For an enhanced digital experience, read this story in the ezine.
NRPA strives to create a safe, accessible and inclusive experience for all NRPA Annual Conference attendees. Here are many of the ways NRPA is pursuing equity throughout various aspects of the conference:
Accessibility – The NRPA Annual Conference is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) friendly. If you have accessibility or special modification needs, please let us know in advance during the registration process. NRPA preorders mobility devices to fulfill requests made during registration, with extra quantities offered on a first-come, first-served basis at the conference. For onsite assistance, please visit the hospitality and accessibility kiosk in the convention center’s registration area.
American Sign Language (ASL) – ASL interpreters sign at the general sessions. NRPA reserves seating for individuals who want to sit nearby.
Badges – Attendees may add optional pronouns to all printed badges.
Captioning – All prerecorded sessions include captioning. NRPA adds captions to sessions recorded live during the editing process before posting.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) – NRPA conducts a DEI review as a part of the proposal selection process to improve the diversity of conference speakers by race/ethnicity, gender identity, agency size, region and age.
Food modifications – NRPA includes a question about food allergies and religious and/or dietary needs and preferences in the registration process. Attendees’ answers help guide our selection of food options.
Lactation rooms – The lactation rooms provide a private place to pump or breastfeed. More information on the locations will be shared in the conference FAQs closer to the conference.
Meditation room – The meditation room offers a peaceful space to refresh and refocus. Yoga mats will be provided. Devices such as cellphones and laptops will not be permitted.
Prayer room – The prayer room is a welcoming space providing an open atmosphere for all attendees to practice and express religious and spiritual beliefs. Devices such as cellphones and laptops will not be permitted.
Quiet room – The quiet room is a calm space where all conference attendees can spend time away from the noise, lights and other stimuli around the convention center. Comfortable, individual seating areas will be provided. The quiet room will not be available for conversations or meetings. Devices such as cellphones and laptops will not be permitted. “Calming kits” will be available for conference participants in the quiet room while supplies last.
Registration packages/tiered pricing – Registration package prices are aligned with the membership type each individual is eligible to receive. For example, a student will pay less than a young professional, and a young professional will pay less than the cost of a full package. We offer rates for retired professionals as well.
Restrooms – Conference participants will find men’s, women’s, all-gender and single-occupancy restrooms available within our rented spaces at the convention center.
Transportation – A phone number for ADA requests will be provided so attendees can access accessible rides or shuttle services.
If you haven’t already, be sure to make plans to join us in Dallas for the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference from October 10-12. To learn more and register to attend, visit nrpa.org/Conference.