Pre-Conference Workshops

Get the most out of your trip to Phoenix by attending a pre-conference workshop (PCW) before the conference kicks off. Training opportunities include certification courses and exams. Separate registration is required. 

Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Course and Exam (1.5 CEUs)           
Sunday, September 18 – Monday, September 19 | 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. MST

Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Exam Only
Monday, September 19 | 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. MST

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Exam Prep (0.4 CEUs)
Monday, September 19 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MST

Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Preparatory Workshop (0.8 CEUs)
Monday, September 19 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MST

Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Course and Exam (1.5 CEUs)
Saturday, September 17 - Monday, September 19 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MST

Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Course Only (1.5 CEUs)
Saturday, September 17 – Sunday, September 18 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MST

Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Exam Only
Monday, September 19 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MST

Off-Site Institutes

Sign up for an off-site institute (OSI) and join the Phoenix Local Host for an inspiring tour of the unique cultural attractions, stand-out parks and more in Phoenix and beyond. Separate registration is required.

Monday, September 19

Arizona State University/Phoenix Downtown Campus Story and Tour (0.1 CEUs)
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. MST
The ASU Phoenix Downtown Campus is masterful planned joint project. Learn how the history of this incredible development originated and the enormous economic and community benefits.

East Valley Park and Facilities Tour (0.1 CEUs)
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. MST
Mesa and Gilbert parks and recreations departments offer several unique facilities that make for memorable recreational opportunities. Tour the amenities of six different facilities and hear about how partnerships and vendor relationships lead to their success.

Hance Park Conservancy (0.1 CEUs)
8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. MST
Learn how major arts and educational facilities came together to form the Hance Park Conservancy in support of the redevelopment of Margaret T. Hance Park – a 32-acre park sitting atop the Interstate-10 freeway tunnel.

Maricopa County Parks - Lake Pleasant Regional Park (0.1 CEUs)
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MST
Explore Arizona's most unique managed recreation area, Maricopa County's Lake Pleasant Regional Park. 10,000 acres of the park land, managed by Maricopa County Parks and Recreation and owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, is comprised of the Colorado River reservoir. Learn about the challenges of natural resource management and what is needed to operate the resources effectively, enhance visitors' experiences and build lasting partnerships.

Rio Salado-Reimagined (0.1 CEUs)
8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. MST
The historic Salt River (Rio Salado) bed is the reason the ancient pre-historic Hohokam Natives took up residence in “Phoenix.” Learn how conservation, recreation, commercial, multi-governmental and community development have come together to develop and plan this 40+ mile natural resource.

Fountain Hills Destination Park and Splash Pad (0.1 CEUs)
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. MST
Join us for an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at two of the newest, most exciting park installations in Arizona. Fountain Park is home to one of the world’s tallest fountains and draws visitors from across the state and around the globe. This park was also home to one of the first splash pads in Arizona and a modest playground for local users.

Local Host Leisure Tours and Activities

Get active and explore Phoenix with the Local Host's leisure tours and activities. Separate registration is required.

Monday, September 19

Horseback Ride
6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. MST
Saddle up and come ride the trail in South Mountain Park. Experience the Arizona wild like never before and cross the Verde on your horse. Make sure to keep a look out for wildlife!

How to Sign Up

Pre-conference workshops, off-site Institutes, and Local Host leisure tours and activities are not included with conference registration. To register, please make your selection during the conference registration process. If you already have registered for the conference, you can go back and add on the event by logging in to the registration site and modifying your registration. NRPA Annual Conference registration is not required to attend PCWs, OSIs, or Local Host leisure tours and activities.