September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 48

What Does Your Conference Look Like?
* NRPA
W
hether you're a passionate young professional eager to
network and learn, a seasoned leader looking to mentor
and inspire, or part of a specialized community within our
vibrant field, discover how the NRPA Annual Conference
caters to your specific needs and aspirations.
Young Professionals
This group encompasses members
who are students, recent graduates
and early-career professionals in
the field of parks and recreation.
These individuals are typically under
the age of 35 and are actively
engaged in learning, networking
and advancing their careers.
* Young Professional Network
(YPN) Retreat: Join us on Monday,
October 7, from 6:30 p.m. to
8 p.m. EDT, for an engaging session
focused on networking and
getting involved in the YPN.
* Young Professional Network
(YPN) Social: Connect
with
fellow young professionals on
Wednesday, October 9, in the
evening. It's a great opportunity
to build relationships and exchange
ideas in a relaxed setting.
* Scholarship and Fellowship
Breakfast: Start your day on
Tuesday, October 8, from 7:45
a.m. to 8:45 a.m. EDT, with a
breakfast event celebrating scholarship
and fellowship recipients.
Participate in dynamic speed
sessions in the exhibit hall, offering
quick insights and innovations from
industry experts.
Learn about their achievements
and be inspired.
* Education Session Recommendations:
We also encourage you
to explore education sessions
covering important topics, such
as career development,
recreation
programming and customer
service. These sessions are tailored
to equip you with practical
skills and insights for advancing
in your career.
First-Time Attendees
We recommend the following for
someone who is participating in
the NRPA Annual Conference for
the very first time. Attending your
first conference marks an important
step in your professional development
and career growth.
* Speed Networking: Join us on
Tuesday, October 8, from 4:30
p.m. to 6:15 p.m. EDT, for an exciting
opportunity to meet fellow
attendees and expand your professional
network.
* NRPA Member Area: Visit Booth
#1959 to discover how to maximize
your NRPA membership
benefits, explore our new online
store merchandise and get answers
to all your NRPA-related inquiries.
Don't forget to pick up your
NRPA member gift giveaway!
* Education Session Recommendation:
Attend " Conference 101 "
for a comprehensive introduction
to navigating the conference and
effective networking tips.
48 Parks & Recreation | SEP T EMBER 2 0 2 4 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
Network Meetings:
Engage with specialized groups,
such as Aquatics; Armed Forces
Recreation
(AFRN);
Education;
Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion (DEI); Young Professional
(YPN); Leadership
Development; Ethnic Minority
Society (EMS); and Hispanic
Professionals in Parks and
Recreation (HPPR), to connect
with peers who share your interests
and goals.
Directors
Directors play a vital role in enhancing
the quality of life in their
communities by promoting health
and wellness,
fostering environmental
stewardship, and providing
inclusive recreational opportunities
for all residents.
* Exhibit Hall: Explore the latest
products and services in the field,
providing valuable insights and
networking
opportunities
with
industry leaders and vendors.
* Off-Site Institutes: Take advantage
of the opportunity to visit
and explore facilities in the Atlanta
area, gaining practical knowledge
and insights firsthand.
* Education Session Recommendations:
Attend sessions focusing
on CAPRA accreditation,
community engagement strategies
and revenue development
practices tailored to enhance
your professional expertise.
* NRPA Research Sessions (NRS):
Explore research session posters
(also available on the virtual platform)
throughout the conference,
offering valuable insights and innovations
in park and recreation
research.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAUGHT IN THE MOMENT
PHOTOGRAPHY
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2024 – Parks & Recreation
