5 –
8 October 2026
Welcome to the 11th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress in Mérida, México
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Buy Tickets
Updates
Watch Video
Learn about our congress
The Centro Internacional de Congresos de Yucatán, Mérida, México – 5 – 8 October 2026
Join us at the highly anticipated 11th ISPAH Congress, held in the beautiful city of Mérida, México, and hosted by the National Institute of Public Health of México and The University of Texas at Austin.
Overview
ISPAH Congress 2026
Going global for local impact: Towards a comprehensive equity approach to physical activity and health
Under the theme “Going global for local impact: Towards a comprehensive equity approach to physical activity and health,” the Congress will explore how global evidence and collaboration can translate into meaningful, context-specific solutions that advance equity and access to safe and enjoyable physical activity everywhere.
Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions on how to advance contextually-relevant and impact-oriented physical activity and public health research, and ultimately, bridge the gap between research and real-world action, to ensure that everyone- regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or geography- can benefit from environments that support active, healthy living.
Location
Mérida, México
The ISPAH Congress 2026 will be hosted in the city of Mérida, the capital of the Méxican state of Yucatán. Founded in 1542, Mérida is the oldest city in The Americas and is home to around 1 million people.
Known for its rich cultural heritage, warmth, hospitality, walkability, and proximity to multiple historical and natural wonders of the Yucatán peninsula in México, Mérida will provide a perfect backdrop for this important global gathering.
As one of México’s most dynamic cities, Mérida represents a unique blend of tradition and innovation—offering participants a chance to experience the region’s Mayan and colonial history, cuisine, and art, while engaging in an event that seeks to advance an impactful physical activity research, policy and practice agenda.
Welcome from the ISPAH President
On behalf of ISPAH, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the ISPAH Congress 2026!
2026 will mark a significant milestone for the society – 20 years since the first ISPAH Congress held in Atlanta, in the United States. Over the past two decades, our global community has made remarkable progress in advancing the physical activity and public health through research, policy, practice and advocacy. Yet challenges remain, and one of those challenges is the persistent inequities in physical activity participation, and the need for inclusive, culturally grounded approaches that truly serve all communities.
Addressing inequity is at the heart of ISPAH and we are especially proud to reaffirm this commitment and to host this milestone congress in México, with the theme ‘Going Global for Local Impact: Towards a Comprehensive Equity Approach to Physical Activity and Health’. As the largest global platform for physical activity, the ISPAH Congress 2026 will bring together the world’s leading physical activity researchers, practitioners, policymakers and advocates, while celebrating the important contributions to our field from Latin America.
The ISPAH Congress 2026 will also include a social program that will offer opportunities to connect, be active, and experience the local culture. Mérida offers incredible opportunities for cycling, walking and running – Parque La Plancha is a highlight – and is known for its cuisine, with Mayan, Spanish and Caribbean influences.
We look forward to seeing you in Mérida for the ISPAH Congress 2026 to exchange knowledge, connect with old and new colleagues and friends, and to experience everything the city has to offer.
A/Prof. Sjaan Gomersall
President | International Society for Physical Activity and Health
Welcome from the National Institute of Public Health of México and The University of Texas at Austin
As local co-hosts for the ISPAH Congress 2026, the National Institute of Public Health of México (INSP) and The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) are pleased to invite you to join us in the vibrant city of Mérida, Yucatán, México, from October 5–8, 2026, at the Yucatán International Congress Center.
INSP is one of the leading public health research institutions in Latin America and maintains active collaborations with UT Austin’s Center for Research to Community Impact in the areas of physical activity, public health research, and capacity building. México and Texas share over 2,000 kilometres of border and deep historical and cultural ties, with 40% of Texas’s population identifying as Latino or Hispanic—making collaboration between our regions both natural and vital in addressing the global challenge of physical inactivity.
We are proud to bring the ISPAH Congress back to Latin America for the first time since Rio in 2014—and to host it in a Spanish-speaking country for the first time. This milestone event will highlight the region’s growing community of researchers and practitioners, amplify Latin American perspectives, and strengthen regional and international partnerships.
Join us in Mérida for ISPAH Congress 2026, where we will advance the global movement for equitable health through physical activity. Together, we will celebrate transformative research, inspire real-world impact, and continue building a world where everyone has the opportunity to move, thrive, and reach their full potential.
We look forward to welcoming you to México in 2026!
Dr. Alejandra Jáuregui
National Institute of Public Health
México
Dr. Deborah Salvo
The University of Texas at Austin
USA
