Pictured: 2024 NRPA Annual Conference attendees converse at one of two Speed Networking Sessions. Photo courtesy of Caught in the Moment Photography.
Networking in a large, crowded room has always been a challenge for me. The expectation to talk, connect and make an impression can feel overwhelming, especially in a space filled with some of the most accomplished professionals in the field of parks and recreation. At the NRPA Annual Conference, I often find myself among industry leaders and community impact-makers, which can be both inspiring and intimidating.
Fortunately, I have a “tribe” of professionals — a foundational circle of colleagues who support, inspire and challenge me in my work. This network is my constant anchor — people who celebrate my wins, help me navigate challenges and remind me I am not navigating this journey alone. However, I’m always looking to expand beyond my circle and to find those unexpected connections that can spark fresh ideas and perspectives.
Pictured: Some of Kimberly’s circle of colleagues at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Kimberly Zygmant.
To ease the stress, I try to plan ahead — deciding who I want to meet and which topics to discuss. But sometimes I don’t know who will be in the room and I crave the idea of opportunity for spontaneous conversations. You never know who you might meet — a hidden gem of a professional whose insights can leave a lasting impression.
At the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference, I found the perfect balance of structure and spontaneity in the conference’s first-ever Speed Networking Session — Park Perspectives — moderated by the hosts of NRPA’s Open Space Radio podcast.
Pictured: NRPA’s Open Space Radio hosts, (left to right) Cara Myers, Cort Jones and Christina High, moderate Speed Networking at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. Photo courtesy of Caught in the Moment Photography.
As I approached the room for the session, I saw a setup of tables filled with name cards. Attendees were divided into two roles: “anchors” and “movers.” I was assigned as an anchor, which immediately gave me clarity and comfort. My table was pre-designated, my name was clearly displayed and I felt reassured knowing exactly where I belonged.
The room itself was set with nearly 40 round tables, each with six chairs, and a central platform for the moderators. At first, the sheer size of the space was intimidating — until I realized most of the seats were still empty.
This was the Monday before the conference officially began, and I hadn’t fully switched into networking mode yet, but I chose a seat that gave me a good view of both the room and the moderators. As more people trickled in, the moderators addressed the “elephant in the room” — the low attendance. Their quick pivot created a more intimate experience, consolidating everyone into three full tables in the back of the room.
The moderators explained how the session would work: each table introduced its members and designated movers and anchors. Then, they posed a series of discussion questions, giving us several minutes for each topic. The small group format was a game changer. With just six people per table, there was ample time for everyone to share their experiences, insights and ideas. I noticed that some of my tablemates were hesitant or soft-spoken, much like me. It was comforting to see that I wasn’t alone in my networking shyness. The structured format took the pressure off initiating conversations. There was no awkward standing around or waiting for the “right moment” to approach someone. Instead, the session created an environment where everyone had a space to contribute and be heard.
This was one of the few times I felt like I truly belonged in a professional networking setting. I wasn’t just occupying a seat at the table — I was part of a meaningful exchange of ideas, experiences and encouragement. By the end of the session, business cards had been exchanged and connections had been made. I met professionals whose paths I may never have crossed otherwise and I left feeling inspired by the incredible work they do in their communities.
The session wasn’t just about networking — it was about uplifting each other, sharing advice and resources and stepping outside our comfort zones in a supportive space. It allowed me to show up as myself, bringing my unique experiences and perspectives to the table. This speed session was a reminder that even in a room full of unfamiliar faces, there is always a space where you can belong, contribute and grow. And as I continue to expand my professional network, I know I’ll always have my tribe — the foundation that keeps me grounded and empowers me to thrive in spaces like this.
Kimberly Zygmant (she/her) is the assistant director for Layton City (Utah) Parks and Recreation