Speakers and More

Float Industry Pioneer | Samahdi Float Tanks

Glenn Perry, along with his partner Lee, who died in 2022, were inspired by Dr John Lilly to start Samadhi Tank Co and the floatation tank industry. Glenn invented the use of lots of salt to allow people to float weightlessly in the isolation tank. Together they designed and sold the first commercial float tanks. They also started the first float tank center to assist in selling those tanks. Additionally, they trained others in a method of running those centers and how to interact with the floaters to allow the floater to be comfortable floating instead of afraid and how to get the most out of their time floating. They have always been especially passionate about the amazing benefits of frequent floating in as distraction free environments as possible.

Clinical Neuropsychologist | President and Director of the Float Research Colletive

Dr. Feinstein is an expert in the neuroscience of fear who is trailblazing a new path forward for the treatment of anxiety. His current work is focused on studying the intimate connection between the body & the brain, and developing new technologies to help bring this connection to the forefront of awareness. As part of these efforts, his research has laid the foundation for novel therapies that can naturally alleviate stress and anxiety without the use of drugs including Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) and the modulation of CO2 as a form of interoceptive exposure therapy. In 2021, Dr. Feinstein became President and Director of the Float Research Collective, a nonprofit organization that is playing a pivotal role in establishing Floatation-REST as an accepted medical treatment.

Resident Microbiologist and Senior Consultant for Vore & Associates, LLC | Float Conference Board Member

Dr. Roy Vore is the senior consultant with Vore & Associates LLC, a consulting company specializing in aquatic facility management, operator training, and risk management. He is internationally recognized as the pool and spa sector's leading authority on recreational water illness. Since 1991 he has been the aquatics industry’s voice, translating the complexity of microbiology into the everyday language of operators. His efforts include drafting portions of the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code, writing the NSPF’s recreational water illness manual, and a variety of fact sheets on microbial issues for APSP. Dr. Vore has over 90 scholarly papers and presentations on the selection and use of industrial biocides, biocide testing methodology, the microbiological of swimming pools and spas, and the governmental regulation of biocides. Roy became interested in floating due to the unique physiology of float tanks and the potential for non-pharmaceutical treatments for our overly stressed society. Roy’s hobbies include making beer and bird watching – which usually includes drinking the beer.

Author, Senior Use Researcher

Connor Joyce is the author of "Bridging Intentions to Impact" and a Senior User Researcher on the Microsoft Copilot Team, where he is advancing the design of AI-enhanced features. Passionate about driving meaningful change, Connor advocates that companies adopt an Impact Mindset, ensuring that products not only change behavior to satisfy user needs but also drive positive business outcomes. He is a contributor to numerous publications, advises emerging startups, and lectures at the University of Pennsylvania. Based in Seattle, Connor enjoys exploring the outdoors with his dog, Chai, and a local event organizer.

Intergalactic Float Tank Cooperative

Marshall Hammond is the President of the Intergalactic Float Tank Cooperative, the world's first employee-owned co-op float tank center. Marshall has been in the Float Tank industry for 12 years. He is also a journalist, podcaster, and musician.

Float Enthusiast

Through professional athletics and performance, to a decades long practice of meditation, yoga, scientific/philosophical/poetic immersion. Retiring from a 30+ year career as a Psychiatric RN, researcher, educator, therapist and Anatomist. Continuing a private practice of an increasingly simple but deepening somato/spiritual nature. Developing into a ‘Float Contemplative’ in which suspension and immersion dynamics inform a growing intertwinement of science and spirit. Hopefully thinking, moving, communicating from a more interconnected sensibility.

Director of the Float Clinic and Research Center at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR)

Dr. Emily Choquette is an Associate Investigator and Director of the Float Clinic and Research Center at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR) in Tulsa Oklahoma. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Florida and completed her clinical internship at the Michael E. DeBakey Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Houston, TX. Her previous research and clinical work centers on women’s health, disordered eating, trauma, and substance use. She joined the Laureate Institute for Brain Research as a postdoctoral fellow in 2021 under the mentorship of Drs. Robin Aupperle and Sahib Khalsa. In December 2023, she was awarded a National Institute of Mental Health funded Career Development Award. In this grant, Dr. Choquette explores the effect of float-assisted psychotherapy on interoception as a mechanism for the reduction of body image distortion in women with anorexia nervosa.

President of the Float Conference, Co-owner of Sukhino Float Center and Salt Cave, Owner of Mindfull Solutions

With more than 20 years of training and marketing experience, Kim is passionate about helping individuals and wellness center owners create a ripple effect on the world. Besides owning Sukhino Float Center & Salt Cave in Indiana, she founded the Float Center Owner's Guide (podcast + marketing and training resources) and Mindfull Solutions. She is a co-host of the Art of the Float podcast, a member of the Float Research Collective fundraising team, and a liaison for the FTA. She's on a mission to change the world, one float at a time.

Owner, GM of Float Seattle | Float Conference Board Member

Andrew Loppnow is PNW born and raised and an explorer at heart. Over the last decade, he has developed practices around float tanks, spiritual herbalism, meditation, and yoga, to alchemize his own depression and self-doubt into purpose and self-belief. Andrew sees floating, in particular, as the most accessible tool in the modern world to tap into our true potential. As the owner and general manager of Float Seattle, Andrew has grown the business from 2 to 4 locations and committed deeply to his mission to provide space for relaxation, healing, and growth for anyone seeking wellness on their own terms.

Qi Gong Practitioner

Dr Linda Nadia Hole MD, is a Qigong Master practioner, author, & physician of over 40 years experience; & consulting editor for landmark textbook Chinese Medical QiGong. Besides her family, dolphins, floating, & dancing - her passions include healing in the way of Love; and the Sacred Ho'oponopono Breath of Aloha, Peace, and Qi

Co-owner, Still Point Wellness

Corey created the weekly didgeridoo meditation at the Esalen Institute and uses the instrument to help facilitate deep meditation and inner journey work. With a unique combination of playing didgeridoo and spoken word guided imagery from his experience as a somatic psychotherapist and trauma relief counselor, Corey creates a space imbued with self inquiry, exploration and deep presence. In addition to his counseling practice he also co-owns and operates Still Point Wellness in Asheville NC, with 5 float tanks and a staff of Esalen Massage practitioners.