Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Conference: September 29 – October 1
Exhibits: September 29 – 30
EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Conference: September 29 – October 1
Exhibits: September 29 – 30
EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS:
Join us for some exciting events to network with your peers at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference. Click here for instructions on how to sign up.
Tuesday, September 29 | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Three venues. One night. Rooted in a Philadelphia tradition.
In Philadelphia, block parties are a beloved tradition that bring communities together through food, music and shared experience. As the city celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, that spirit is taking center stage across neighborhoods citywide. At the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference, we’re bringing that same energy to our opening reception.
Kick off the conference with an immersive block party experience in the iconic Fishtown neighborhood, unfolding across three unique spaces:
Photo courtesy of Special Events at Live Nation
Throughout the evening, the whole block will come alive with outdoor lounge spaces, lawn games, food and beverage stations, and opportunities to connect under the Philadelphia skyline. This is a park and recreation celebration inspired by a citywide tradition that you won’t want to miss!
Wednesday, September 30 | 6 – 7 p.m.
Pennsylvania Convention Center
300-Level Grand Ballroom
Join us as we recognize and celebrate the most inspirational people and programs by presenting 2026 Hall of Fame Induction, Innovation Awards and Spotlight Awards. The newly CAPRA-accredited and re-accredited park and recreation agencies, certified professionals, Young Professional Fellows, and Diversity and Student Scholarship recipients also will be recognized. There will be a cash bar reception immediately after the ceremony so you can celebrate and network with your peers.
Wednesday, September 30 | 7 – 8 p.m.
Pennsylvania Convention Center
300-Level Grand Ballroom
The reception will immediately follow the Best of the Best Ceremony.
Thursday, October 1 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Marriott Philadelphia Downtown
1200 Filbert Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
The Ethnic Minority Society Awards Luncheon is an annual luncheon which recognizes the different experiences of the park and recreation profession, and provides an opportunity to network and learn more about the organization.
To sign up for the ticketed events, please make your selection during the conference registration process. If you already have registered for the conference, you can add the event to your current order by logging in to the registration site and modifying your registration.
Join us in Philadelphia, September 29 – October 1, to celebrate how parks and recreation bring us together, strengthen health and well-being, and build more resilient, connected communities.