Explore Play Wales
The call for abstracts for the International Play Association (IPA) World Conference 2026 is now open. The conference will take place in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand from 2 to 5 November 2026.
The organisers are inviting participants to share research, practice, stories and ideas that celebrate innovation in play. Contributions are welcome from researchers, practitioners, service owners, managers, designers, planners, and policymakers working in communities, local and central government, academia and charitable or voluntary organisations, on the following themes:
- Kotahitanga – Inclusion in Play
- Tākaro Māori – Indigenous Play
- Auahatia – Innovating for Play
- Ngā mōtika o te tamaiti/ngā tamariki – The rights of the Child/Children.
Presentations can be in a range of formats to suit different ways of sharing and engaging:
- Oral presentation
- Panel discussion
- Workshop
- Film
- Electronic poster
- Play break
- Lightning talk.
Closing date for submitting abstracts: 17 February 2026