94th Annual Meeting of the National Academy of Kinesiology
Advancing (in) Kinesiology: Movement, Disability, and Justice
September 11-13, 2025
Annual Meeting Details
Registration and Hotel Reservations closed on August 20, 2025
Program
Subject to Change
Program Committee:
Samuel R. Hodge (Chair), FNAK #562, The Ohio State University
Ketra Armstrong, FNAK #547, University of Michigan
Tim Brusseau, FNAK #629, University of Utah
Bradley J. Cardinal, FNAK #475, Oregon State University
Jeff A. McCubbin, FNAK #400, Quinnipiac University
Monica A. F. Lounsbery, FNAK #551, Wichita State University
Kim Scott, NAK Business Manager
The theme for the 2025 NAK meeting is Advancing (in) Kinesiology: Movement, Disability, and Justice. Our focus is on advancing (in) Kinesiology through leadership, research, and scholarship situated in the complex and interrelated conceptions of movement, disability, and justice praxis. Movement is the essence of life. It is in every heartbeat and breath; and so, physical activity movement is essential to our health and wellness. Justice calls for ensuring movement opportunities for all including those defined as disabled. Disability is conceptualized and defined differently, however, by different authorities and organizations in various societies worldwide. Sociologist Carol Thomas uses the term disablism to refer to a type of social oppression entailing the social imposition of activity restrictions of ‘disabled persons’ and the destabilizing of their psycho-emotional well-being. It has been written that justice is advocacy, agency, and action directed toward correcting disparities and inequities in all institutions across societies and seeking meaningful, sustainable change. There is much to discuss revolving around these complex and interrelated conceptions of movement, disability, and justice praxis. To get us started—on Thursday evening, Bradley J. Cardinal (#475) will deliver the opening Rainer and Julie Martens Invited Lecture titled, “The National Academy of Kinesiology’s Roster Rebuild Project, Including Select Fellow Highlights: 1926–2025.” Friday morning’s sessions will be devoted to discourse on movement, focusing on physical activity and technology (Session1). The late morning session (Session 2) will focus on movement and disability. The afternoon session will focus on disability, ideology, and methodology. Friday session will conclude with Doune Macdonald (International Fellow) delivering the C. Lynn Vendien International Lecture titled, “Global Perspectives on Universities’ Social License to Operate; The Place of Inclusion.” On Saturday morning, we will continue our focus on justice, equity, and movement (first morning session) in research, advocacy, and praxis. The final session on Saturday will bring us full circle to Advancing (In) Kinesiology: Movement, Disability, and Justice. There will be ample time allotted for interactive discussions throughout the program, as 30 min of discussion is planned for each session.
The 2025 NAK annual meeting is scheduled for September 11-13, 2025, at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown. As quoted on their website, “from cultural discoveries to sporting events, fine dining to family fun, the city’s bustling downtown landscape offers Pittsburgh attractions, activities, and entertainment for all tastes. Peruse one of the city’s renowned museums; soar to the top of Mt. Washington in a wooden cable car on the Duquesne Incline, cheer on the Pens, Pirates and Steelers; celebrate with friends during one of our many annual festivals and sample the local cuisine of our up-and-coming culinary stars.
The Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown is 17 miles from the Pittsburgh International Airport, walking distance to the Pittsburgh Light Rail station, and right across the street from the picturesque 36 acre Point State Park when the Three Rivers converge. Sports enthusiasts won’t want to miss any of the professional sports teams play at Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park or the PPG Paints Arena, all within walking distance from hotel.” For more information on all there is to see and do in Pittsburgh, please visit the Visit Pittsburgh website.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be playing the Seattle Seahawks at home, Acrisure Stadium, at 1:00 pm on Sunday, September 14.
Transportation
Air travel:
- Pittsburgh International Airport (code: PIT) is the closest international airport to Pittsburgh. It is located 18.8 miles from the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown hotel.
- A full-list of non-stop air routes to Pittsburgh can be found here.
From Pittsburgh International Airport to Pittsburgh Downtown
- Ride Share: Transportation Network companies ZTrip, Uber and Lyft are now authorized to pick up and drop off passengers at Pittsburgh International Airport. These popular ride-share services are accessed through smartphone or tablet apps. Pick up is at the designated area outside of Door #4 on the commercial curb
- By taxi: One-way fare between Pittsburgh International Airport and Downtown is about $40. Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to the landside terminal, lower level, exit through the “commercial” doors and head toward the taxi stand area on the curb where cabs are waiting.
- Checker Cab: (412) 664-5600
- People’s Cab: (412) 441-3200
- zTrip: (412) 777-7777
- By bus: Pittsburgh Regional Transit 28X Airport Flyer
- The fare between the airport and Downtown is $2.75 each way. (Note: Exact change is required.) Passengers are responsible for handling their bags when getting on and off the vehicle. Tipping the bus driver is not permitted.
Anthony Kontos, a Pittsburgh local and NAK Fellow, shares a few suggestions for exploring the city on your own:
- Wednesday: Dinner and Cocktails at Gaucho Parilla
- Thursday: Before 5 pm, Carnegie Museum of Art, Warhol Museum, Heinz History Museum, Walking Tours of Pittsburgh
- Friday: 6:30 pm or 8:00 pm, Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise – Classic Sightseeing Tour Featuring Happy Hour Cocktails
- Saturday: 1-5 pm Walking Whiskey Rebellion Tour or City Brews Brewpub Tour, Tours of Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh Steelers)- availability and options on their website
Hotel Property Highlights:
- Business center
- Fitness center with free weights and cardio workout machines
- Indoor pool
- On-site restaurants and bars
- ATM services
- Valet parking, nearby self-parking available
- The room rate is $199 for traditional double or king rooms.
- These special rates will apply three days before and after the dates of the group’s conference for those wanting to add an extra day or two of relaxation.
- The deadline for reservations at this rate will be Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 5:00pm EST.
With a great hotel property, a great program, and lots to see and do there’s no reason not to attend the 2025 meeting! Invite a colleague to join you!