Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, is quoted as saying, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” It’s a sentiment with which many who attended the recent NRPA Annual Conference in Las Vegas would agree. Kyle Sandine, aquatic and rink program supervisor for the  Park District of Oak Park shared: “This was my first national conference and as a young professional, it was one of the best experiences of my life. The amount of information I learned was phenomenal and provides the next step in my career. My master’s degree taught me a lot of theoretical skills; NRPA taught me practical skills which was the perfect blend.”

Theory meets practicality in many of the almost 300 educational sessions where subject matter experts who’ve essentially “been there; done that” share their real-life experiences and provide attendees with valuable takeaways. Anita Pesses, division chief of public affairs and marketing for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, captures this sentiment best: “NRPA Conference is by far the best learning experience for parks and recreation managers — I always bring home things to implement right away, and things to ponder.”

This year’s educational offerings not only covered a diversity of topics — from learning about drones in parks and developing marijuana policies, to the next steps in social media, and planning and designing the next generation of parks, and more — but did so in a variety of ways. Through 12 Off-Site Institutes, the Las Vegas Local Host Committee helped attendees get to know the real Las Vegas. Clark County Museum Administrator Mark Hall Patton took them on a “Mystery History Tour” around Las Vegas Valley and from Crystalaura Jackson and Alice Hulslander at the Clark County Wetlands Park, they picked up some tips for connecting their community to nature in the “Helping Communities Get Their Nature On” session. Some even had the opportunity to get wet trying their hand at log-rolling during the “Las Vegas Aquatics — Play and Practice” tour of Pavilion and Garside pools. 

Back by popular demand this year were the Learning Labs, Learning Playground and Glass Room Sessions, where attendees frequently were out of their seats, participating in interactive sessions, or had the opportunity for smaller, more intimate interaction with session presenters. 

If you were unable to join us in Las Vegas this year, you still have online access to the handouts from many of the educational sessions. The time you spend reviewing the sessions may be applicable toward your CEU requirements for CPRP renewal.

Planning is already underway for next year’s Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, and we’re poised to accept proposals for sessions you’d like to see in our lineup of education offerings. NRPA will begin accepting education session proposals October 5 and proposals for Speed Sessions will be accepted in early spring 2016. In the meantime, visit NRPA's website to keep abreast of all the announcements, deadlines, contests and more as we gear up for St. Louis!