Annual Conference + 50th Anniversary: 8-10 July 2025

We are delighted to announce the call for papers for the Leisure Studies Association (LSA) Annual Conference 2025, taking place at York St John University, York, United Kingdom, between Tuesday 8th to Thursday 10th July 2025. Join us to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the LSA, where colleagues will come together to explore, discuss and debate various topics, including the conference theme:

“Leisure and social justice in changing and challenging times”

Within the interrelated disciplines of leisure, sport, tourism and events, concerns regarding social, ecological and spatial justice have become increasingly significant for researchers and practitioners. The global pandemic, the climate crisis and anthropogenic processes of climate change, economic challenges and uncertainties, the availability and quality of employment, and the health and wellbeing of our communities, have intensified social, environmental, political and economic inequalities. The conference theme provides opportunity for researchers and practitioners to examine a range of social, ecological and spatial justice issues in these changing and challenging times from various practical, empirical and theoretical perspectives, across a range of leisure-related disciplines.

Papers are invited from prospective delegates working and researching across the intersections of leisure, power, and social, ecological and spatial justice, as well as those exploring the interrelated nature of human rights, poverty, politics, climate change and social inclusion/exclusion. Submissions are invited across a diverse and extensive range of topic areas, social and cultural contexts, key contemporary research and disciplinary intersections, cultural backgrounds, and spatial or geographical locations and regions that are investigated by researchers and practitioners across leisure-related disciplines.

Conference Streams:

Submissions are welcomed across a broad range of topic areas, from researchers and practitioners working in areas such as leisure, sport, tourism and events, with conference streams including:

Stream 1: Inclusion, exclusion and challenging inequalities in leisure

Issues of inclusion, exclusion and the need to challenge inequalities remain important within the field of leisure. Submissions are invited from those who examine gender, race/ethnicity, disability, social class, wellbeing, health, and many other intersections of potential inclusion or exclusion in areas linked to leisure, sport, tourism and events. Topics linked to emergent research areas focussing on ethically responsible leisure or the experiences of Indigenous communities are also welcomed. Submissions within this area might draw upon lenses of justice, social justice, human rights, or focus on other conceptualisations of power or politics that continue to form integral areas of research within leisure-related disciplines.

Stream 2: Environment, climate and sustainability in leisure

This stream invites submissions that critically engage with intersections of sustainability, the environment and nature-based leisure and tourism, including areas linked to social and ecological justice, and concerning human and/or non-human entities. Topics may explore the role of nature-based leisure and tourism in promoting sustainability, the balance between leisure activities and ecological integrity, and the ways in which leisure practices can address social and environmental inequities and/or inequalities in the face of global environmental challenges. Contributions may consider the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate-resilient leisure practices, including exploration of areas such as eco-tourism, tourism and protected areas, regeneration and community issues. There is likewise scope to examine issues linked to green, blue and dark-sky spaces, landscapes and entities. Submissions that adopt innovative solutions to address issues and aspects related to nature-based leisure and tourism, climate change and socio-cultural sustainability within the leisure sector are highly encouraged.

Stream 3: Leisure in space, time and place

Linked to the 50th anniversary of the Leisure Studies Association, submissions that focus on issues of leisure in space, time and place are welcomed. As we look towards the future, it is also important to remember that areas of leisure continue to change over time. There is much to be learnt from socio-historical analyses of leisure, sport, tourism and events, particularly concerning long-term social and cultural power struggles that can enable or constrain participation in certain activities, as well as issues linked to heritage, culture and ever-changing community impact across different leisure-related disciplines. Submissions are therefore invited that seek to better understand the context of leisure studies disciplines within space, time and place.

Stream 4: Teaching and research methods in leisure

We invite submissions exploring innovative teaching, pedagogical approaches, and research methods in leisure studies. We welcome submissions that address topics such as experiential and active learning strategies, methods for studying leisure, ethical considerations in leisure research, and the role of technology in shaping leisure practices and pedagogy. Submissions highlighting case studies, methodological innovations, or collaborative projects are highly encouraged.   Other areas of interest and discussion may include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and research, competence-based assessment, and employability and work-related learning. Contributors may also wish to consider pervasive issues such as decolonisation of the curriculum, the challenge of research methods delivery and critical pedagogies.

Stream 5: Technological opportunities, issues and challenges in leisure

The integration of technology presents opportunities, significant issues, and complex challenges within the context of leisure. Advancements in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed how individuals experience leisure, creating more immersive and personalised experiences, making leisure activities more accessible and engaging. Advancements in areas linked to digital leisure, online technologies and the emergence of eGames, eSports and eEvents have also contributed to an expansion of digitised leisure pursuits and online leisure environments. However, these advancements also raise important questions concerning digital addiction, mental health concerns, the environmental impact of producing and maintaining digital infrastructure, and digital inequality. The challenge lies in balancing technological integration with ethical, health, and environmental considerations. We welcome submissions that explore these broad themes, particularly papers that explore how fostering inclusive and sustainable practices can enhance leisure without compromising wellbeing or ethical principles.

Stream 6: Management, work and workforce development in leisure

Leisure is a complex environment in which effective management and leadership are central to the success of organisations. Within this context, submissions are welcomed that focus on management and leadership in leisure, including contributions that explore leadership styles, theories, and practices across diverse contexts. This stream also invites contributions that explore workforce-related challenges such as talent acquisition, retention, training and development, which are critical for the long-term success of organisations in leisure across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Submissions may also explore areas linked to power dynamics, working relationships, and human resource management (HRM) practices in the leisure industry, including related issues linked to wellbeing, resilience and inclusion. Community involvement in leisure and project management is also key to creating meaningful, impactful programmes that respond to local needs, with submissions also encouraged that explore how communities can participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of leisure activities and projects.

Stream 7: Open stream

Submissions are welcomed to the open stream for LSA 2025 covering all topics that examine leisure, sport, tourism, hospitality, events, and related disciplines. This open stream seeks to explore a wide range of research, practices and innovations within and across the leisure industry that do not fit neatly into one of the more distinct streams listed above, offering a broad platform for research activity undertaken within leisure studies disciplines. Topics may include (but not limited to) emerging trends, stakeholder analysis, community engagement, or any other contributions that provide new insights, challenge conventional thinking, and offer practical solutions to challenges within and across leisure-related disciplines. Submissions are encouraged that cross disciplinary boundaries and explore key issues and intersections between leisure-related fields, particularly with a focus on improving outcomes for people, organisations and communities.

Presentation Formats

• 15-minute oral presentations.
• Academic posters.
• Proposals for 45-minute workshops or panel debates.
• Documentary format.

Submission Guidelines

• Please submit a 300-word abstract via email to: lsa2025@yorksj.ac.uk
• Deadline for submission of abstracts: 24 January 2025
• Abstract feedback/decisions: 10 February 2025
• Please submit your abstract as a Microsoft Word document, using the abstract submission template that has been provided.

Contact Details

Further information about the conference will be available shortly on the LSA 2025 website, along with regular updates. If you have any further enquiries about abstracts, the call for papers, or other general enquiries about the conference, please contact: lsa2025@yorksj.ac.uk

We would be grateful if you are also willing to circulate this call for papers to colleagues and any other relevant groups and networks.

We look forward to welcoming you to York in July 2025!

Steven Cock (Chair of LSA 2025 Organising Committee, York St John University).Alan Johnston (Vice-Chair of LSA 2025 Organising Committee, York St John University