Taking place on 27–28 October in Dublin, the conference will bring together researchers, athletes, player associations and industry experts to exchange knowledge, share experiences and explore new ways to support athletes throughout their careers and beyond.
Explore the full programme, discover the speakers and sessions, and plan your conference experience.
The 2026 World Players Institute Conference will take place at LinkedIn’s Dublin offices on 27–28 October, creating a space for research, collaboration and meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities shaping athletes’ lives.
Across two days, the programme will feature keynote presentations, fireside chats, panel discussions, research sessions and interactive workshops, connecting academic knowledge with the experiences of athletes and those working across the global sports community.
Among the highlights, Professor Fiona Wilson, from Trinity College Dublin, will deliver a keynote titled “The Brain Beyond the Game: Lessons from Retired Contact Sport Athletes”, exploring important insights into brain health beyond sporting careers.
The programme will also feature a fireside chat with Lucy Staniforth, from FIFPRO, in conversation with Dr Gaby Garton, titled “From Research to Impact: An Athlete’s Perspective”, bringing an athlete's perspective to the relationship between research and meaningful change.
Alongside these conversations, participants will explore topics including athlete health and safety, mental wellbeing, career transitions, working conditions and gender equity in sport, with opportunities to exchange ideas and develop collaborative approaches to shared challenges.
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