If you’ve never attended NRPA’s Congress and Exposition, you may be wondering what happens or what you should do when it’s all over. Or hey, maybe it was your 5th time at Congress and you need a refresher.

Do you take the information and sit on it until next year, or do you act on the knowledge, connections, and lessons learned?

The NRPA Young Professional Network is launching a series of blogs and video blogs (also known as vlogs or v-logs) to answers questions just like these. In their first ever Professional Development Video Blog, young professional and Facility Manager at The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Atuya O. Cornwell interviews James Worsley, Ph.D., CPRE, Director, Columbus, GA Parks and Recreation on lessons learned from attending his first NRPA Congress. Dr. Worsley gives advice for acting on the knowledge learned and connections made at Congress as well as ways to get involved at the local and national level. He also gives advice on unlocking your talent toolbox and investing in your own human capital.  

This is great information for any young park and recreation professional, so if you are one listen up or if you know a young professional share this blog post with them! 

What did you learn from your first NRPA Congress? Did you meet anyone or learn anything that still impacts your career today? What advice would you give to a young professional? Any topics you’d like to see covered in the next Video Blog?  Share your feedback below or tweet us on Twitter with your responses to @NRPA_News and @YoungProf_NRPA.  You can also join in on the discussion with the Young Professionals by logging in on NRPA Connect and join the YPN group.

Be sure to connect with NRPA and Columbus Parks and Recreation on Facebook too!