An In-Person Humanizing Experience

SEP 9, 2026 | SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER

CHRIS
DUFFY

Author, Comedian, and Host of TED’s How to Be a Better Human Podcast

MYCHAL THREETS

New host of‍ ‍Reading Rainbow‍ ‍and Resident Librarian for PBS

JAMES
SILLS

Speaker, Musician, and Author of Do Sing: Reclaim Your Voice. Find Your Singing Tribe

DR. JEAN TWENGE

NYT Bestselling Author of 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World & iGen

ELYSE
COHEN

Chief Impact Officer, Rare Beauty and President, Rare Impact Fund

Laughing Together Comedy Night
Doors: 6:30 PM | Show: 7 PM

Dinosaur Improv at 7 PM

An unforgettable night of improv, laughter, and community featuring Dinosaur Improv and surprise guests.

Past performers have included Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas, Rob Huebel, Mary Holland, Chris Gethard, and Nicole Byer , creating one-of-a-kind comedy shows filled with unexpected moments and unforgettable laughs.

“Absolutely hilarious! I’ve never seen improv like this! Laughing is good medicine!”

Why We’re Gathering

The other day, I found myself stuck on hold begging a robot for a “representative!” The endless loop of prompts continued while my kids were eager for my attention. Sitting there, it occurred to me how normalized dehumanization has become and how modern life implies that we aren't worth helping. Our time, our worth, and our sanity are secondary to optimization, efficiency, and profit. Without realizing it, we can quietly give away what's most valuable to us: time for deep, meaningful connection with other human beings.

That realization is why I created This Helps Day.
Let's spend some time together to remember ourselves what, and more importantly, who gives us meaning and joy. Isolation and loneliness have caused a mental health crisis that is slowly becoming the mental health norm. Science and common sense remind us that genuine human connection is the cure. Come and hear from the incredible guests on the main stage, and experience the opportunity to step out of the audience and into a community.

This Helps Day is a distraction-free experience where we can trade pixels for presence, swap books and ideas, and remember that we are far too valuable to navigate this life alone. Join us as we step away from the digital noise, reclaim our shared humanity, and remember a simple truth: efficiency and constant progress only matter when we have real connection with each other.
Looking forward to spending time together,
-Marlon

[REGISTRATION WIDGET]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • It’s a day to step away from digital noise and reconnect with yourself, with others, and with what truly helps. Expect a welcome picnic, thought-provoking mainstage conversations, interactive experiences, laughter, and plenty of opportunities for real human connection.

  • Current schedule:

    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Registration, Connection, & Networking

      • Drop-in registration

      • Live music, lawn games, analog experiences, book exchange, art, and connection

      1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Inspiration & Meaningful Connection

      • Inspirational voices and luminaries

      • Group sing with Author James Sills

      • Postcards for loved ones

      • Community art project

      • Book exchange (bring your favorite book to exchange!)

      5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Laughing Together Comedy Night Mixer

      • Appetizers, drinks, and networking

      6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Laughing Together Comedy Night

      • An evening of laughter, self-care, and connection.

    Programming and times are subject to change.

  • This Helps Day will be at the San Diego Convention Center, Hall E, second floor. Parking is available in the garage between the convention center and the Marriott Marquis Hotel.

  • The mainstage experience will feature voices sharing practical ideas about relationships, well-being, and human connection. Announced guests include Dr. Jean Twenge, Mychal Threets, Chris Duffy, and Elyse Cohen. Additional programming may be announced as the event approaches.

  • Guests are encouraged to limit phone use so everyone can be more present in the experience. We understand that some attendees may need access to their phones for work, family, accessibility, or other responsibilities. 

  • Laughing Together Comedy Night is the evening celebration following This Helps Day. The night includes a stand-up set with Chris Gethard, followed by a performance from Dinosaur Improv, featuring Paul Scheer and special guests.

    It’s an evening built around a simple idea: laughter, connection, and community are forms of self-care, too.

  • Yes. A Comedy Night ticket includes complimentary admission to the opening-day This Helps Day experience on Wednesday, September 9.

    • Live music, lawn games, analog experiences, book exchange, art, and connection

    • Inspirational voices and luminaries

    • Group sing with Author James Sills

    • Postcards for loved ones

    • Community art project

    • Book exchange (bring your favorite book to exchange!)

JOIN THE ONGOING CONVERSATION

The Helps Us is just one moment in a larger movement. This Helps Podcast keeps the dialogue going, spotlighting real stories, breakthrough strategies, and the people working every day to improve access to care.