Get the Most Out of the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference


By Amanda Hersey | Posted on September 27, 2023

Conference Schedule Blog 410

Pictured: Attendees at the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference watch the Opening General Session. Photo courtesy of Caught in the Moment Photography.

 

It’s almost conference time! In just a few days, park and recreation professionals from across the country will gather in Dallas for the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference — and we have a lot to be excited about.

We have filled the schedule with inspirational education sessions, networking opportunities, celebrations, and time to check out the latest products and services for our field.

Be sure to download the NPRA Events app, sponsored by Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, to bookmark your favorite sessions and get the latest information about the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference.

Here’s what is happening each day:

Pre-Conference Activities: Monday, October 9

  • The Golf Tournament at the historic Cedar Crest Golf Course lets you compete as a PGA champion with its rolling terrain, greenside bunkers and tree-lined fairways. Register for the remaining spots through the registration portal. Tickets are just $100.

    • Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT
  • During the Day of Service, with your help, we will plant 150 trees in Dallas’s historic Lake Cliff Park. We’ve partnered with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, the 2023 Conference Sustainability Partner Niagara Bottling, the National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society, and Women in Parks and Recreation to present this fun volunteer opportunity. We ask volunteers to dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothing and closed-toed shoes, be prepared to lift between 10 and 20 pounds and make sure anyone younger than 16 comes with a parent or guardian.

    • Time: Meet at 12:30 p.m. CDT at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center for shuttle service to the event. The event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. CDT.

  • Conference 101: A Crash Course for New Attendees gives you the tips and tricks to make the most of your time. There is no cost to attend this session.

    • Time: 5 to 6 p.m. CDT in Room D166 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
    • There is also a virtual option, taking place on Tuesday, October 3 at 2 p.m. EDT

  • The NRPA ‘Welcome to Texas’ Reception allows a glimpse into the Heart of Texas. Get ready to saddle up and experience the true spirit of the Lone Star State with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. Shuttles will be available from the convention center.

    • Time: 5 to 7 p.m. CDT at Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy.
  • The in-person retreat for the NRPA Young Professional Network will gather in Room D166 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

    • Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m. CDT

Day 1: Tuesday, October 10

  • The Opening General Session features a keynote from Vernā Myers, inclusion strategist, cultural innovator, thought leader and social commentator. Attendees also will hear from Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO, and Jesús Aguirre, Chair, NRPA Board of Directors.

    • Time: 9 to 10:30 a.m. CDT in Exhibit Hall F
  • With nearly 500 vendors in the Exhibit Hall, find new tools, products and services to help your communities grow and thrive. The first 1,500 people will receive a door prize from Burke Playgrounds.

    • Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT
  • The Speed Sessions are the most efficient way to earn CEU credits and engage with the speakers. Plus, you can enter to win a prize courtesy of CORE.

    • Time: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT in booths 442 and 2712 in the Exhibit Hall
  • Sign up for a chance to win a $500 daily prize from The Toro Company at booth 1621.

    • Time: You must enter by 1 p.m. CDT and must be present to win.
  • In-person NRPA Network Meetings:
    • DEI Network: 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. CDT in Room D170
    • Aquatics Network: 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. CDT in Room C141
    • Leadership Development Network: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. CDT in Room D170
  • LGBTQIA+ and Friends Meet and Greet at the Pegasus Bar.

    • Time: 5 to 6 p.m. CDT

Day 2: Wednesday, October 11

  • Goat yoga is your opportunity to relax and refocus your body and energy. Register for the remaining spots through the registration portal for just $35.

    • Time: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
  • The NRPA Armed Forces Recreation Network (AFRN) will meet in Room D175.

    • Time: 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. CDT
  • The Exhibit Hall on day two includes many fun activities:

    • The first 1,500 people will receive a door prize from Burke Playgrounds.
    • Enter the winning combination into the Prize Vault to win $100,000! Fill out your PlayCore badge insert, bring it to booth #2208 and trade it for a chance to enter a combination into the Prize Vault.
    • Sign up for a chance to win a $500 daily prize from The Toro Company at booth 1621. You must enter by 1 p.m. CDT and must be present to win.
    • Complete the EXPOdition Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win prizes. Visit Burke Playgrounds at booth 1631 to enter your completed card by 2:30 p.m. CDT. Contest rules and restrictions apply.
    • Catch the second round of Speed Sessions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT in booths 442 and 2712.
    • Exhibit Hall hours: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT
  • Network at the Exhibit Hall Luncheon, sponsored by Cartegraph (who is in booth 914 if you want to say thank you!). There will be boxed lunches – sandwiches, salads and wraps – plus options to accommodate food allergies or dietary preferences. Join everyone in Exhibit Hall E.

    • Time: 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. CDT (There will be three waves of ticket times to assist with pick-up line wait times)
  • Best of the Best Ceremony and Reception, sponsored by ACTIVE Network, recognizes the most inspirational people and programs, including the 2023 Innovation Awards and Spotlight Awards, newly CAPRA-accredited and re-accredited park and recreation agencies, Young Professional Fellowships, and Diversity and Student Scholarship recipients. Join the celebration at the Omni Dallas Hotel in the Trinity Ballroom.

    • Ceremony time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. CDT
    • Reception time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. CDT

Day 3: Thursday, October 12

  • Run/Walk/Roll the NRPA 5K on the historic Katy Trail, Dallas’s most popular running trail. Stay for the Texas-style, post-race breakfast! The $35 registration fee includes the 5K, a fun swag bag, finisher’s medal and a t-shirt, too. Sign up here.
    • Time: 8 to 10 a.m. CDT
  • The NRPA Education Network will meet in person in Room C154.

    • Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. CDT

Post-Conference Activities: Friday, October 13

  • Dallas Cowboys (NFL) and Texas Rangers (MLB) Stadium Tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at these popular sports attractions. Register for the remaining spots through the registration portal. Member Rate: $105 / Non-Member Rate: $125

    • Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT

Finally, we want to see all the fun you have and everything you learn at the conference! Be sure to follow NRPA on social media and share your insights, celebrations and fun experiences with everyone by using #NRPAConference2023 on your social media posts.

We can’t wait to see you in Dallas!

Amanda Hersey (she/her) is NRPA’s senior director of conferences.