Congress History

The 2026 ISPAH Congress will be hosted in Mérida, Mexico, 5-8 October.

The 2024 ISPAH Congress in Paris will focus on the future of physical activity and public health, highlighting innovations in intervention design, the role of urban planning in active living, and policy advancements.

The 2022 ISPAH Congress in Abu Dhabi emphasised the importance of physical activity in a rapidly changing world, with themes on sustainable health practices, the role of technology in promoting activity, and global collaboration for health equity.

The 2021 ISPAH Congress in Vancouver, held virtually, centered on the challenges and opportunities of promoting physical activity amid the pandemic, focusing on adaptive strategies, equity, and innovative virtual and community-based interventions.

The 2020 ISPAH Virtual Congress addressed the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on maintaining physical activity in lockdown conditions, virtual interventions, and the long-term health implications of reduced activity levels

The 2018 ISPAH Congress in London highlighted the role of physical activity in public health, with key themes on integrating physical activity into health systems, the economic benefits of active lifestyles, and policy initiatives.

The 2016 ISPAH Congress in Bangkok focused on fostering active lifestyles across diverse populations, emphasizing innovative community programs, the impact of cultural context on physical activity, and regional collaborations.

The 2014 ISPAH Congress in Rio de Janeiro centered on the global promotion of physical activity, with themes on cultural adaptation of interventions, the role of physical activity in urban environments, and the importance of policy advocacy.

The 2012 ISPAH Congress in Sydney focused on innovative strategies to promote physical activity, highlighting the impact of urban design, community engagement, and effective policy interventions to foster active lifestyles.

The 2010 ISPAH Congress in Toronto emphasised integrating physical activity into public health initiatives, focusing on policy development, community engagement, and the role of physical activity in chronic disease prevention.

The 2008 ISPAH Congress in Amsterdam highlighted innovative research and practical applications for promoting physical activity, concentrating on intervention effectiveness, behavior change strategies, and the influence of urban design.

The 2006 ISPAH Congress in Atlanta focused on advancing the global agenda for physical activity and public health, emphasizing chronic disease prevention, community-based interventions, and supportive policy development.