NATIONAL CAMPAIGN · 2026

Year of Culture

22nd January 2027 · Hunton Park Hotel

National Activity Conference 2027.

Launching NAPA's Year of the Great Outdoors.

Headline sponsor

The National Activity Conference is a one-day flagship event taking place on Day 5 of National Activity Providers and Professionals Week, from 9:00am – 4:00pm on Friday 22nd January 2027. This national conference brings together activity providers, professionals, sector leaders, and partners for a dedicated day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration, all focused on strengthening high-quality activity provision.

Designed to both celebrate the profession and support its future development, the conference offers a unique opportunity to step back from day-to-day practice, reflect on what works, and explore how activity provision can continue to evolve to meet the needs of those we support.

This years exhibitors, more to follow:

If you are interested in exhibiting, please email gianna@napa-activities.org.uk

What to expect

A rich, engaging programme combining expert speakers, practical learning, and connection.

Best practice in action

Real examples of innovative and impactful activity provision from services across the UK.

Latest evidence and research

Insights to strengthen confidence and inform practice – often shared before publication.

Practical ideas and approaches

Tools and inspiration you can take back into your setting and use immediately.

Sector leadership and insight

Hear from those shaping the future of activity provision – academics, regulators, sector leaders.

Interactive discussion and shared learning

Opportunities to reflect, question and collaborate with peers throughout the day.

International perspectives

Global perspectives from international contributors, sharing learning and innovation from beyond the UK.

The programme is designed to support professionals at all levels - whether you are delivering activity, leading teams, or shaping services.

Headline sponsor

NaDCAS - National Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme.

“It’s a privilege for NaDCAS to be the headline sponsor of NAPA’s 2027 conference. The theme of ‘the great outdoors’ speaks powerfully to what matters most in dementia care, connection, wellbeing, and meaningful living. We’re proud to support this special event that will bring people, nature, and purpose together in such a vital way.”

Sam Dondi-Smith · Senior Partner · NaDCAS

NaDCAS (National Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme) champions exceptional dementia care through an evidence-based framework developed with experts, universities and people with lived experience. Their work supports continuous improvement across nine key focus areas and aligns closely with NAPA’s commitment to quality, dignity and person-centred care.

Launching at the conference

NAPA's Year of the Great Outdoors.

A key highlight of the 2027 conference will be the official launch of NAPA’s 2027 national campaign: The NAPA Year of the Great Outdoors.

This ambitious campaign will champion the vital role of outdoor activity in supporting wellbeing, connection, independence, and quality of life. The campaign will encourage providers to think creatively about how outdoor spaces can be used, from gardens and green spaces to local communities, making outdoor activity more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful.

What will happen during the Year of the Great Outdoors:

Across 2027, the campaign will support and inspire the sector to embed outdoor activity more fully into practice. This will include:

  • Monthly or seasonal themes to guide and inspire activity planning
  • Practical resources and ideas to support delivery in a wide range of settings
  • Case studies and shared practice highlighting innovation across the sector
  • Opportunities to showcase work and celebrate success nationally
  • Campaign moments and national focus days to build momentum and visibility
  • Collaboration and community engagement, including intergenerational and local partnerships

Why the campaign matters:

Outdoor activity offers powerful opportunities to:

  • Enhance physical, emotional, and social wellbeing
  • Support connection with nature, seasons, and community
  • Encourage movement, creativity, and independence
  • Create meaningful, sensory-rich experiences
  • Broaden the scope and impact of activity provision

 

By placing outdoor activity firmly on the national agenda, the Year of the Great Outdoors will help build confidence, inspire innovation, and support providers to embed outdoor practice more intentionally into everyday activity provision.

International perspectives

Contributions from beyond the UK.

Nature Knows No Diagnosis: Creating Meaningful Outdoor Connections for Every Person

Colleen Keegan, Vice President of Member & Life Engagement at Attic Angel Community in Wisconsin and Outreach Director for NAAP, will share practical ideas for creating inclusive nature-based experiences.

Her session will explore how meaningful outdoor connections can support purpose, belonging and joy for people of all abilities.

AGENDA

Here's what's happening

The conference will feature international speakers, including contributors from the Australasian Recreational Therapy Association. These speakers will bring valuable global perspectives on activity provision – sharing learning, approaches, and innovation from beyond the UK. Their contribution will help broaden thinking, encourage new ideas, and strengthen professional practice through international collaboration.

Information
Reflections of NAPP Week 2026
A celebration of NAPP Week 2026, sharing highlights, reflections and the impact of a national week dedicated to recognising activity providers and professionals.
Activity Provider Activity Provision

Why attend

Don't miss this national moment for activity provision.

Book your place

Be part of a landmark event for activity provision.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a landmark event for activity provision. Secure your place at the National Activity Conference 2027 and join colleagues from across the sector for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration.

The Gala Dinner

The conference concludes with the National Activity Awards.

The conference will conclude with the Gala Dinner and National Activity Awards Ceremony – celebrating innovation, dedication and outstanding contributions from Activity Providers across the UK.

Finalists and their guests are invited to attend, with discounted tickets available to NAPA members. Full details on the awards categories, nominations and ceremony are available on the Awards page.

Sponsor & exhibit

Interested in exhibiting at the 2027 conference?

The NAPA Conference brings together activity providers, care teams, leaders and sector partners from across the UK for a day of learning, connection and inspiration. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your organisation to a highly engaged audience passionate about improving the lives of the people they support.

We offer a range of sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities – providing valuable visibility, meaningful conversations and the chance to build lasting relationships within the care sector. Our exhibitor area sits at the heart of the conference, ensuring regular opportunities for delegates to engage with partners throughout the day.

Venue & logistics

Hunton Park Hotel.

Location

  • Hunton Park Hotel
  • Essex Lane, Hunton Bridge, Hertfordshire
  • WD4 8PN

Practical info

Date: Friday 22nd January 2027

Time: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Format: In-person

Parking: On site

Travel by train: Nearest Station – Kings Langley

Accommodation: Hunton Park Hotel offers conference rates for delegates – see FAQ’s below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Your questions, answered.

Anyone with an interest in activities, recreation, sport, play, leisure, outdoor learning, community engagement, health and wellbeing, and increasing participation opportunities is welcome to attend. The conference is designed for activity providers and anyone passionate about creating active and engaged communities.

Yes. We welcome organisations that wish to showcase their products, services and initiatives to delegates from across the activities sector. A range of exhibition packages are available. Please contact Gianna at gianna@napa-activities.co.uk for further information.

Yes. Group bookings can be made directly through our booking site. Up to 20 tickets can be purchased in a single group booking via Ticket Tailor. If you require an invoice or would like to discuss a larger booking, please contact us directly and we will be happy to help.

Yes. There are a wide range of hotels and accommodation options within a short distance of the venue, catering for a variety of budgets and preferences.

Hunton Park Hotel (the event venue).
Essex Lane, Kings Langley, WD4 8PN
📞 01923 277700

To book your room, please call the hotel directly and quote the booking code.

The Booking code for Hunton Park Hotel is GA003048. Please telephone Reception to book. 01923 277 700

Rooms are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Payment and any changes are made directly with the hotel.

📍 Alternative Nearby Hotels

You may also wish to explore other nearby accommodation options:

Premier Inn Kings Langley
📞 0333 003 1748
🔗 https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/hertfordshire/kings-langley/kings-langley.html
Approx. 5 minutes by car or around 20–25 minutes walk from the venue.

Premier Inn Watford North
📞 0333 321 9135
🔗 https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/hertfordshire/watford/watford-north.html
Approx. 10–15 minutes by car from the venue.

Yes. The venue offers wheelchair access and accessible facilities throughout. We are committed to ensuring that all delegates can participate fully in the conference. Support will also be available for attendees who require equipment or assistance to support hearing and other accessibility needs. If you have specific requirements, please contact us in advance so we can help make suitable arrangements.


If you have any questions about the conference, exhibition opportunities, sponsorship packages, accessibility requirements or group bookings, please contact Gianna at gianna@napa-activities.co.uk and a member of the team will be happy to assist you.