Baltimore a.k.a. “Charm City” is made up of 262 parks stretched across more than 4,600 acres and an additional 1,200 acres of urban wilderness — the second largest in the United States. Combine that with the rich American history, the diversity in their more than 225 neighborhoods, a booming art scene, the Inner Harbor and all of its attractions, and, of course, their world-famous blue crabs, and there is no wonder why it is the perfect location for the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference.

Mark your calendars now for three days filled with lively networking activities, inspirational sessions, a look at the most innovative products in the field, and of course, a whole lot of fun!


2019 NRPA Annual Conference
September 24-26, 2019
Baltimore Convention Center
One West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD  21201

Sign up at the bottom of this page for updates on the schedule, hotel blocks, discounts and more.

Welcome to Baltimore! — Episode 049

Welcome to Baltimore blog 410

Tune in on your way to Baltimore for the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference to hear valuable insider tips on making the most of your time at conference, things that are new to the conference this year and the events that you won’t want to miss!

Listen Now

We’re Going Live at the NRPA Annual Conference!

Conference Social Media Live Schedule 410

The best moments from the NRPA Annual Conference are coming to your newsfeed!

Read more

Learn How to Influence Public Policy at the 2019 NRPA Conference

Public Policy NRPA Conference blog 410

NRPA’s Public Policy Team is excited to share three opportunities for you to advocate on behalf of park and recreation policy priorities and influence your Members of Congress as part of the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference.

Read more

Bring on the Charm!

2019 September Conference Bring on the Charm 410

Discover Baltimore, or “Charm City,” a walkable, vibrant downtown community with unique attractions, vast history and a wide variety of delectable choices.

Read more

Conservation Sessions at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference

2019 Conference Conservation Sessions blog 410

To help you plan for the upcoming NRPA Annual Conference, here are some of our “must see” conservation sessions that are sure to inspire ideas you can take back home with you.

Read more

eSports at the Rec Center? — Episode 046

Rise of eSports 410

eSports, or video game competitions, isn’t new, but it is a growing trend. So much so that eSports is starting to make a space for itself in the world of parks and recreation.

Listen Now

Addressing Equitable Park Access One Session at a Time

Park Access Sessions blog 410

We've picked a few equitable park access sessions that you won't want to miss at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference.

Read more

Health and Wellness Sessions at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference

Priority Health and Wellness Sessions blog 410

These health and wellness education sessions at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore will leave you eager to make advancements back home.

Read more

Marketing Recipe for Success #Nailedit

Katy Keller blog 410

Whether you're part of a marketing team or marketing is simply one of the many hats that you wear, you'll be able to get the latest marketing strategies in the Marketing Certificate Program pre-conference workshop.

Read more

Unique Learning Opportunities for Directors

August 2019 Conference Feature Unique Learning Opportunities for Directors 410

Collaborate with directors from across the country on issues such as design thinking, urban infrastructure, urban carbon credits, renewable energy, advocacy, capital investment strategies and more.

Read more

Insider's Tips for Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference

August 2019 Conference Feature Insider Tips 410

Some tips to help you get the most from your time in Baltimore.

Read more

Some 'Not-to-Be-Missed' Special Events!

August 2019 Conference Feature Some Not to Be Missed Special Events 410

This year’s NRPA Annual Conference includes more opportunities to learn from inspiring people, reconnect with colleagues and make new meaningful relationships with peers from across the country.

Read more

Don't Miss the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference Closing Session!

August 2019 Conference Feature Closing Sessions 410

It promises to be an inspirational, high-energy finale!

Read more

How Is a Park and Rec Agency Like a Swiss Army Knife?

August 2019 Conference Feature Park and Rec Agency Swiss Army Knife 410

Mental health, climate resiliency, opioid epidemic and homelessness - check out some of the educational opportunities focused on trending issues park departments are being called on to help solve.

Read more

Parks Build Community 2019

August 2019 Social Equity Parks Build Community 410

The renovated Catherine Street Park, this year’s Parks Build Community project, will provide community residents with outdoor opportunities to play and socialize.

Read more

Self-Care at #NRPAConference: Five Practices

conference self care blog 410

It’s easy to get caught up in meetings, workshops and afterhours fun at a conference, not to mention trying to keep work running smoothly back home. Here are five self-care tips for the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Read more

Reaching the Summit at the NRPA Annual Conference

summit blog 410

You know that feeling you get when you summit a mountain after a long hike? That's the feeling Lindsay Labas gets at the NRPA Annual Conference.

Read more

Disability Rights Activist Haben Girma to Deliver Closing General Session Keynote

2019 July Conference Highlights Haben Girma 410

Girma, the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, shares a bit about her passions and thoughts on an inclusive world.

Read more

Education Highlights: The Magic of Modification

2019 July Conference Education Highlights 410

Get a taste of what’s being offered on the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference Recreation and Sports Programming track.

Read more

A ‘Deep Bench’ of Subject Matter Experts at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference

2019 July Conference Speaker Highlights 410

Meet some of the nearly 550 subject matter experts who’ll be sharing their expertise at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference.

Read more

Exhibit Hall Highlights

2019 July Conference Exhibit Hall Highlights 410

Giveaways, challenges, learning playground sessions, scavenger hunt and more than 400 exhibitors await you in this year’s Exhibit Hall!

Read more

NRPA Live

2019 July Conference NRPA Live 410

Can’t physically make it to Baltimore? Join us virtually through NRPA Live...

Read more

The Baltimore Pre-Conference Workshops

2019 June NRPA Update Pre Conference Workshops 410

Dive into this year’s educational opportunities in Baltimore, Maryland, by attending a pre-conference workshop on Monday, September 23.

Read more

Get Out and Explore Baltimore and DC!

2019 June NRPA Update Leisure tours Active Outings 410

During the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference, discover Baltimore’s rich history and culture through several Off-Site Institutes and Leisure Tours and Activities.

Read more

Parks and Recreation's Secret Superpower

2019 June NRPA Update Parks and Rec Secret Superpower 410

Attend the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference to learn more about the idea of parks and recreation as a tonic for mental health challenges in related education sessions.

Read more

The 2019 NRPA Annual Conference Preview

2019 conf preview

Whether you are a repeat NRPA Annual Conference attendee or a newbie, you probably want to know a little more about the event before (or after) you register. Here is a preview to help you plan.

Read More

Take Your Agency from ‘Zero to Sexy’

2019 May NRPA Update Zero to Sexy 410

Help your elected officials recognize the importance of investing in your efforts to improve community health, conserve natural resources and build a community where everyone is welcome.

Read more

Use Your Power of Persuasion

2019 April NRPA Update Use Your Power of Persuasion 410

How to justify your trip to the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference.

Read more