Unless otherwise noted, all events are at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Sunday, October 6

8 a.m.–5 p.m. Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course – Day 1 (West University Community Center)

8 a.m.–9 p.m. Off-Site Institutes

8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Aquatic Facility Operator Course – Day 1

12 noon–5 p.m. Registration Open

 

Monday, October 7

7:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Registration Open

8 a.m.–5 p.m. Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course – Day 2 (West University Community Center)

8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Pre-Congress Workshops

8:15 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Off-Site Institutes

8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Aquatic Facility Operator Course and Exam – Day 2

12 noon–5 p.m. Golf Tournament (Memorial Park Golf Course). Experience Memorial Park, the centerpiece of Houston’s vibrant park and recreation scene, which is visited by more than 10,000 people daily. Memorial is a classic parkland course that sits on 250 acres in the center of 1,502-acre Memorial Park, and it is an excellent test of your golf skills.

8–9:30 p.m. Gold Medal Reception – By Invitation Only (Hilton Americas Houston)

 

Tuesday, October 8

7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Registration Open (Satellite Registration Open on 3rd Floor: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.)

7:45–8:30 a.m. Young Professionals Meet ‘n’ Greet Breakfast (Hilton Americas Houston)

9–10:30 a.m. Opening General Session and Keynote Jeremy Gutsche, innovation expert and founder of TrendHunter.com, will ignite and help you channel your inner spark of innovation. He will educate and motivate you to generate breakthrough ideas during times of chaos and uncertainty. Be prepared for a captivating, high-energy presentation that’s sure to enlighten your creativity and leave you inspired.

9–11 a.m. Certified Playground Safety Inspector Exam (West University Community Center)

10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open (Exclusive Hours: 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.). At NRPA’s Congress, you will find the largest exposition in the park and recreation industry. With more than 350 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge products and services, the trade-show floor gives you the opportunity to see the latest products and services that enhance daily operations for park and recreation professionals. While you’re there, saddle up and put your Western skills to the test in the Membership Roundup area on the tradeshow floor. Get the chance to ride a mechanical bull, rope a calf and try other activities while networking, competing and reminiscing about the Old West with your peers.

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Exhibit Hall Luncheon. Vouchers provided with select registration packages.

1–6 p.m. Education Sessions

6:30 – 9 p.m. Opening Reception (Houston Museum of Natural Science). Dance with the dinosaurs and be amazed by the brilliant gems housed in the Houston Museum of Natural Science. You will have two and half hours to explore a variety of exhibits showcasing astrology, energy, paleontology and more. Come network with colleagues and friends while enjoying food, drinks and entertainment. Sponsored by GameTime.

 

Wednesday, October 9

7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Registration Open (Satellite Registration Open on 3rd Floor: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.)

8 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Education Sessions

9:30–10:30 a.m. Speed Sessions. This year, NRPA debuts an exciting new series that features quick, lively and innovative 20-minute learning sessions selected by you and presented by your peers. These interactive sessions provide insight into everything from top trends in the park and recreation field to camera tricks and apps for your phone.

10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open (Exclusive hours: 12 noon–3 p.m.)

10:45 a.m.–12 noon Education Sessions

12 noon–2 p.m. Exhibit Hall Luncheon. Vouchers provided with select registration packages.

3–6 p.m. Education Sessions

6–7 p.m. Leisure Research Symposium Poster Session (Hilton Americas Houston)

6:30–9:30 p.m. Park and Recreation Student Quiz Bowl (Hilton Americas Houston)

7–8:30 p.m. Best of the Best Ceremony (Hilton Americas Houston). Recognize the inspirational people and programs that remind us daily of the phenomenal work being done in the field, including the 2013 Network and National Award recipients, newly accredited and reaccredited agencies and academic programs, and the 2013 Young Professional Fellows and Diversity Scholarship recipients.

 

Thursday, October 10

7–9 a.m. 5K Fun Run/Walk (Hermann Park). The 5K Fun Run/Walk through scenic and historic Hermann Park will begin in the heart of the park at Molly Smith Plaza, next to the reflection pool. The route will pass Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Garden Center, Hermann Park Golf Course and the Houston Zoo. Wind your way through one of the most scenic runs in the city in its most culturally rich area.

7:30 a.m.–12 noon Registration Open (Satellite Registration Open on 3rd Floor: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.)

8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Off-Site Institutes

8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Education Sessions

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Parks Build Community: Shady Lane Park Dedication (Shady Lane Park). Buses to depart from Hall C at the George R. Brown Convention Center at 9:45 a.m., first-come, first-served.

11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Ethnic Minority Society Luncheon

6–8 p.m. Closing Party (Hyatt Regency Houston). An exciting opportunity to socialize with your peers and reflect on your 2013 Congress experience, this progressive networking party environment will feature a different flair of food and entertainment in each room. Join us as we wind down in style and set our sights on the 2014 Congress and Exposition in Charlotte, North Carolina.