The Play Conference, as it is commonly known, is an annual national conference presented by the US Play Coalition. The latest research and practices in the field of play are presented at the conference, which brings together leading play researchers, educators, health scientists, park and recreation professionals, landscape architects, designers, planners, business and community leaders, psychologists, physicians and parents from across the globe.
Conference Overview
Save the date!
The 2027 National Conference on the Value of Play will be held at the Campus Center of Indiana University Indianapolis April 20-22, 2027. Stay tuned for more information in the weeks ahead as we launch registration, lodging, and speaker solicitation information!
Conference Theme
Information coming soon!
Session Themes
All our sessions will be classified into the following themes to help attendees find the sessions that most interest them:
Play should be accessible, available, and open to all. Advance the field for play for all abilities, all shapes, all sizes, all colors.
Play is an avenue for creativity and innovation. Play facilitates process-based approaches. This theme incorporates, art, design, innovation, and creativity and their role in 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 CEU approval.
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.
Play is changing! The Play movement is growing! Explore the latest in play- technology, social media, politics, policies, and more.
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.
Play looks very different around the world. Share play practices, history, and culture from countries across the globe.
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.
From play basics to play essentials. Share tips, trainings, techniques and tools for PLAY.
Promoting play across the life, including multi/intergenerational play, is central to our mission. Explore how adults (college-aged to retirees) play and how adults share and benefit from play with children.
Conference Scholarships
More information coming soon!
Conference Awards
Information about the Joe L. Frost Award for Distinguished Research and the Stephanie P. Garst Distinguished Service Award can be found on the Annual Awards page.
The Details
- Morning – Registration Opens, Kickoff & Education Sessions
- Afternoon - Education and Special Sessions
- Evening - Social & Fun!
- Morning - Education, Research, and Special Sessions
- Afternoon - Education, Research, and Special Sessions
- Evening - Social & Fun!
- Morning – Education and Special Sessions
- Midday / Afternoon – Celebration Lunch!
- Travel home safe... and play!
Registration
Registration opening soon!| Type | Length | Group | Rate |
Early Bird ends Mar 1 | Full | Standard | $475 |
Early Bird ends Mar 1 | Full | IU Faculty and Staff | $375 |
Early Bird ends Mar 1 | Full | Students | $235 |
Early Bird ends Mar 1 | Daily | Standard | $295 |
Early Bird ends Mar 1 | Daily | IU Faculty and Staff | $245 |
Early Bird ends Mar 1 | Daily | Students | $155 |
Regular | Full | Standard | $560 |
Regular | Full | IU Faculty and Staff | $460 |
Regular | Full | Students | $320 |
Regular | Daily | Standard | $350 |
Regular | Daily | IU Faculty and Staff | $300 |
Regular | Daily | Students | $180 |
Location & Travel Information
Location
IUI Campus Center
420 University Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Campus Map – Visit IUI’s interactive map to find buildings and parking.
Travel Information
Air Travel – The closest major airport is Indianapolis International Airport.
Airport Bus Transit – IndyGo, travels between Indianapolis International Airport and Downtown Indianapolis multiple times a day.
Campus Parking – Information about parking rates and locations can be found on IUI's website.
Lodging Details
Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
9414 West Vermont Street,
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202
Our conference hotel, the Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown, is located in the heart of Indianapolis. Situated within the historic Bethel A.M.E. church, the hotel features access to the Indianapolis Canal and is directly adjacent to the IU Indianapolis campus. Amenities include free hot breakfast, and indoor pool. The conference’s room block information will be shared in August – stay tuned!
