I am thrilled to announce that I am serving as the General Chair of the inaugural SportsHCI 2025 conference, alongside my colleague Michael Jones from Brigham Young University (USA) and a wonderful team of sportsHCI enthusiasts! This exciting new conference, dedicated to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in sports and physical activity, will take place at the University of Twente in the Netherlands in 2025. We aim to bring together researchers, designers, practitioners, and enthusiasts to explore the dynamic intersection of technology and sports.

As sports evolve in the digital age, technology plays an increasingly pivotal role. From wearable devices tracking performance to virtual training environments and AI-driven coaching tools, the possibilities are vast and inspiring. SportsHCI will be the premier platform to share advancements, exchange ideas, and shape the future of sports interaction. SportsHCI is not just a showcase for technology—it’s a platform for addressing real-world challenges and fostering meaningful innovations that enhance human experiences in sports.

Over the years, I have gained substantial experience in SportsHCI research, initiated through the work conducted by my PhD candidates and Master’s students at TU Eindhoven, as well as during my time as a Vitality Squad Leader at TU/e. In 2023, we organized the SportsHCI Dagstuhl Seminar (see my past blog post) and the conference is one of the many follow-up activities from this 5-day workshop in Germany.

We are now inviting submissions for our Call for Papers. The conference welcomes a wide range of contributions, including empirical studies, reviews, theoretical frameworks, methodological advances, case studies, and innovative systems. Papers addressing real-world challenges or proposing novel solutions will be especially valued. Whether you have a groundbreaking study, a novel design approach, or a unique case study, we would love to hear from you.

The full Call for Papers is now available on our website at SportsHCI.com, with detailed themes, submission guidelines, and key dates. For those interested in showcasing their work, we also have a dedicated track for demos of innovative systems and artifacts that push the boundaries of sports interaction. This is your opportunity to inspire and be inspired by the creativity and ingenuity of the SportsHCI community.

Follow us on social media (BlueSky @sportshci.bsky.social) for the latest updates and insights. Stay tuned for updates on our website and social media channels as we gear up for this unforgettable event. Together, let’s shape the future of SportsHCI and create technologies that empower athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts around the globe.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and prepare to contribute to this exciting new chapter in HCI research. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Netherlands in 2025!