Session Themes

To assist the conference planning team in developing a balanced educational program, please classify your presentation into one of the themes below (You will be given a second choice option too).

Education & Play – Play is a vital part of the learning equation, both in and out of the classroom.  The faces of those learning while at play are some of the most engaging!  Consider play as a vehicle for learning through both traditional and nontraditional settings including schools, camps, afterschool programs, museums, zoos, aquariums, parks & recreation departments, faith-based spaces, and more.

Health, Recreation & Play – Play is a building block for healthy living.  Examine health and physical activity trends related to play, healthy benefits of play, and the intersection of health and recreation to insure a healthy face of play.

Nature Based & Outdoor Play – The faces of play are often wet, muddy, and sun-glistened from hours spent outdoors.   Focus on play in nearby and far away nature–backyards, parks, creeks, lakes, trails, wetlands, and beyond.

Accessible & Inclusive Play – Play should be accessible, available, and open to all.  Advance the field for play for all abilities, all shapes, all sizes, all colors.

Multi/Intergenerational & Adults at Play – Promoting play throughout life is our mission.  Explore how adults (college-aged to retirees) play and how adults share and benefit from play with children.

Designing for Play – Landscape architects, architects, designers, city planners, and civic groups are invaluable experts, practitioners and resources for PLAY.  These sessions will be submitted for LACES and AIA CEU approval.

Emerging Trends in Play – Play is changing!  The Play movement is growing!  Explore the latest in play- technology, social media, politics, policies, and more.

International/Global Play – Play looks very different around the world.  Share play practices, history, and culture from countries across the globe.

Nuts & Bolts – From play basics to play essentials.  Share tips, trainings, techniques and tools for PLAY.

Important Information for Presenters

We use a double-blind peer review process for all submissions.

Those whose proposals are accepted are eligible to apply for our Research and Action Grant funds.  (Additional application required for grants.)

We expect our presenters to share knowledge, research and experiences. Sessions are NOT an opportunity to promote specific products or services.

Session presenters are NOT reimbursed for registration or expenses incurred to attend the conference.*

All session presenters must register for at least one day of the conference and are strongly encouraged to register for the entire conference.*

Audio/Visual Note: US Play Coalition will provide a screen, LCD projector, and access to a PC laptop and wifi internet at no cost to presenters. If you require additional equipment/services, please contact us to arrange.  Please note that the costs associated with additional AV equipment or services will be the responsibility of presenters.

If you have questions, contact usplaycoalition@clemson.edu

A special note about registration fees for conference presenters:

Please understand that conference registration fees help to pay for the venue, catering, conference supplies, rentals and all related services as well as fund our operating expenses throughout the year. Unlike many other non-profit professional organizations, we do not have membership fees. We seek to keep costs to a minimum and affordable to as many people as possible.  Although our conference costs are rising substantially, our registration fees have been raised only minimally. We appreciate everyone’s professional contributions, and our conferences are highly participatory – more than 60% of all attendees are also presenters or otherwise actively participating in the conference program. In order to keep the US Play Coalition operational, the dollars of each and every participant are needed, too.