Excitement is brewing as the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands, the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, and Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) gear up to host the National Conference on the Value of Play in Bloomington, Indiana, at IUB’s Indiana Memorial Union. Set to unfold over three days, this event promises an array of engaging activities including headliner presentations, round tables focusing on critical issues and emerging trends, a research symposium, practitioner-oriented educational sessions, PLAYforums, PLAYinstitutes, networking opportunities, and PLAY! breaks.
Eager to immerse yourself in this blend of learning and play this April? Registration is now open for both individuals and groups. Do not miss this chance to join us in Bloomington, where you will not only gain valuable insights but also enjoy three days on one of America’s Most Beautiful Colleges!
Centered around the theme “THE FUTURE OF PLAY,” the 2024 conference will delve into various dimensions of play, from its intersection with technology to its role across distinct stages of life. Topics will include play in libraries, workplaces, classrooms, and its relevance to overarching issues of access, equity, and inclusion.
And librarians, bibliophiles, and scholars—mark your calendars for a special event on Tuesday, April 16 as the conference features a Library Forum series of sessions, offering librarians a discounted rate for their participation on that day.
Educational organizations, nonprofits, and commercial partners are invited to explore sponsorship opportunities, which come with a range of benefits including heightened visibility to conference attendees and complimentary registrations. Reach out to us at usplay@iu.edu to discover more about these opportunities.
The US Play Coalition, an international network dedicated to advocating for the value of play across all ages, is spearheading this event. Having recently found its new home at Indiana University’s Eppley Center, the coalition is building on its successful record of accomplishment, which includes hosting virtual play education workshops in Philadelphia, Louisville, and Fort Worth in 2023.
Be part of this groundbreaking event that brings together leading researchers, educators, health scientists, park, and recreation professionals, and many more, united in their commitment to championing the power of play.