Tom Hayes MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play will be among the speakers at the inaugural National Play Conference, to be held in October this year.
Hayes has become a powerful advocate for play in the House of Commons and has been instrumental in setting up the APPG.
Taking place on Friday 9 October 2026 at The Slate, University of Warwick, the National Play Conference is organised in partnership by Play England and the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA). The one-day conference will be hosted by Inclusive NSPCC Champion of Childhood, Amber Ogunsanya-William.
The event will bring together the people, places and systems that shape children’s play.
Grounded in Play England’s strategy – It All Starts with Play! – the conference will explore how society can create the conditions children need to play.
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. These include the places and spaces that welcome play; skills that enable and support play; systems that protect children’s right to play; and a society where play is accepted as a normal part of everyday life.
The conference will connect planning, design, construction and play provision with policy, local government, health, education and community leadership. It will look attract everyone involved in creating, enabling and advocating for play – from designers, playworkers, contractors, manufacturers and local authorities to educators, playground operators and policymakers.
Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England, said: “This conference marks an important moment for the play sector. Following the launch of Play England’s ambitious 10-year strategy in 2025, this event reflects our commitment to putting play firmly on the national agenda.
“We have already seen significant momentum build in parliament, including the formation of the APPG on Play, and this conference is a natural next step in bringing the sector together to drive forward that ambition. Play is fundamental to children’s development and community wellbeing, and I would strongly encourage everyone who works in play to attend.
“Conference discussions will span the political landscape around play, wellbeing and public health, as well as 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.”
Richard Shaw, CEO of SAPCA, added: “Creating safe, sustainable and innovative opportunities and places for play that encourage movement, creativity and exploration has never been more important.
“With insight, inspiration and practical takeaways at its core, the National Play Conference aims to inform, challenge and connect the entire play community.”
The event will also act as a showcase for the latest innovations that are redefining how play spaces are designed, delivered and experienced.
The evening before the conference, on Thursday 8 October 2026, the same venue will host the inaugural National Play Awards, celebrating excellence, innovation and achievement across the play sector.
To book your space, click here.
