IPA Asia Pacific Play Conference to be staged in Melbourne

Set to offer “a conference like no other” the inaugural International Play Association (IPA) Asia Pacific Play Conference is aiming to attract a diverse mix of stakeholders from across the region to explore the transformative power of play.

Bringing together educators, urban planners, health professionals, designers, community leaders and advocates come together to imagine bold new futures through play, the groundbreaking event when it is staged at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 25th to 27th June.

Introducing the event, organisers advise that “this landmark conference is designed to encourage discussion and reflection about play (that), for teams … will support you to drive innovation across all areas of your provision.

“Guests are joining us from Singapore, Japan, India, New Zealand, Taiwan and Hong Kong, plus we have a roll call of amazing thought leaders and practitioners rarely seen in one conference venue.”

Organisers add “the conference will convene government representatives, NGOs, educators, urban planners, health professionals, designers and play advocates to exchange ideas and develop strategies that emphasise the integral role of play in fostering healthy human development and vibrant communities.

“It will serve as a dynamic platform for thought leadership and empowerment in advocacy and engagement related to play. With an emphasis on cross-sector collaboration, the event aims to inspire participants by showcasing innovative approaches and evidence-based practices that demonstrate the multifaceted benefits of play.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how play can enhance physical, emotional and social well-being, and how it can be leveraged as a tool for community transformation.

Conference Streams
Urban Planning & Design
This stream will delve into the integration of play within urban environments.

Structured around thought-provoking sessions designed to encourage critical discussion and reflection on the role of play in urban settings, each day of the conference will start with a ‘Play Provocateur’, an expert who will challenge conventional thinking and inspire innovative approaches to urban play.

Other Streams will Cover:
Role of Play in Urban Transformation
Cultural Reflection and Inclusion
The Economic Rationalism of Play
Climate and Environmental Considerations in Planning for Play
Each of these sessions will explore how play can be seamlessly integrated into urban planning and design, enhancing the liveability and vibrancy of cities.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, participate in interactive workshops and collaborate on developing actionable solutions to promote play-friendly urban environments.

The IPA Asia Pacific Play Conference is being staged in conjunction with the National Sports and Physical Activity Conference.

The IPA will be holding its triennial World Conference in Christchurch from 2nd to 5th November 2026.

10% registration discount for Australasian Leisure Management readers
Australasian Leisure Management is partnering with the first IPA Asia Pacific Play Conference to offer readers a 10% registration discount up to 16th May.

Follow the steps below to claim this offer:

1. Click on https://nscevents.com.au/ipa-asia-pacific-play-conference-2025

2. Click on the REGISTER TODAY button

3. Input attendee details and click next

4. Select the Early Bird - Two-Day Delegate registration type (or member version if you are a Play Australia Member) and input code ALM25 into the box

5. Complete checkout either via credit card or invoice

The offer applies until 16th May.

For more information on the IPA Asia Pacific Play Conference 2025 click here to view details in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Main image credit: Darling Harbour.