When we learn a new technology, we often say we’re going to “play around with it”. We use this phrase because play fosters learning and innovation. It’s why there are so many educational children’s toys. Sadly, as we grow into adulthood, we discourage play and label those who prioritize it as being irresponsible, immature, or childish. The reality is that human beings need play to survive. In this session, we’ll talk about the power of play and its impacts on our work. This will lay groundwork for a conversation about how play helps technology professionals learn, connect, and create. We’ll also discover ways to incorporate play into our daily lives at work, and learn how that can help us become more resilient in the face of challenges. Once you leave this session, you’ll know that it’s OK to take a break and to play, and that doing so will improve your career overall.