across the globe—has significantly advanced the way educators and students cultivate emotional awareness. He has published extensively, including peer-reviewed articles, chapters, and his acclaimed book Permission to Feel, which presents practical strategies for enhancing emotional literacy. His insights are sought after by organizations worldwide, helping professionals, parents, and policymakers foster healthier, more empathetic communities.

Dr. Lalitaa Suglani
Dr. Lalitaa Suglani is an award-winning psychologist, renowned leadership expert, international speaker and author of the book “High Functioning Anxiety” published by Hay House.
Lalitaa believes that the key to achieving real lasting success and happiness in all areas of life lies within our own mind. She has seen through her Doctoral research and consultancy practice how, through personal growth and self-awareness, we can learn to harness our thought patterns, gain control of our internal voice, create a positive mindset and create the life and career of our dreams.
Why EmotionIntell 2025 Is Different

Action-Oriented Sessions
Unlike traditional conferences that rely heavily on passive lectures, this event is designed to be highly interactive and practical. Every session equips you with actionable tools and strategies that you can implement immediately in your personal and professional life. You’ll leave each workshop not just with new knowledge, but with concrete skills to make a real impact.

World-Class Presenters
Learn directly from pioneers like Dr David Matsumoto and Professor Joseph LeDoux, whose ground-breaking research in emotional intelligence and neuroscience has set the standard in their fields. Their insights are not just theoretical but have been applied successfully in real-world settings, ensuring that you receive cutting-edge and highly relevant information.

Networking Opportunities
This conference is not just about learning; it’s about connecting. You’ll have numerous opportunities to network with like-minded professionals and leaders who are equally committed to personal and professional growth. Forge valuable connections, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can support your journey long after the conference ends.

Comprehensive Approach
The conference covers a wide range of topics within emotional intelligence and behavioural analysis, providing a holistic approach to personal and professional development. From understanding the neuroscience of emotions to mastering nonverbal communication, you’ll gain a comprehensive toolkit to enhance every aspect of your life.

Inspirational Atmosphere
Immerse yourself in an environment filled with inspiration and motivation. Surrounded by passionate individuals and led by some of the most respected figures in the field, you’ll be driven to push your boundaries and achieve new heights in your personal and professional life.
By attending this conference, you’re not just signing up for a series of lectures; you’re embarking on a transformative journey that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to excel.
Venue

Manchester Hall
Located in Manchester’s bustling Spinningfields area, Manchester Hall is a Grade II listed building blending 21st-century style with 1920s charm.
Location:
Address: 36 Bridge St, Greater, Manchester M3 3BT – View Map
Phone: 0161 832 6256
- 20-minute train / 25-minute drive from Manchester Airport
- Local parking available
- Walkable from all city centre train stations (15-minutes max)
- Hundreds of hotels within walking distance – Find a hotel here
Event Schedule
13 – 15th July 2025, Manchester, UK
Registration
Registration at Manchester Hall, 2nd Floor.
Refreshments on arrival
Refreshments on arrival
Welcome
Conference Chairman, Aaron Garner, EIA Director (UK)
Setting the scene for the formal and informal sessions over the three days for delegates.
Aaron Garner
Revealing the EQ of the Conference
Dr Cliff Lansley of EIA Group (UK)
Update on developments, models, and the most recent assessment tools in EI, including MSCEIT2 and e-Factor). Delegates will be invited to take the latest e-Factor Leadership tool in advance of the Conference (free) so the EI ability of the whole conference can be shared and interpreted live. The redacted dataset will be made available to all attendees to demonstrate the research and development potential of objective measures. The session will also include exercises to reveal the impact of Individual Differences and Traits on ability measures.
Dr Cliff Lansley
Questions/Open Forum
Questions/Open Forum
Break
Break
EI for Children
Dr Marc Brackett – Yale University (USA)
Marc will share the lessons and impact the pioneering work he has led with “RULER” – an EI approach for children and schools. Prevention is much more humane and constructive that dealing with emotion regulation challenges as adolescents and adults.
Dr Marc Brackett
Questions/Open Forum
Questions/Open Forum
Resonance & Connection: Exploring Through Music
Discover how sound, rhythm and sensory awareness can deepen self-understanding and strengthen connections through interactive music-making. Explore entrainment, tone, and pacing as tools for empathy, emotional intelligence, and co-regulation—no musical background is required.
Amanda Thorpe
Questions/Open Forum
Questions/Open Forum
Plenary and Conference Photo
Plenary and Conference Photo
Bar Networking (optional)
Bar Networking (optional)
Mindfulness Session
This session is optional for those delegates wishing to experience a mindfulness exercise to tee up the day.
Begin your day with guided meditation and vocalization to cultivate self-awareness, regulate emotions, and foster empathy. Explore how sound, breath, and presence activate physiological balance, build resilience, and deepen emotional intelligence.
Amanda Thorpe
Refreshments on arrival
Refreshments on arrival
Welcome/Review
Aaron Garner
Review of Day One and an outline of the core day two, where the the two keynote speakers will stimulate our thinking around the ‘Hearts and Minds of EI”.
Aaron Garner
KEYNOTE 1: Emotions and the Mind
Prof Joe LeDoux (USA)
We are honoured to have the prominent neuroscientist, Prof LeDoux, join us and share how his research on emotions (especially fear and anxiety) and the brain, support and challenge the assumptions and theories that are around on what is happening pre-consciously and consciously early in our emotional episodes. He will also share key messages from his latest publication, “The Four Realms of Existence”.
Professor Joseph LeDoux
Questions/Open Forum
Questions/Open Forum
Break
Break
Workshop at Tables: The Emotional Timeline
Cliff and Joe will facilitate a workshop for groups at their tables to revisit the existing thinking on what is happening between trigger and response in an emotional episode and work out how those stages fall into the pre-conscious and conscious realms. The outcome of the multi-group task will be collated and shared with all post-conference.
Professor Joseph LeDoux
Dr Cliff Lansley
Lunch
Lunch
KEYNOTE 2: Emotions and the Heart
David Matsumoto PhD of Humintell LLC (USA)
We are equally privileged to be able to balance the ‘Mind’ with the ‘Heart’ of EI with Psychologist, Prof Matsumoto, leading the discussion based on his pioneering work on emotions, facial expressions, and cultural differences. His research work has made significant differences in high-stake environments such as law enforcement, military and counter-terrorism contexts.
Dr David Matsumoto
Questions/Open Forum
Questions/Open Forum
Break
Break
PANEL: EI in High Stake Contexts
Cliff will chair a panel including Sorin Losnita (Romania), Tim Bosma (NL), and Luke Breakspear (UK).
These senior, front line operational staff know all too well the power and value of EI in terms of safety, threat, and wellbeing of themselves, colleagues and the Nations they serve. They will interact with the delegates to help share the challenges and lessons from having to recognise and manage emotions in self and others in Intelligence, Military, and Law Enforcement contexts (respectively).
Dr Cliff Lansley
Plenary
Plenary
Break
Break
VIP only (in 'The Lodge' at Manchester Hall)
VIP guests will be invited to mix with the Speakers and Panel Members in a more intimate setting. An opportunity to chat one-to-one with the global experts. Photos and book signings too. Drinks and canapes provided to keep you going.
N.B. The main bar and conference room will be open throughout for other guests to relax, network and share their reflections on the day.
Break
Break
Conference Social
The main conference room will be transformed to accommodate all delegates and speakers at the Conference Party. Not for the feint hearted after experiencing last year’s ‘warm-up party’ we had for our MSc Alumni!
Expect a few delegate ‘Performances’, a Quiz, Dancing and Singing to keep the party moving.
Refreshments on arrival
Refreshments on arrival
Welcome/Review (Aaron Garner)
Review and outline of the final day.
Trauma and Wellbeing
Ingrid de Jong MSc/Marjon Kulpers MSc (NL)
Ingrid and Marjon will share their research and experience around trauma – including the idea of a series of ‘mini-traumas’ that many can experience in their childhood and adult life.
Ingrid de Jong MSc
Marjon Kuipers MSc
High Functioning Anxiety
Lalitaa Suglani PhD (UK)
Lalitaa will share her research and the the challenges around high functioning anxiety, the title of her latest book. The session will pick up on issues raised by Ingrid, Marjon and other speakers to provide delegates with tips and strategies they can use and share.
Dr. Lalitaa Suglani
Trauma and Wellbeing Workshop at Tables: Facilitated by Aaron
Takeaways and Questions relating to the morning inputs.
Aaron Garner
PANEL: Aaron will chair a panel for questions from the floor to Ingrid, Marjon and Lalitaa.
PANEL: Aaron will chair a panel for questions from the floor to Ingrid, Marjon and Lalitaa.
Aaron Garner
Break
Break
Emotions and Behaviour Analysis in the Media
This session will explore how emotional intelligence is impacting the public via the media. Public and media interest in reading emotions in others, and behaviour analysis (BA), is catching on with the groundswell of interest from businesses and government agencies who are no longer seeing EI as a’soft-skill’.
The three Experts (Dawn, Kerry and Cliff) from WarnerBros/Discovery ‘Fakingit – Tears of a Crime’ will take the stage with the Producer, Steve Anderson (Shearwater Media), joined by Susan Constantina who does similar work in the US with high profile crime cases.
Find out the pitfalls and tactics if you are invited to work in the media with EI or BA.
Professor Dawn Archer
Kerry Daynes
Dr Cliff Lansley
Plenary by Aaron and Cliff.
Plenary by Aaron and Cliff.
Aaron Garner
Dr Cliff Lansley
Tickets
Join us in Manchester from July 13th to 15th, 2025, and embark on a transformative journey. We have two ticket options available:
Please Note: There are only 50 VIP tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Access to All Sessions: Participate in all conference sessions (not including the VIP evening).
Complimentary copy of the e-Factor Leadership EQ assessment: Valued at £240 this assessment will be sent to all attendees a couple of weeks before the conference.
Private Networking Event: On Monday evening, connect with industry leaders at a private bar in an intimate setting. Drinks and canapés will be provided.
Priority Access: Enjoy priority seating for sessions with our experts.
Recorded Sessions: Gain full access to all recorded sessions for post-conference viewing.
Complimentary copy of the e-Factor Leadership EQ assessment: Valued at £240 this assessment will be sent to all attendees a couple of weeks before the conference.