Conference Overview

The Annual APT International Conference is dedicated to delivering advanced post-graduate training and education, nurturing the exchange of ideas, and offering networking prospects to professionals in various fields.

Counselors, psychologists, school counselors, school psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and other mental health professionals both within and outside of the United States will:

• Earn CE credits for licensure and play therapy credentialing while deepening your knowledge of:
  • Play therapy research and theories
  • Powerful skills and methods to use in play therapy
  • How play therapy strengthens therapeutic relationships with children and families

• Explore the exhibits featuring the latest play therapy books, videos, toys, games, and resources for working with children, adolescents, and families.
• Connect with your community! Attend receptions, forums, and reconnect with colleagues who share your passion for the power of play.
• Laugh, learn, and share! This event is a chance to exchange valuable ideas and experiences with others who believe in the transformative power of play therapy.

2026 Conference

The next Annual APT International Conference will take place in in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Members of APT will be the first to receive all updates regarding the conference. Full program details, volunteer opportunities, and exhibitor information will be available in May 2026.

Call for Proposals

Interested in presenting a workshop at the APT conference? The Call for Proposals opens in January 2026. Check back for complete submission instructions and criteria.

Upcoming Conferences

October 13-18, 2026
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN

October 12-17, 2027
JW Marriott Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 

Past Conferences

2025 - Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown, Houston, TX, Oct 7-12, 2025
2024 - The Renaissance Waverly Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta, GA, Oct. 15-20, 2024
2023 - The Westin Rancho Mirage Resort & Spa, Palm Springs, CA, Oct. 10-15, 2023
2022 - Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch, St. Louis, MO, Oct. 18-23, 2022
2021 - Little Rock Marriott, Little Rock, AR, Oct. 12-17, 2021
2020 - Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa, Palm Springs, CA, Oct. 1-6, 2020 - Cancelled (COVID)
2019 - Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel, Dallas, TX, Oct. 1-6, 2019
2018 - Sheraton Grand Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, Oct. 3-7, 2018
2017 - Marriott City Center Hotel, Minneapolis, MN, Oct. 10-15
2016 - Galt House Hotel, Louisville, KY, Oct. 4-9
2015 - Renaissance Waverly Hotel, Atlanta, GA, Oct. 6-11
2014 - Westin Galleria Hotel, Houston, TX, Oct. 7-12
2013 - Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa, Rancho Mirage, CA, Oct. 8-13
2012 - Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, Cleveland, OH, Oct. 9-14
2011 - Sheraton Hotel & City Convention Ctr, Sacramento, CA, Oct. 11-16
2010 - Galt House Hotel, Louisville, KY, Oct. 12-17
2009 - Renaissance Waverly Hotel, Atlanta, GA, Oct. 6-11
2008 - InterContinental Hotel, Dallas, TX, Oct. 14-19
2007 - Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, Hollywood, CA, Oct. 9-14
2006 - Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, CAN, Oct. 10-15
2005 - Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN, Oct. 4-9
2004 - Omni Interlocken Resort, Denver, CO, Oct. 5-9
2003 - Sheraton Waterside Hotel, Norfolk, VA, Oct. 7-11
2002 - Adams Mark Hotel, St. Louis, MO, Oct. 8-12
2001 - Doubletree Hotel, Portland, OR, Oct. 17-20
2000 - Fairmont Hotel, New Orleans, LA, Oct. 11-14
1999 - Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, Baltimore, MD Oct. 6-9
1998 - Hyatt Regency Hotel, Phoenix, AZ, Oct. 14-17
1997 - Clarion Plaza Hotel, Orlando, FL, Oct. 8-12
1996 - Marriott Downtown, Chicago, IL, Oct. 9-12
1995 - Cathedral Hill Hotel, San Francisco, CA, Oct. 11-14
1994 - Hyatt Regency Hotel, San Antonio, TX, Oct. 12-15
1993 - Marriot Marquis Hotel, Atlanta, GA, Oct. 8-9
1992 - Sheraton Tara Hotel, Nashua, NH, Oct. 14-17
1991 - The Village at Breckenridge, Breckenridge, CO, Oct. 4-5
1990 - Univ of Brit Col, Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN, Jun. 21-23
1989 - Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, Oct. 6-7
1988 - California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno, CA, Oct. 7-8
1987 - University of North Texas, Denton, TX, Sep. 25
1986 - Doral Inn, New York, NY, Nov. 14
1985 - Doral Inn, New York, NY, Oct. 18
1984 - Queens College, New York, NY, Sep. 21