July 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 49

CONFERENCE
2023
ANNUAL
Top 10 Networking Tips for
the NRPA Annual Conference
T
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he NRPA Annual Conference brings park and recreation professionals
together to connect, learn and innovate. Networking opportunities
invite attendees to collaborate on solutions to shared challenges
and reinvigorate their interest in parks and recreation through social
connection with their peers. Make the most of your attendance by following
these key networking tips from your colleagues in the field:
" Start now by developing a networking
plan, e.g., identify organizations
that are aligned with your
professional interests, as well as
fellow professionals who you may
know on social media platforms,
but [never have] met in person, "
suggests Mark A. Young, Parks Forever
Consulting and Advocacy.
" ...[B]e clear on your networking
priorities before you
go. Are you looking for a new job?
Want to market your services to
potential clients? Want to have an
in-depth conversation with a manufacturer's
rep about a big project?
Just trying to expand your national
network of colleagues - what
market sector or part of the country
is your top priority? " says Mike
Abbaté, Abbaté Designs LLC.
" Seek out groups
different
from [those] you would normally
hang out with. This is the
largest gathering of parks and recreation
professionals in the world,
take advantage of it, " says Neelay
Bhatt, Next Practice Partners LLC.
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" Try to locate your 'place': a
nearby coffee shop, outdoor
space, [or] part of the convention
center or hotel that is aesthetically
pleasing and out of the main
flow of people. This will be your
meeting place. Share this location
with those you are trying to meet, "
notes Abbaté.
5
" Take plenty of cards. Ask
each person for something you
would like them to share with you
once they get back. For example,
maybe it's their volunteer policy.
On the back of your card, write
what you would like them to share
upon their return home. That way,
you'll stand out, " suggests Roslyn
Johnson, Annapolis
(Maryland)
Recreation and Parks.
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" Plan your sessions before you
leave for [the] conference. Go
up to the presenters you really liked
and ask for their card. Before you
leave, send them a message about
what you liked about their
sion, " adds Johnson.
ses " Don't
be afraid to initiate with
a simple, 'Hi, I'm....' Many
people wait for others to be friendly
first and then are disappointed that
no one has talked with them, " recommends
Tim Herd, Pennsylvania
Recreation and Park Society.
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" Repeat people's names when
introduced to help remember
them. Use their name (sparingly!)
in a conversation, " adds Herd.
" Invite someone or their organization
to come see your park
system or city - '[I]f you or your
staff ever find yourself in my city,
you have an open invitation for a
park tour or meeting!' " says AP
Diaz, Seattle Parks and Recreation.
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" Follow up with people
you meet and [find] interesting.
Your follow-up doesn't need
to be an ask (but it can be). Oftentimes,
a note just acknowledging
meeting or offering a compliment
or a recap of something [that] was
said when you met is impactful and
memorable, " adds Diaz.
Community grows at the NRPA
Annual Conference. The connections
you make will help you foster
wellness, resilience and equity
in your community through parks
and recreation. Visit conference.
nrpa.org to learn more about the
2023 NRPA Annual Conference.
Thank you to Mike Abbaté, FASLA,
LEED AP, principal at Abbaté
Designs LLC; Neelay Bhatt, founder
and CEO of Next Practice Partners
LLC; Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent
Anthony-Paul (AP) Diaz,
Esq.; Pennsylvania Recreation and
Park Society CEO Tim Herd, CPRE;
Annapolis (Maryland) Recreation and
Parks Director Roslyn Johnson, CPRP;
and Mark A. Young, Parks Forever
Consulting and Advocacy, for their contributions
to this article.
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | JULY 2 0 2 3
| Parks & Recreation
49
Make connections and
exchange ideas with peers at
the NRPA Annual Conference.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAUGHT IN THE MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
http://www.conference.nrpa.org http://www.conference.nrpa.org
July 2023 - Parks & Recreation

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