It’s almost time for the 2014 NRPA Congress, held October 14–16 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and we’ve got all the information, tools and incentives you need to prepare. You’ll see a handful of changes this year, and they’re all designed to give you, our members and guests, the best possible experience.
In years past, we’ve included a hefty 100-page program guide to help you navigate the show floor, Pre-Congress Workshops, Off-Site Institutes, educational sessions, presentations, awards ceremonies, banquets and more on offer at NRPA Congress. This year, NRPA is embracing new technologies and green practices by eliminating the guide of old in favor of the new Congress app, streamlined pocket guide and sleek exhibit hall guide.
In the handy assortment of materials you’ll get upon visiting the check-in desk is our new and improved wallet-sized program guide, which packs a wealth of information into an easy-to-carry Z-fold card. You’ll find a list of all scheduled sessions; maps of the conference center, exhibit hall and greater Charlotte area; select Congress highlights; bus schedule; social media information; information on this year’s three featured Open General Session speakers, including parks, equity and social justice advocate Robert Garcia and Dr. Maya Rockeymoore, president and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Global Policy Solutions; and more.
The pared-down exhibit hall guide zeroes in more closely on that area, offering another detailed map of the floor plan, exhibitor information and various scheduling highlights. Of particular note are mentions of the new Learning Labs and Learning Playground, intimate educational opportunities that give you a chance to meet one on one with speakers to ask questions and discuss solutions. There’s also an exhaustive listing of all exhibitors and information on the highly anticipated NASCAR Tailgate Party, conveniently held in the exhibit hall, where guests can win a chance to meet a professional driver.
Finally, for those attendees who prefer to navigate Congress on their smartphones, our new app puts all the aforementioned information right at your fingertips. The app works for iPhone or Android and will allow you to create custom itineraries, take notes during the sessions, connect with colleagues and exhibitors, get real-time announcements about contests happening in the exhibit hall and much more. It will even sync across all your devices. The app will soon be available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Learn more about the NRPA Annual Conference.
Samantha Bartram is the Associate Editor of Parks & Recreation Magazine.
Best in Show
Attention 2014 Congress exhibitors! The premier event for park and recreation professionals isn’t just about networking and education, it’s also an opportunity to show off the best attributes of your company or organization. With that in mind, as you put together the elements of your showfloor booth, endeavor to be as creative and innovative as possible. Your efforts will certainly draw more attendees to your booth, but it also might earn you the coveted Best in Show award! Last year, playground specialists Cre8Play took home the big ribbon for their massive display — this year, with a little out-of-the-box planning, your team could be the big winners. Stay tuned for our September issue, which will include details about the 2014 Best in Show contest.