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The University of Sussex recently bid a fond farewell to the Playful Learning Conference, which concluded its successful three-year residency on campus from 1 to 3 July 2026.

The annual event is organised by the Playful Learning Association (PLA), a community dedicated to promoting playful learning approaches in higher education. The PLA focuses on sharing research evidence and experiential practice in play, games and learning, providing a forum for discussion and collaboration and creating a supportive space for both new and established researchers and practitioners.

The PLA was recently recognised nationally with a prestigious Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) by Advance HE, celebrating its outstanding collaborative work and impact on creative pedagogies.

A global community

During its three-years at Sussex, the conference welcomed over 300 delegates from countries across the world, including Denmark, Germany, Australia, South Africa and Canada, as well as many from universities and private sector groups across the UK. 

This year’s conference was led by Co-Chairs Katie Piatt (University of Sussex), Rosie Jones (Teesside University) and John Lean (Manchester Metropolitan University). The event was supported by a Conference Committee including Andrew Walsh, Daisy Abbott (Glasgow School of Art) and Sussex's own Simona Connelly and George Robinson.

The organisers extended their heartfelt thanks to the entire campus conference team and the chef, whose hard work and exceptional catering helped make the event a truly magical experience for all involved.

Three years of playful highlights

The conference evolved through distinct annual themes during its residency, allowing delegates to experience the campus and the local area through a wonderfully creative lens.

• 2024 (Brighton theme): We kicked off the residency by celebrating our city's quirky spirit. The highlights were an evening trip into Brighton for pizza on the pier and interactive "beach hut" discussion groups that brought a bit of coastal charm to our academic chats.

• 2025 (Surprise and Disguise theme): This year featured a giant human poker game and a unique upside-down meal. Local Brighton drag performer Alfie Ordinary also led a creative session where delegates made paper drag queens and reflected on how educators often need to wear many different hats, adapting their appearance, approach and identity to connect with diverse learners and situations.

• 2026 (Into the Woods theme): For our final year at Sussex, we focused on nature and reflection. Delegates started their mornings with woodland bathing around the campus boundaries, and we hosted a choir in the Meeting House to fill the space with song. Keynote speaker Dr Elrika Erasmus also presented When the Woods Darken, exploring the more complex landscapes of playful practice.

Putting down deep roots

To commemorate the final year of the conference at Sussex before it heads to Manchester Metropolitan University for its next three-year cycle, delegates and organisers gathered for a special tree planting ceremony outside Bramber House.

The move marks a period of planned transition for the event. As part of the conference succession plan, Katie Piatt is stepping down from her role as Co-Chair after five years of leadership, marking a proud milestone in the event's ongoing growth. The newly planted tree serves as a living monument to the learning, laughter and collaboration shared on campus over the last three years.

For more information about the group's ongoing research and projects, visit the Playful Learning Association webpage.