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The NRPA Annual Conference brings park and recreation professionals together to connect, learn and innovate. Networking opportunities invite attendees to collaborate on solutions to shared challenges and reinvigorate their interest in parks and recreation through social connection with their peers. Make the most of your attendance by following these key networking tips from your colleagues in the field:

1. “Start now by developing a networking plan, e.g., identify organizations that are aligned with your professional interests, as well as fellow professionals who you may know on social media platforms, but [never have] met in person,” suggests Mark A. Young, Parks Forever Consulting and Advocacy.
2. “…[B]e clear on your networking priorities before you go. Are you looking for a new job? Want to market your services to potential clients? Want to have an in-depth conversation with a manufacturer’s rep about a big project? Just trying to expand your national network of colleagues — what market sector or part of the country is your top priority?” says Mike Abbaté, Abbaté Designs LLC.
3. “Seek out groups different from [those] you would normally hang out with. This is the largest gathering of parks and recreation professionals in the world, take advantage of it,” says Neelay Bhatt, Next Practice Partners LLC.
4. “Try to locate your ‘place’: a nearby coffee shop, outdoor space, [or] part of the convention center or hotel that is aesthetically pleasing and out of the main flow of people. This will be your meeting place. Share this location with those you are trying to meet,” notes Abbaté.
5. “Take plenty of cards. Ask each person for something you would like them to share with you once they get back. For example, maybe it’s their volunteer policy. On the back of your card, write what you would like them to share upon their return home. That way, you’ll stand out,” suggests Roslyn Johnson, Annapolis (Maryland) Recreation and Parks.
6. “Plan your sessions before you leave for [the] conference. Go up to the presenters you really liked and ask for their card. Before you leave, send them a message about what you liked about their session,” adds Johnson.
7. “Don’t be afraid to initiate with a simple, ‘Hi, I’m….’ Many people wait for others to be friendly first and then are disappointed that no one has talked with them,” recommends Tim Herd, Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society.
8. “Repeat people’s names when introduced to help remember them. Use their name (sparingly!) in a conversation,” adds Herd.
9. “Invite someone or their organization to come see your park system or city — ‘[I]f you or your staff ever find yourself in my city, you have an open invitation for a park tour or meeting!’” says AP Diaz, Seattle Parks and Recreation.
10. “Follow up with people you meet and [find] interesting. Your follow-up doesn’t need to be an ask (but it can be). Oftentimes, a note just acknowledging meeting or offering a compliment or a recap of something [that] was said when you met is impactful and memorable,” adds Diaz.

Community grows at the NRPA Annual Conference. The connections you make will help you foster wellness, resilience and equity in your community through parks and recreation. Click here to learn more about the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference.

Thank you to Mike Abbaté, FASLA, LEED AP, principal at Abbaté Designs LLC; Neelay Bhatt, founder and CEO of Next Practice Partners LLC; Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent Anthony-Paul (AP) Diaz, Esq.; Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society CEO Tim Herd, CPRE; Annapolis (Maryland) Recreation and Parks Director Roslyn Johnson, CPRP; and Mark A. Young, Parks Forever Consulting and Advocacy, for their contributions to this article.