Pictured: Michelle Stout, CPRP, ACSM CPT, recreation manager for Apex Park and Recreation District at her session at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference in Dallas.
Excitement doesn’t begin to cover how I am feeling about the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta this year! Reflecting on my experience at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference in Dallas in, made possible by the Merrell Scholarship, I realize just how transformative this opportunity was. While I had attended the Colorado Parks and Recreation Conference (CPRA) for six consecutive years, the NRPA Annual Conference was like no other conference I have attended — it far exceeding my expectations.
I thought I had an idea of what the NRPA Annual Conference would be like, and goodness was I wrong. This was a conference on steroids! The number of people from across the country, the amount of sessions, the massive exhibit hall with completely built playgrounds and all the swag you can imagine, to the after parties that you can’t forget — my senses were overloaded.
For those who may feel apprehensive about large conferences, especially introverts, NRPA offers a tailored experience. First-time attendees can participate in sessions designed to ease them into the conference atmosphere, connect with peers who might be feeling the same emotions, and receive guidance on navigating the event. Despite my typically extroverted nature, I walked into this experience as an introvert, not knowing how valuable the conference would be. Intimidated was a word to explain how I felt on that first day.
Pictured: Michelle (left) and Katie Groke, MPA, CPRP, Director of Community Services at Apex Park and Recreation District stand at the entrance of the exhibit hall at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference.
One of the most unexpected yet rewarding aspects of the conference was the connection I forged with fellow professionals from Colorado. Not only did I meet some extraordinary professionals from all around the country, but I didn’t know the extent of friendship and ongoing camaraderie that would be built within our Colorado team. Although we were acquainted, it wasn’t until we attended the Colorado social that we really got to know one another. We all bonded, shared experiences, laughed, made memories and created inside jokes that have been ongoing since the conference. Belonging was a word to explain how I was feeling after that first day.
Pictured: Park and recreation professionals from Colorado at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference.
A particularly meaningful moment from the Dallas conference was meeting Carrie Fullerton, executive director at Arlington Heights Park District, with whom I had been paired through the AAPRA Mentorship program. Our virtual mentorship had already created a strong bond and friendship, but meeting Carrie in person and sharing lunch was a highlight of the conference. She spoke about her past experiences at the conference, how to dive into the sessions, expand my network, and learn from others at every moment I encountered. Grateful was a word to explain how I was feeling after meeting with my mentor.
Pictured: Carrie Fullerton (left), executive director of Arlington Heights Park District, and Michelle at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference.
Presenting on a panel with other awardees was a significant milestone that pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was such a positive experience that I decided to apply to present at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference — and I’m thrilled to announce that both of my sessions were accepted. This opportunity proved that no matter your title, your organization or experience, you are just as important as anyone else in the room. Thankful is a word to round out my first NRPA Annual Conference.
Here are a few key insights from my first NRPA Annual Conference:
- Network: Meet new people, collect business cards, and follow up via email or LinkedIn.
- Seize opportunities: Apply for scholarships — you never know what doors they might open.
- Engage fully: Explore the exhibit hall, engage with vendors, get the swag, play the games and attend the socials.
- Step out of your comfort zone: Consider applying to present a session; it’s a rewarding experience you’ll never forget.
The NRPA Annual Conference is more than just an event — it’s an opportunity to grow, connect and make lasting impacts in the field of parks and recreation. Enthusiasm is a word to explain how I am feeling about the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference!
Join me in Atlanta at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference
Michelle Stout, CPRP, ACSM CPT, is a recreation manager for Apex Park and Recreation District.