The 2027 National Conference on the Value of Play will be held at the Campus Center of Indiana University Indianapolis April 20-22, 2027. This year’s theme, Driven by Play, celebrates play as the ultimately engine of human connection, growth, and innovation. Through advancing groundbreaking research, fostering vibrant spaces, shaping learning, and advocating for play equity, Driven by Play invites every attendee to join in building momentum for a more playful world.
Held at Indiana University’s Indiana Memorial Union April 28-30, 2026, more than nearly 300 attendees from across the nation—
and world—joined together in scholarship and community to explore this year’s theme, "Play & __!" “Play &” invited attendees to
fill-in-the-blank with their “Play &” whether that was Play & Inclusion, Play & Creativity, Play & Wellness—the possibilities were
endless! Highlights included award addresses by honorees Daniel Hatcher (Service Award) and Dr. Peter Gray (Research Award);
a keynote address by author, speaker, and Primal Play Method© founder Darryl Edwards; and the Play Hub, a central gathering
space that blended interactive play activities, community building, and sponsor exhibits to foster networking and hands-on
engagement.
