National Play Conference announced for 2026

The Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) and Play England have joined forces to launch the first-ever National Play Conference in 2026 – a landmark one-day event designed to bring the play sector together at a pivotal moment.

The conference will provide a unique national forum for everyone involved in creating, enabling and advocating for play, from designers, playworkers, contractors, manufacturers and local authorities to educators, playground operators and policymakers.

Through a carefully curated programme of keynote addresses, panel debates and practical learning sessions, the event will explore the most pressing issues shaping play today and into the future.

Delegates will hear from an influential speaker line-up, which includes policymakers, sector specialists from a range of industries and innovators connected to play.

Discussions will span the political landscape around play, wellbeing and public health, as well as focus on topical issues, such as adventure playgrounds, the ongoing challenge of getting children more physically active, the realities of the current planning climate and funding issues. The event will also act as a showcase for the latest innovations that are redefining how play spaces are designed, delivered and experienced.

With insight, inspiration and practical takeaways at its core, the National Play Conference aims to inform, challenge and connect the entire play community.

The one-day conference will take place on Friday 9 October 2026 at The Slate, University of Warwick. The night before, on Thursday 8 October 2026, the same venue will also host the first ever National Play Awards.

For anyone working in, or alongside, the UK play sector, the National Play Conference will be an essential date in the diary.