Networking Activities

Day of Service

Join NRPA and Park Pride for a day of volunteering at June Elois Mundy Park! Park Pride is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that engages communities to activate the power of parks. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with community-driven efforts to enhance and beautify Atlanta’s parks and greenspaces. Projects include replanting the rain garden, refreshing paint, removing invasive species, mulching, and more!

Meet us Monday, October 7, at the Georgia World Congress Center on the main lobby level of Building B at 12:30 p.m. EST for shuttle service to the event. Shuttle service will also be available for the return trip. Wear comfortable clothing. Snacks and water will be provided.

Monday, October 7, 2024 at 1 – 4 p.m.

Membership Attractions

All events noted below are located in the Georgia World Congress Center Building B.

Conference 101: A Crash Course for New Attendees in 2024

New to conference? Then you don’t want to miss this! Students, new professionals, or distinguished professionals can all learn from a crash course on the NRPA Annual Conference. Find out more about the different events, networking opportunities, and where your best resources are located. Make the most of your time at this year’s NRPA Annual Conference with these tips, tricks, and secrets.

Monday, October 7, 2024 at 5 – 6 p.m. in room B216.

NRPA Member Area

The NRPA staff is looking forward to welcoming you at the NRPA Member Booth #1959! Visit the booth to learn about NRPA member benefits including Parks & Recreation magazine, certifications, CAPRA, NRPA Connect, research, advocacy, grant programs, and more. Learn how to maximize your NRPA membership and have all your NRPA questions answered. We will also be distributing the NRPA member gift giveaway so be sure to stop by booth #1959!

Network Meetings

The NRPA Networks are a great opportunity to connect with fellow professionals! NRPA’s six networks include Aquatics, Armed Forces Recreation, DEI, Education, Leadership Development, and Young Professionals, and they all meet in-person at the NRPA Annual Conference. Stop by a meeting to meet like-minded professionals, learn how to get involved, and stay connected all year long!

• Young Professionals Retreat – Monday, October 7, 2024 | 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Room B216
• DEI Network Meeting – Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 4 to 5 p.m. | Room B208
• Aquatics Network Meeting – Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 4 to 5 p.m. | Room B310
• Leadership Development Network (LDN) Meeting – Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. | Room B218
• Armed Forces Recreation Network (AFRN) Meeting – Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. | Room B301
• Education Network – Thursday, October 10, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Room B208

Scholarship Fellowship Breakfast

Join us on Tuesday morning at the NRPA Annual Conference as we gather to congratulate the Fellowship and Scholarship winners. You are invited to help us welcome these amazing folks!

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. | Room B208.

LGBTQIA+ and Friends Happy Hour

Join us for an informal happy hour to meet other LGBTQIA+ friends before heading to the opening reception.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Margaritaville 155 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

NRPA Directors School Networking Breakfast

Join us for a networking breakfast at NRPA’s Annual Conference exclusively for current and former attendees and faculty of NRPA’s Directors School.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. | Room B208.

NRS Roundtable

This is a research and poster session roundtable following the NRS poster sessions during which research presenters can meet for networking and discussion.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. | Room B215.

National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society Membership Meeting

This is the annual meeting for the National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society. The meeting is open to members of the organization and professionals that want to learn more about NRPEMS.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Room B216.

Welcome to Orlando Mixer! Powered by Outdoor Link

Join us in Atlanta as we kick off the journey to the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando! Hosted by the Orlando Local Host Committee, this exclusive networking event is designed to bring together park and recreation professionals and industry leaders from across the country. This evening promises to be a perfect mix of professional connections and relaxation. Enjoy great food, refreshing drinks, and casual conversations in a laid-back atmosphere. Connect with fellow industry leaders, exchange ideas, and get a sneak peek of what’s in store for NRPA 2025 in Orlando. Let’s build relationships, share insights, and set the stage for an incredible conference next year!

Stop by the Local Host Committee Booth at Booth 142 in the Exhibit Hall for snacks and more info!  

Register Here (for free) for this event using the password: Orlando2025