Orlando, Florida
Exhibits: September 16-17
Conference: September 16-18

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Networking Events

Join us for some exciting events to network with your peers at the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference.

2025 Local Host Committee (LHC) Welcome to Orlando Event

Monday, September 15 | 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Rosen Plaza Hotel

Kick Off the Conference in Style!

Join your Local Host Committee Monday night in vibrant Orlando, Florida, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for an unforgettable evening that sets the stage for the 2025 NRPA Conference. The Welcome to Orlando Event offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, innovators and peers in an exclusive, energizing atmosphere.

Begin the evening in Ballroom C with music, dancing, food and fun, then enjoy the tropical atmosphere outside at the Upper Pool Deck, where we will have even more entertainment and interactive experiences designed to inspire and delight. Enjoy a curated selection of delectable cuisine and complimentary beverages guaranteed to satisfy every taste.

Come together to spark meaningful connections, share ideas and celebrate the start of an exciting journey. This is more than just an event — it’s the gateway to a week of inspiration and collaboration!

NRPA Annual Conference Opening Reception

Tuesday, September 16 | 7 – 11 p.m.

Get ready for one of the biggest parties NRPA has ever thrown, because we’ve reserved the entire Universal Islands of Adventure theme park just for you! Featuring themed lands and cutting-edge rides, Islands of Adventure promises excitement around every bend.

 

This is where it goes down. And up. And down again. Superheroes. Magical creatures. A school of witchcraft and wizardry. Even dinosaurs (turns out, not so extinct). Take a ride, multiple rides. Some will drench you. Some will just mess up your hair. Some will make your head spin (figuratively speaking). All of them will say: Every island is a new reality. It’s a universe of action and excitement — and it’s all yours.

Universal elements and all related indicia TM & ©2025 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Universal Studios sign outside park

Best of the Best Ceremony

Wednesday, September 17 | 6 – 7 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Orlando (Headquarter Hotel), Windermere Ballroom

Join us as we recognize and celebrate the most inspirational people and programs by presenting 2025 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.

 

Best of the Best Reception

Wednesday, September 17 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Orlando (Headquarter Hotel), Windermere Ballroom

The reception will immediately follow the Best of the Best ceremony.

Ethnic Minority Society (EMS) Luncheon

Thursday, September 18 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Orlando (Headquarter Hotel), Windermere Ballroom

The Ethnic Minority Society Awards Luncheon is an annual luncheon that recognizes the different experiences of the recreation profession and provides an opportunity to network and learn more about the organization.

 

How to Sign Up for Ticketed Events

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.