You can’t host the biggest park and recreation conference in the world without incorporating bigtime special events. That’s why this year at the NRPA Annual Conference in Indianapolis, there will be hundreds of exciting sessions and several social opportunities and ways to not only interact with your peers, but also to have some fun. You work hard all year long; it’s time to celebrate your success with thousands of your colleagues this September 25–27. Here are just a few of the events you won’t want to miss:

Double the Keynote, Double the Inspiration
Each year, the NRPA General Session features an inspirational keynote to help get the conference off to an invigorating start. But this year, attendees will get to attend two keynote presentations and be doubly inspired. On Tuesday, September 25, Peter Kageyama — author of For the Love of Cities: The Love Affair Between People and Their Places and the follow-up, Love Where You Live: Creating Emotionally Engaging Places — will inspire you to continue to make your communities great places to live. On Wednesday, September 26, SaulPaul — a “Musician with a Message” — will entertain you and remind you of the important role parks and recreation plays in shaping the lives of all people.

NRPA Knows How to Party
Previous attendees will agree, the NRPA Opening Reception is the best place to unwind, socialize and enjoy entertainment — including “creative” dance moves from your colleagues. This year, the party will be at the home of the Indiana Pacers: Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday, September 25. The Opening Reception will feature two ways to show off your dance moves — in front of a live band or in the DJ room. There will also be Indianapolis-inspired food and drinks, and even the opportunity to get on the court and participate in basketball competitions with the chance to win prizes.

Students, Show Your School Spirit
NRPA is inviting current students to a unique networking event at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday, September 25. Come hang out with other future park and recreation professionals and show off your school colors. There will also be multiple university graduate program representatives there to share details about their programs. All students who attend will have access to the NRPA Opening Reception immediately following the rally.

So Much Space for Activities!
It wouldn’t be a park and recreation conference without ways for attendees to recreate. This year, conference-goers can attend an adventure outing at the Eagle Creek canopy course, tee it up at the annual golf tournament, paddle your way through Indy’s Downtown Central Canal, run or walk in the popular 5K race or sign up for one of the many Off-site Institutes to experience the Indy culture.

Celebrate America’s Backyard
No RSVP necessary for this backyard party. Everyone can join the NRPA staff in the NRPA member area in the exhibit hall, honoring America’s true backyard — parks and recreation. There will be fun games, a comfortable space to network and get off your feet, and attendees can chat with NRPA staff to learn about all the member benefits available to them.

If you haven’t already done so, make sure you register for the action-packed 2018 NRPA Annual Conference and join 8,000 of your peers, September 25–27 in Indianapolis, Indiana.