The World Leisure Congress is being organized for the eighteenth time. This year, Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) is organizing this international event from August 25 to 28; the theme is 'Leisure for a Better Society'. How can we use leisure time to make society a little more beautiful and better?
Around five hundred academics and professionals from the leisure industry are visiting Breda to discuss this theme. “The biennial World Leisure Congress is the most important meeting place for the international community of scientists and professionals in the field of leisure,” says Marcel Bastiaansen. He is a professor at BUas and Tilburg University and a member of the Executive Board of the World Leisure Organization (WLO). The WLO is the initiator of the congress, which takes place in a different continent every two years. The congress focuses on how leisure (culture, sports, tourism, performing arts, festivals, etc.) can contribute to a better society from social, psychological, economic, and sustainability perspectives.
Program
The conference will start on Monday 25 August in the Grote Kerk in Breda, the remaining days on the BUas campus. On Tuesday and Thursday, scientists will share the latest research results and innovations in the leisure sector in numerous presentations, which is essential for both academics and industry partners.
On Wednesday 27 August there will be an Industry Day for the first time. This day is organised by CELTH (Centre of Expertise in Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality). “The idea behind the Industry Day is twofold,” explains Marcel Bastiaansen.
“Academia needs input from the field. What is happening in the field? At the same time, industry can benefit from scientific insights, for example in the field of experience design or behavioural management.”
Field school
During the congress, a group of international and national students will also work on the theme 'Leisure for a Better Society'. Under the guidance of lecturers, they will mainly focus on issues surrounding accessibility and inclusion in the leisure industry.
Unique congress
For the city of Breda, for BUas and also for the Netherlands, the World Leisure Congress is a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences about leisure with researchers and professionals. Hildegard Assies, director Breda Marketing: “The World Leisure Congress is a catalyst for the city of Breda: it increases international visibility, brings economic opportunities, inspires urban renewal and strengthens the local ecosystem of collaboration, innovation and identity.”
Application deadline: July 30, 2025, more information: worldleisurenl.com