Call for abstracts
Join us in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, for the IPA World Conference 2026, held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre from 2–5 November 2026. We invite you to share your research, practice, stories, and ideas that celebrate innovation in play.
The theme of the conference is Auahatia - Innovating for Play - and will explore bold, inclusive and culturally rich ways to create a world where all tamariki (children) have the right to play, their own way.
We invite abstracts across the themes of Kotahitanga - Inclusion in Play, Tākaro Māori - Indigenous Play, Auahatia - Innovating for Play, and Ngā mōtika o te tamaiti/ngā tamariki - The rights of the Child/Children - highlighting diverse voices, traditions and approaches that shape play across communities and cultures.
Submissions will close Tuesday 17 February 2026 NZDT and must be made online.
Presentation formats
We welcome contributions from researchers, practitioners, service owners, managers, designers, planners, and policymakers working in communities, local and central government, academia, and charitable or voluntary organisations.
Presentations can be in a range of formats to suit different ways of sharing and engaging:
- Oral presentations (30 minutes, including Q&A): A traditional presentation sharing research, practice or case studies, followed by Q&A.
- Panel discussions (45 minutes, including Q&A): A themed discussion among panellists (team-based), possibly including short presentations and audience engagement.
- Workshop (1 hour, including Q&A): An interactive, activity-based session focused on practical, hands-on learning. Can be held indoors or outdoors
- Film (1 hour, including Q&A): A short film or documentary related to the conference theme to be presented in-person.
- Electronic poster (10-minutes, including Q&A): A visual presentation of research or practice displayed during the conference.
- Play break (5-15 minutes): A playful ‘time out’ session offered as an alternative to the main programme. Can be indoors or outdoors.
- Lightning talks (5-10 minutes): A concise, dynamic presentation highlighting key findings or ideas.
Abstract requirements
When composing an abstract, carefully follow the guidelines below and in the submission portal. After abstracts close, the Conference Programme Committee will review all abstracts, making a selection of successful abstracts under each theme.
Please note: Submitting an abstract doesn’t always guarantee a place in the conference programme and for those selected, all presenters will be required to register for the conference as an attendee, organise their own travel, accommodation and cover associated costs.
- Word limit: Up to 300 words (excluding title, authors and headings)
- Language: English (primary language of the conference)
- Author(s) and affiliations
- Which theme the presentation best aligns to
- What does the presentation achieve/explore (including methods, results and conclusions if appropriate)
- Target audience (e.g, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, advocates)
- Practical learnings the participants can take away
- Short bio of presenting authors
- Describe your presenting experience briefly
- Note any support you may require
- Indicate if children participate in your submission
Evaluation criteria
Submissions will be reviewed against the following criteria:
- Originality of ideas/work
- Contribution to research, theory or practice
- Relevance to the conference theme and sub-themes
- Alignment with Article 31 (the child's right to play)
- Interest and appeal for conference attendees
- Practical learnings or applications for attendees
- Clarity and suitability of presentation format
All abstracts will be peer reviewed by the Conference Programme Committee. Submitters will be notified of outcomes by Tuesday 31 March 2026 NZDT.
Key dates
- Call for abstracts open - 31 October 2025
- Registrations open - 30 January 2026
- Abstract submissions close - 17 February 206
- Notification to authors - 31 March 2026
Got questions?
Should you have any questions regarding the call for abstract submissions, please contact:
Leanne Sherwood | Project Coordinator
IPA 2026 | Conference Innovators
T: +64 3 353 2821 | E: leanne@conference.nz
