Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Conference: September 29 – October 1
Exhibits: September 29 – 30

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Education Sessions

Gain access to hundreds of inspirational education sessions and earn CEUs.

Grow Your Skills. Grow Your Impact.

The NRPA Annual Conference is the go-to event for inspirational education sessions and energetic networking opportunities with some of the top leaders in the park and recreation profession. From in-person roundtables to pre-recorded lectures, our education offerings provide different session formats to best support all attendee learning styles.

One-Hour Sessions

Sessions feature either individual lectures or small panel discussions (up to four speakers) that deliver a selection of relevant and timely topics. All one-hour education sessions are presented live onsite.

Speed Sessions

Fast-paced, focused talks are designed to inform and inspire, covering a wide range of trends in parks and recreation. All speed sessions are pre-recorded for the Virtual Conference and presented live onsite.

Virtual Conference

Can't attend in person? Gain on-demand access to select one-hour sessions and all speed sessions through the conference app. Available for 60 days after the conference.

Ready to invest in your professional growth? Attend the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference.

Register Now
"The biggest challenge to finding great educational opportunities at the NRPA Annual Conference is deciding which one to go to out of at least 5–6 sessions I want to attend during each time slot. I will be able to implement something at my district from every session I attended this year."
Michael J. Selep, Executive Director, Bolingbrook Park District (Illinois)
"Attending the NRPA [Annual] Conference is like hitting 'refresh' on your idea screen every year. The education sessions reignite your creativity and passion, inspiring you to return home ready to elevate your programs, engage your community, and do what you do best...make a difference."
Jennifer Fean, Director, Northampton Township Parks and Recreation (Pennsylvania)
"The variety and quality of educational sessions at the NRPA Annual Conference is incredible. Whether you're in administration or programming, the opportunities for learning and networking are priceless."
Edward Austin, Athletics and Aquatics Manager, Wake Forest Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Resources (North Carolina)
"The sessions were informative, relevant and led by passionate experts in the field. I came away with fresh ideas and practical tools that I can immediately apply in my work."
Carlos Percival, Site Supervisor III, Orange County Government (Florida)
"The conference offers countless opportunities to learn and grow, with a wide range of sessions to choose from. Whether you're attending for the first time or you're a seasoned veteran, the NRPA [Annual Conference] provides the chance to expand your knowledge, build connections and grow professionally."
Dwight Freeman, Principal Recreation Specialist, M-NCPPC, Prince George's County (Maryland)
NRPA Annual Conference attendees listen to an education session

Finding Value in Our Education Sessions

Invest in yourself while elevating your community at this year’s NRPA Annual Conference! Designed to help you level up your career, these education sessions allow you to learn from the field and offer practical knowledge you can apply right away.

Whether you’re looking to grow on your expertise, explore new perspectives or chart your path forward, these sessions will provide you the skillset to lead with confidence.

Explore Session Topics

By attending the NRPA Annual Conference, you’ll have direct access to top topics of the field that will help you grow in your career. Our wide-range of education session topics include:

  • Access for All
  • Advocacy
  • Aquatics
  • Certification and Accreditation
  • Community, Culture and
    Engagement
  • Data and Evaluation
  • Environmental Resilience
  • Funding, Partnerships and
    Revenue Development
  • Health and Well-Being
  • Leadership and Personnel Management
  • Marketing and PR Communications
  • Networking and Career Development
  • Planning, Operations and Maintenance
  • Playgrounds
  • Programming and Recreation Services

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Attending the NRPA Annual Conference isn’t just professionally energizing — it counts. Earn Continuing Education Units* (CEUs) across in-person sessions and virtual content. Plus virtual sessions remain available for 60 days after the conference.

For in-person and select on-demand virtual sessions, you can earn:

  • 0.1 CEU per 1-hour session
  • 0.04 CEU per speed session

 

*CEUs are only available with select registration packages.

2025 NRPA Annual Conference speakers engage with attendees during an education session