Mental Toughness Conference 2026 – Budapest
3rd International
Mental Toughness Conference 2026
Budapest | May 13-14, 2026
Prof Peter Clough
Dr John Perry
Doug Strycharczyk
Alessia Mevoli
Rebecca Herbert
Dr Edit Kővári
About the Conference
Mental toughness is a well-established psychological concept that has significantly advanced our understanding of how individuals, teams, and organisations can perform optimally. It equips practitioners across various fields with the tools to enhance wellbeing, performance, and adaptability—key factors for success in the 21st century.
This fundamental concept applies to everyone, everywhere, in all aspects of life. It is now utilised in over 80 countries across multiple domains, including the workplace, sports, education, mental health, and social mobility. Mental toughness has become a mainstream practice in people development, gaining recognition from global thought leaders like Brené Brown.
The 3rd International Conference will feature speakers from around the world, showcasing case studies that illustrate the potential for creating meaningful and lasting change, along with the latest research insights. This event presents a rich opportunity to network with thought leaders from across the globe.
2 days
12 Speakers
Conference Schedule
Wednesday
13
09.30 – 10:00
Opening & Quiz
Szabolcs Hollósi
Zoltán Csigás
10:00 – 10:40
Philosophy of MT, journey of development from 1996 to 2026
Professor Peter Clough
10:40 – 11:20
Integrating MT and coaching
Zoltán Csigás
11:45 – 12:25
TBC
12:25 – 13:25
Lunch Break
13:25 – 14:05
Mental Toughness and Leadership
Dare Communication
14:05 – 14:45
Organisation Development at the UK Government Department
Rebecca Herbert
15:15 – 16:15
Break Out Sessions TBC
16:15 – 17:15
Panel Discussion TBC
From 19:00
Networking Meal
Thursday
14
09:30 – 10:30
The how of Mental Toughness – A deep dive into the mechanisms that explain how stressors are internalised differently by different profiles
Dr John Perry
10:30 – 11:10
Embedding Mental Toughness in Higher Education: The MAFA Approach to Building Student Confidence, Resilience and Employability
Dr Edit Kővári
Alessia Mevoli
11:35 – 12:15
Levelling Up from Within: The Psychology Behind Social Mobility
Joanne Taylor
12:15 – 13:15
Lunch Break
13:15 – 13:30
Afternoon Energiser Breath Chain Reaction
Zsófia Szitár
13:30 – 14:10
Applying MT in Education – Impact on Transition, Attainment and Wellbeing – Unity Schools Case Study
Toni Molyneux Roberts
14:10 – 14:50
TBC
15:15 – 15:55
Where next for the mental toughness concept? For the practitioner, there are no limits
Doug Strycharczyk
15:55 – 17:00
Developing Mental Toughness in Young Athletes – Opportunities and Case Studies
Panel Discussion
Szabolcs Hollósi
Super Early Bird
£180
Until 31st of December
Early Bird
£210
Until 28th of February
General
£240
Until 13th of May
The registration fee covers refreshments, beverages, and lunch for both days of the event. Additionally, we will provide English-Hungarian simultaneous interpreting services to ensure effective communication for all attendees.
Tickets
Reserve your ticket now to connect with top professionals, athletes, and thinkers shaping the future of mental toughness — live in the heart of Budapest.
This event is proudly brought to you by AQR International and our local partners, AQR Hungary.
About the Venue
The MEMO House is situated in the heart of Budapest, a beautiful city and one of the ten largest in the European Union, which is divided by the Danube River.
Budapest boasts a wealth of attractions for visitors, including the elegant 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects Buda and Pest. You can ride the funicular to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum showcases the city’s life from Roman times. Trinity Square features the 13th-century Matthias Church and the impressive turrets of Fishermen’s Bastion. While in Budapest, you can explore historic sites such as Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Hungarian Parliament Building. Don’t miss the opportunity to relax at thermal baths like Széchenyi or Gellért, and immerse yourself in the city’s unique nightlife at a ruin bar like Szimpla Kert. Additional activities include taking a cruise on the Danube River and visiting the poignant “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial.
