Frequently asked questions will continually be updated as conference planning progresses

Registration & accommodation The programme Social events Onsite at IPA Venue & transport General

Registration & accommodation

What does my registration include? ▸

Registrations types include attendance at all conference sessions and daily catering (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea) as well as one ticket to the welcome function and one ticket to the networking function.

Is virtual registration available? ▸

No, the conference is in-person only.

How do I alter my registration? ▸

The Conference Innovators team are happy to help with any changes. Please contact leanne@conference.nz or +64 3 353 2821.

Can registrations be shared? If I cannot attend, can a colleague attend in my place? ▸

Registrations cannot be shared. You may reassign your registration to another person. All cancellations and substitutions must be notified in writing. Please contact leanne@conference.nz

What do I do if I need to cancel my registration? ▸

Should you need to cancel your registration, you may reassign your registration to another person. Please notify Conference Innovators leanne@conference.nz in writing. If you are unable to arrange a replacement, a full refund less an administration charge of $200.00 will be made, provided notification is received by the 4th of October 2026. After this date, refunds and/or cancellation charges will be at the discretion of the International Play Association conference committee.

If, for reasons beyond the control of the organisers, the IPA conference 2026 is cancelled, then the registration fee will be refunded after deduction of expenses already incurred.

Can I pay to attend just one session or one day? ▸

There are no session-only or day registration options available.

Can my partner attend? ▸

If your partner or guest would like to attend conference sessions, they will need to register for the conference. You can also purchase tickets for partners and guests to attend the welcome function and networking function. Additional tickets can be purchased as part of your registration process or you can modify your registration to include them at a later date.

What forms of payment do you accept for the conference registration fees? ▸

MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted (a credit card surcharge applies). Alternatively, you can request an invoice and make payment via direct credit. Payment is due 20th of the month following the date of invoice or before the conference - 2 November 2026, whichever date comes first.

How can I book accommodation and flights? ▸

IPA 2026 has contracted a range of accommodation options which are conveniently located and at special rates, these can be booked as part of your online registration process. We encourage you to book as soon as possible as rooms do sell out.

Flight bookings are not included in the registration process, delegates are required to make their own arrangements.

I need to change my accommodation booking for the conference, what do I do? ▸

Please contact sarah@conference.nz with your current booking details and request. All accommodation amendments must be requested in writing.

How do I pay for my accommodation? ▸

Credit card details are required at the time of booking as a guarantee only, your card will not be charged. All accommodation charges must be settled directly with the Hotel prior to departure.

Charge back to your workplace or a booking agent is possible by prior arrangement, please contact sarah@conference.nz .

Do I need travel insurance? ▸

Travel insurance is recommended. You will need to organise this yourself and be aware of what your policy covers.

Can you send me a letter of invitation? ▸

Yes, if you need this to support your visa application, please email leanne@conference.nz . to request a letter.

The programme

Will there be a certificate of attendance? ▸

Yes, a certificate of attendance will be emailed to all attendees post conference.

Will the conference be hybrid? ▸

No, the conference is in-person only.

Site visits/tours ▸

We are inviting expressions of interest for potential site visits/tours on Friday 6 November. Additional details, including any associated costs, are currently being developed and will be shared once confirmed.

You can express your interest during the registration process.

Social events

Welcome function ▸

The welcome function will be held on Monday 2 November from 5pm at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. This is a chance to catch up with colleagues and meet sponsors and exhibitors before the conference begins. One ticket is included in all registration types and extra tickets can be purchased for guests/partners.

Networking function ▸

The networking function will be held on Wednesday 4 November from 5.30pm at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. This is a mid-conference connect-in with old acquaintances and new. One ticket is included in all registration types and extra tickets can be purchased for guests/partners.

Onsite at IPA 2026

How long does the conference go for? ▸

The conference runs Monday 2 November to Thursday 5 November with the possibility of site visits/tours on Friday 6 November - more details to come.

What is the dress code? ▸

The dress code during the conference is smart casual.

I have a dietary requirement. What should I do? ▸

When you register for the conference please indicate your dietary requirements, such as gluten free, vegetarian, lactose intolerant and allergies.

For any pre-notified requirements that are not covered by the selections available for all delegates, there will be a separate station where your meals will be available. The catering staff and conference staff will be on hand to help direct you. Please note that individual food preferences cannot be accommodated.

What are the exhibition hours? ▸

Exhibition is open during the day. All catering breaks are held in this area.

Will there be a conference app? ▸

Yes, the conference app is the main source of information for the conference. You will be sent details on how to download the app prior to the conference.

Is there childcare available at the conference? ▸

No childcare services have been arranged at the conference. A quiet parents room is located on the ground floor near the Auditorium. It is equipped with a feeding area, change table and food preparation area. Please see the Conference Innovators team onsite at the information desk.

Venue & transport

Where is the conference being held? ▸

The conference is being held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, located at 188 Oxford Terrace in Ōtautahi Christchurch. This is walking distance from the conference hotels.

What are the public transport options? ▸

Most Christchurch buses (including those from the airport) stop at the Christchurch Bus Interchange which is only a few minutes' walk from Te Pae. The Metro info journey planner will help you plan public transport. This website provides information on taxis and shuttles to/from the airport.

Where can I park my bike? ▸

There are bike hoops located on Oxford Terrace outside Te Pae and covered bike parking facilities are available in close proximity.

Where can I park my car? ▸

There is no car parking onsite at Te Pae. There are however offsite car parks located nearby.

Is there mobility parking onsite? ▸

No car parking is available onsite at Te Pae. There are a few mobility car parks on Colombo Street, with additional mobility car parks in close proximity of the venue.

Is Te Pae accessibility friendly? ▸

Yes, Te Pae is fully accessible. All public entrances are wheelchair accessible via low gradient ramps and automatic doors. Within the venue upper floors are accessible by spacious passenger lifts. All accessible restrooms have hand basins and handrails. Dedicated wheelchair and companion seating is available in the Auditorium.

Braille is provided on all lift buttons, push button plates, hearing loop signage and low level fixed directional signage throughout the venue.

The venue design includes colour definition between walls, doorways and floor coverings in all areas, with all signage graphics exceeding 30% luminance contrast.

Directional signs for all public amenities incorporate universal symbols and tactile indicators have been installed in key areas of the Centre.

Is there hearing assistance? ▸

InfraRed Hearing Augmentation is installed in all meeting rooms and Auditorium and is available on request in the Exhibition Halls.

Complimentary hearing augmentation devices (hearing loops) are available from the Guest Services desk located on the Ground Floor by the Oxford Terrace entrance.

General

How can I see a list of who is attending? ▸

A list of delegates will be emailed out a week before the conference. This list will exclude delegates who have requested privacy.