The 2026 NRPA Annual Conference is almost here! From Tuesday, September 29 through Thursday, October 1, parks and recreation professionals from across the country will come together for three busy days of learning, sharing ideas, and connecting with others who understand the work you do.
With more than 250 educational sessions covering everything from programming and community engagement to funding, facilities, data, and customer service, deciding what to attend can feel like a job of its own.
To make planning a little easier, the RecDesk team selected 30 sessions we think are worth adding to your schedule. Browse our picks below and start building an agenda that works for you!
While you’re moving between sessions, stop by the Xplor Recreation Booth, #1707, to meet the RecDesk team, ask questions, and see how we’re helping parks and recreation departments simplify their everyday work.
See you in Philadelphia!
👆 Jump to Tuesday’s Educational Sessions
2026 NRPA Educational Sessions: Tuesday, September 29
From Teens to Trailblazers: How Teen Programs Build Leaders, Professionals and Purpose
- Speakers: JaCory Bazell, Carlos Chapman
- Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
- Room: 118AB
Great Leaders Get Fired: Planning for the Worst
- Speakers: Greg Jackson, Lakita Frazier, Ryan Hegerness
- Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
- Room: 201AB
Wearing All the Hats: How Small Agencies Make It Work
- Speakers: Emmy Richards, Keith Cox
- Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
- Room: 121AB
Activating “America’s Outdoor Era” – A New Vision for Public Health in America Through Outdoor Recreation
- Speakers: Whitney Potter Schwartz, Kristine Stratton, Vanesa Karmanian, Nathan Reigner
- Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
- Room: 201AB
Choose Your Own Adventure: The Power of Succession Planning
- Speakers: Myla Neal, Tommy Cureton
- Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
- Room: 126AB
From Green Fees to Free Green Space: Converting Golf Courses Into Public Parks
- Speakers: Michael Kirschman, Steve Torpy, Owen Wells
- Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
- Room: 119B
From World Cup to Your Community – Growing the Game With MLS GO
- Speakers: Chris Ward, Chris Busey, Patrick Kelleher
- Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
- Room: 113C
Gloves and Ears: Leadership and Life Lessons From Rocky Balboa and Mickey Mouse
- Speaker: Neeley Bhatt
- Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
- Room: 114 (Michael A. Nutter Theatre)
Maximizing Food and Beverage Operations/Concessions: 39 Strategies in 60 Minutes
- Speakers: John Prue, Michael Holtzman
- Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
- Room: 105AB
Politics, People and Performances: Leading Teams With Competing Ambitions
- Speakers: Shonnda Smith, Hashim Taylor
- Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
- Room: 108AB
2026 NRPA Educational Sessions: Wednesday, September 30
Becoming the Park and Recreation Influencer Your Community Needs
- Speakers: Margo Diamond-Nelson, Stacey Arismendez-Martienez, Erin Hamilton
- Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
- Room: 113C
Collaborations and Community Events – Money Isn’t Everything!
- Speakers: Johnathan Skinner, Lydie Gutfeld
- Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
- Room: 121AB
Hidden Farm System: Smaller Agencies Are Growing Your Next Superstar
- Speakers: Emmy Richards, Chris Nunes
- Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
- Room: 103C
I’m Not Supposed to Be Here… And That’s Why I’m Perfect for the Job!
- Speakers: Keith Cox, Trista Taylor
- Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
- Room: 201AB
Introduction to GIS for Park Asset Management
- Speaker: Mitchell Fransen
- Time: 1:15 – 1:40 PM
- Room: Exhibit Hall: Speed Sessions Section B (Booth #246)
Commanding the Space: How Park and Recreation Professionals Can Walk In and Own Any Room
- Speakers: Roslyn Johnson, Jai Cole, Bernita Reese, Shonda Smith
- Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
- Room: 114 (Michael A. Nutter Theatre)
From Happy Accidents to Intentional Impact: Growing the Next Generation for Parks and Recreation Pros
- Speakers: Stacey Dicke, Meredith Lawrence, Tom Venniro
- Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
- Room: 103AB
Other Duties as Assigned: Marketing Without a Marketing Department
- Speaker: Stacey MacCammon
- Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
- Room: 115AB
Future Directors Unplugged
- Speakers: Tabitha Martinez, Molly Keays, Jonelle Bailey, Bernita Reese
- Time: 4:15 – 5:15 PM
- Room: 114 (Michael A. Nutter Theatre)
The Esports Blueprint 2.0: Expanding Access, Engagement and Revenue Through Community-Based Gaming
- Speakers: Cody Wager, Justin Swaney
- Time: 4:15 – 5:15 PM
- Room: 105AB
2026 NRPA Educational Sessions: Thursday, October 1
From Magic to Meaning: Carrying Disney’s Culture to the City of Brotherly Love
- Speakers: Thomas Venniro, Aaron Dalzot
- Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
- Room: 113AB
Mastering Mobile Recreation: Transforming Outdoor and Community Engagement
- Speakers: Raynetta Brown, Chauncey Milbrandt, Oscar Venegas
- Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
- Room: 119B
Zero to 90: A High-Speed Adventure Through the First 90 Days
- Speakers: Kate Meacham, Jennifer Robinson
- Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
- Room: 201AB
Playmaker to Playcaller: The Survival Guide for New Supervisors
- Speakers: Zachary Morris, CPRP, Darius Davis, Christian Bell
- Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
- Room: 201AB
The Circle of Life… of Programs: What Thrives, What Dies, What Needs a Reboot
- Speakers: Megan Keul, Kevin Witte
- Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
- Room: 118AB
Beyond Recreation: Cultivating a Culture of Emergency Response in Los Angeles City
- Speakers: Melanie Escamilla, Adriana Smith
- Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
- Room: 105AB
The Concession Advantage: Funding and Activating Public Spaces
- Speakers: Richard DePalma, Katie Burns Kays, Christin Chute Canul
- Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
- Room: 109AB
The Power of Public-Private Partnerships: How Baltimore Built 60+ Playgrounds in Three Years
- Speakers: Sally Dorman, Dr. Reginald Moore, Frank Lance, Lysa Ratliff
- Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
- Room: 201AB
Dallas Park Safety and Security Dashboard: Data-Driven Strategies for a Safer Park and Trail System
- Speakers: Kevin Mondy, Jeremy McMahon, Joseph Kheir
- Time: 2:30 – 3:30 PM
- Room: 105AB
T.E.A.M. at Work: A 20-Year Workforce Development Model Building Skills, Confidence and Community
- Speakers: Adesimbo Jery, Dr. Farah Shakour-Bridges, Gamal Gordon, Darnell Mills
- Time: 2:30 – 3:30 PM
- Room: 109AB
Make the Most of NRPA 2026!
No matter which sessions make it onto your agenda, we hope you leave NRPA 2026 with practical ideas, helpful insights, and new strategies you can bring back to your department and community.
Between sessions, visit Xplor Recreation Booth #1707 and say hello to the RecDesk team! We’d love to hear about the work your department is doing, learn what challenges are taking up your team’s time, and show you how RecDesk can help make everyday recreation management easier.
When you stop by, you can:
- Pick up exclusive RecDesk swag.
- Get a live look at RecDesk and see the platform in action.
- Chat with our recreation technology experts.
- Learn how RecDesk can help your team simplify registrations, memberships, facility management, payments, reporting, and more.
We can’t wait to connect with you in Philadelphia. Safe travels, enjoy the show, and be sure to stop by Booth #1707 and say hello!