Events

NEW Speed Networking Events

Ticketed Event: $0*
*Complimentary with a Full-Package Registration

Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), Thomas Murphy Ballroom (Sections 2-3)

Description
Looking to connect with peers from around the country at the conference? Then you won’t want to miss these complimentary Speed Networking events. Attendees will be randomly placed in groups of eight at round tables, and rotations and new discussion topics will be announced throughout the event. Share new ideas, goals and/or successful outcomes you have achieved during the rapid exchange session, then stay to network, continue conversations and connect. Choose the option that best fits your schedule, role, and agency. Reserve your seat now; space is limited!

Event #1: Speed Networking – Park Perspectives

Monday, October 7

3 to 4:45 p.m.

GWCC, Thomas Murphy Ballroom (Sections 2-3)

To help guide you to the Speed Networking Session you may want to participate in most, here is a list of possible topics for the Parks Perspectives:

• Collaboration With Other Departments
• Communicating the Value of Parks
• Conservation
• Emergency Plans
• Environmental Resilience
• Facility Maintenance/Management
• Field Maintenance/Management
• Green Infrastructure
• Leadership (From Parks Perspective)
• Maintenance Standards
• Nature-Based Play and Programming
• Partnerships
• Permitting
• Staffing Challenges/Training
• Trades
• Tools and Machinery
• Working with Elected Officials (From Parks Perspective)

Event #2: Speed Networking – Recreation Rounds

Tuesday, October 8

4:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.

GWCC, Thomas Murphy Ballroom (Sections 2-3)

To help guide you to the Speed Networking Session you may want to participate in most, here is a list of possible topics for the Recreation Rounds:

• Accessibility
• Communicating the Value of Recreation
• Creating Equitable Programming
• Disability Inclusion
• Emergency plans
• Evaluation
• Inclusion
• Leadership (From Recreation Perspective)
• Marketing
• New Program Ideas
• Special Events
• Staffing Challenges
• Working With Elected Officials (From Recreation Perspective)

NRPA Opening Reception

SPONSORED BY:

Tuesday, October 8

7 to 9 p.m.

Georgia Aquarium

Make a splash at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference Opening Reception at the Georgia Aquarium! Spend your evening observing fish and animals while enjoying live music, games, food and drinks. This is a great opportunity to celebrate with thousands of your peers; you don’t want to miss the largest park and recreation party of the year! This ticketed event is included with full package, young professional and retired registrations.

Best of the Best Ceremony

Wednesday, October 9

6 to 7 p.m.

GWCC, Thomas Murphy Ballroom

Join us as we recognize and celebrate the most inspirational people and programs by presenting 2024 Innovation Awards and Spotlight Awards. The Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research will be presented for the first time since 2021. 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, October 9

7 to 8 p.m.

GWCC, Thomas Murphy Ballroom

Ethnic Minority Society (EMS) Luncheon

Thursday, October 10

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center (Co-HQ Hotel)

The Ethnic Minority Society Awards Luncheon is an annual luncheon that recognizes the diversity in 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.