2026 Southeast Regional Conference

Play It Out!

The Southeast Regional Conference will take place March 27-28, 2026 at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC.

Do you like to play? Do you like to learn?
Do you like to learn while you play and play while you learn?
Come be a part of this awesome event. 
The Southeast Regional conference brings together educators, camp counselors, adventure therapists, trainers, and so many more who are using experiential education in their work.

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Sponsorships

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Maurie Lung

The Serious Work of Play: Reclaiming Joy, Curiosity, and Connection
In our fast‑paced, hyper‑structured world, play often gets dismissed as frivolous or as a reward for productivity rather than a cornerstone of learning, creativity, and human connection. Yet play is the heartbeat of experiential education. It sparks engagement, builds trust, sharpens problem‑solving, and restores the sense of wonder that first drew so many of us to this work. As experiential practitioners, we will re‑examine play not as “something extra,” but as a vital methodology and mindset. Drawing from psychology, leadership training, nature‑based education, and group development, we will also explore how playful approaches nurture emotional regulation, innovation, resilience, and collaboration. Through storytelling, research, and interactive moments (yes, you’ll get to play!), we’ll rediscover the transformational power of curiosity and laughter in practice. Participants will leave with renewed energy and practical insights for integrating play into their practice.