CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES

Play Make Learn aims to engage our audience in cutting-edge learning science ideas and experiences; communicate state-of-the-art design, education, and research; demonstrate new and upcoming games and technology; and network to spark new projects. The best way we know how to do that is offer a range of interactive experiences throughout the conference to complement the learning and dialogue that occurs in pre-conference workshops, Keynote presentations, conference sessions, and poster presentations. Read more about the playful experiences you can participate in throughout PML this year below.

And don’t miss out on other events happening at the conference venue. Check here for happenings around Memorial Union and the Memorial Union Terrace. https://union.wisc.edu/

Wednesday, July 19th 5pm-8pm
Pre-Conference Reception at Madison Children’s Museum

Visit Madison Children’s Museum on Capitol Square for an evening of exploration, play, small bites and a cash bar while connecting with PML attendees before the conference sessions kick off. Join museum staff for tours of the museum’s three floors and outdoor playspaces at 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. Please note that this event coincides with a Concert on the Square, so parking near the museum will be crowded. We encourage attendees to walk, carpool, or bike to the event. Consider hopping on a B-Cycle e-bike!

Thursday and Friday, All Day
PML Card Swap Game
Inside your conference badge is a game! Pull out the cards and peruse. To score points, you need to find the big quote board in the PML Arcade and use your cards to spell those words. If you don’t have the right cards, you’ll need to trade with other conference goers. Each card has conditions for when you’re allowed to trade; ONE of the traders needs to match ONE of the conditions. You can get more cards by going to talks, eating lunch, attending workshops, or visiting the Arcade. We’ll tally up the scores at the end of Friday and give out prizes in our Closing Presentation!

Thursday, July 20th 10:30-2:30pm
Play Make Learn Arcade in Tripp Commons
Join us in the PML Arcade for a panoply of making, games, and activities. Join conference sponsors, partners, and creatives from our community to take part in playful learning experiences that will level up your PML. 

  • VR experience with Transfr Vr
  • Vintage Arcade Game with I/O Arcade Bar
  • Nostalgic Toy Petting Zoo with Meep Meepletons
  • Geokit with STEAM Milwaukee
  • GEE! Award Games
  • Card Swap Game Quote Board
  • Needlepoint Station
  • Instrument Making 

Thursday, July 20th 1:00 - 3:00pm
DnD One Shot: Magical Constructs in Great Hall
If you have been curious about Dungeons and Dragons but weren’t sure where to start, this is your opportunity! We will be running two different adventures over two days that will allow you to learn roleplaying and the basic mechanics of D&D in a short introductory game. You don’t need anything to join, all the supplies will be provided – premade character sheets, dice, and pencils. All you need to bring is yourself and a thirst for adventure! Please check your email for advanced sign up.

Thursday, July 20th 4:45-5:30pm
Play Make Learn Poster Session
Join us again in the Arcade in Tripp Commons after it is transformed for a poster session featuring work from researchers, practitioners, and students. Learn about work done in classrooms, libraries, museums, and digital spaces that embody the values of Play Make Learn. Celebrate the presenters’ work while enjoying appetizers and a cash bar. 

Thursday, July 20th 5:30-7:30pm Bonus Round at I/O Arcade Bar: The Unofficial PML After Party! 924 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703 Free with conference registration, pre-registration required, spaces limited. All pre-registered PML conference contributors will receive a free coupon for a buy one get one (BOGO) free drink. Join us for the first “Bonus Round” -- the unofficial after-hours Play Make Learn Hangout where attendees can gather, game, and get to know one another! I/O is Madison’s favorite arcade bar, stacked with great local beers, cocktails, and N/A options as well as a gallery of vintage arcade games that will take you back in time. Our warmest gratitude to I/O this year for their support and for sharing a vintage game console in the Arcade.

Please note that Bonus Round at I/O requires pre-registration (check your email for a link sent on June 30th!) and spaces are first-come, first-served and limited. All registered conference participants (volunteers, presenters, sponsors, etc) will receive a BOGO gift card. About I/O // How to get from Memorial Union to I/O.

Friday, July 21st 10:30-2pm
Play Make Learn Arcade in Tripp Commons
Join us in the PML Arcade for a panoply of making, games, and activities. Join conference sponsors, partners, and creatives from our community to take part in playful learning experiences that will level up your PML. 

  • VR experience with Transfr Vr
  • Screenprint a Tote with Trilium Studios
  • Vintage Arcade Game with I/O Arcade Bar
  • Nostalgic Toy Petting Zoo with Meep Meepletons
  • GEE! Award Games
  • Card Swap Game Quote Board
  • Needlepoint Station
  • Instrument Making 

Friday, July 21st 10:00 - 11:30 am
DnD One Shot: Stuck Inn a Puzzle in Great Hall
If you have been curious about Dungeons and Dragons but weren’t sure where to start, this is your opportunity! We will be running two different adventures over two days that will allow you to learn roleplaying and the basic mechanics of D&D in a short introductory game. You don’t need anything to join, all the supplies will be provided – premade character sheets, dice, and pencils. All you need to bring is yourself and a thirst for adventure! Please check your email for advanced sign up.

Friday, July 21st 2-2:45pm
Closing Presentation
Details coming soon!