More than a hobby

Highlights from Puzzle Jam Global 2025

On April 26th, puzzlers from around the world gathered online for the first-ever Puzzle Jam Global, an online conference dedicated to celebrating all things jigsaw. Hosted on the Crowdcast platform, the event delivered a seamless and interactive experience, allowing participants to engage in live chats, polls, and Q&A sessions that made the digital format feel warm and connected.

Highlights from the Speaker Sessions

The speaker lineup was as diverse as it was inspiring, offering insights into the many dimensions of puzzle culture. The day opened with a presentation by speed puzzling expert Tammy McLeod, who reminded us that competition can be just as joyful as it is intense. As Tammy beautifully put it, the beauty of speed puzzling lies in the fact that it’s about challenging ourselves. Each puzzler strives to improve their own time and this mindset transforms competition into a shared pursuit of personal growth. We are not racing against each other, but rather alongside each other, and this creates space for encouragement, camaraderie, and mutual support.

One of the most thought-provoking sessions was “Puzzles as Tools of Resistance and Resilience” with Christine Murphy and Pat Roos. They explored how puzzles have been used as acts of resistance, memory-keeping, and resilience-building, particularly within marginalized communities. It was a powerful topic, though the limited time left the discussion feeling a bit surface-level. I found myself wishing for more time to explore those ideas further.

The event also offered an inside look at the world of puzzle entrepreneurs. Independent brands like Good Fortune Puzzles and Puzzles of Color spoke about their efforts to build inclusive puzzle companies that reflect the richness of human experience. It was refreshing to hear founders talk passionately about their values and mission, in addition to the practical challenges of running a small puzzle business, from artwork and design to manufacturing and logistics.

A personal highlight was hearing from The Puzzled Co, who shared their journey in developing an inclusive puzzle collection for puzzlers with visual impairments. The collection includes tactile puzzles and puzzles with braille, and the care and testing that went into their development was truly inspiring. This is the kind of thoughtful innovation that has been missing in the puzzle scene, and it was encouraging to see such dedication to accessibility.

Another standout presentation for me was StumpCraft's in-depth exploration of their puzzle cut design, which offered fascinating insight into how the shape and structure of the pieces are intentionally crafted to guide the puzzling experience. StumpCraft’s founder, Jasen Robillard, explained how the cut itself can lead the assembler through a narrative or emotional journey, whether it’s the feeling of climbing a mountain or entering a festive mood. Every detail, from the shape of the pieces to the level of challenge, is approached with care and intention. It was a beautiful reminder that puzzling can be as much about storytelling and reflection as it is about fitting pieces together.

Most importantly, the sessions fostered a strong sense of community. Thanks to Crowdcast's interactive features, attendees weren’t just viewers but active participants throughout the day.

Puzzle Island Treasure Hunt: A Virtual Adventure

Another memorable element was the Puzzle Island Treasure Hunt, a virtual game that led participants across a digital map filled with clues, hidden codes, and insights about puzzle makers. As participants explored the island, they unlocked stories and earned the chance to enter the Founders' Booty Giveaway. This gamified experience added excitement in the days leading up to the event and helped set a playful and welcoming tone. There were also numerous giveaways throughout the event, perhaps a few too many, as they occasionally disrupted the flow and took up more time than necessary. While it’s great that so many attendees had a chance to win something, the execution could have been streamlined or organized differently to maintain the event’s overall rhythm.

A Celebration of Puzzle Culture

Puzzle Jam Global was more than just an event about jigsaw puzzles. It was a celebration of the people and ideas behind them. The event stood out for its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility. From culturally rich puzzle designs to the inclusion of tactile and braille-based products, the conference emphasized that puzzling is a universal activity open to all.

Overall, Puzzle Jam Global was inspiring, thoughtful, and deeply welcoming. It offered a sense that something meaningful is unfolding in the puzzle community. As this global network continues to grow, I look forward to more events like this that bring people together through shared curiosity, creativity, and care.