Finding Magic at the NRPA Annual Conference


By Ashley Faulcon, MPA, CPRP | Posted on June 4, 2026

Ashley Faulcon 410

Pictured: Ashley Faulcon stands next to a sign showing appreciation to the 2025 NRPA Conference Planning Committee members.

Where was the last place you visited that allowed connection, reflection, and a sense of childlike wonder about something you deeply loved? Entertainment buffs might say Comic-Con, a fan convention that unites movie and television enthusiasts eager to build camaraderie with peers, mentors and idols. Theme park lovers might say Disney World, a place where everyday worries fade in favor of pure imagination. Avid readers might say their local library, where creativity knows no bounds.

For those passionate about parks and recreation, that magical place might just be the NRPA Annual Conference. It offers commemorative memorabilia, engaging panels, delicious food, travel opportunities, and endless fun. It’s a place to melt into nostalgia while feeling hopeful about the future. The NRPA Annual Conference is a personal Disney World for park and recreation professionals — and it could be yours too.

The Journey Begins

My journey with the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference began in 2024, when positions opened on the NRPA Conference Planning Committee (CPC). Reading the volunteer description sparked immediate excitement: what could be better than helping shape the conference, traveling to new cities, and connecting with respected peers in the field? After applying and being graciously accepted, my adventure as a national conference-goer officially began. 

Ashley and her peers at the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference

Pictured: Ashley and her peers at the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando.

Preparing for the Experience

Just like a trip to Disney World, anticipation builds long before arrival. To make the most of the experience, preparation is key. Researching rides, planning meals, and coordinating with travel companions at a theme park mirrors the process of getting ready for the NRPA Annual Conference.

Before the Conference:

  • Download the NRPA Events App: This will be your ultimate guide for schedules, maps and updates (Download it now – the 2026 event will be loaded on the app soon!).
  • Do your research: Review the educational sessions to decide which align best with personal and organizational goals.
  • Check the times: Optimize the schedule to get the most out of each day. It’s impossible to do everything, but careful planning ensures a fulfilling experience.
  • Shop for souvenirs: The exhibit hall is a treasure trove of giveaways and innovative products. Schedule time to explore every booth—you never know what great find might benefit your agency.
  • Coordinate with those not attending: If coworkers can’t make it, review the schedule together to identify sessions or vendors to visit on their behalf.
  • Pack accordingly: Research the host city’s weather and bring essentials. A light jacket is always a good idea — conference halls can be chilly.

Immersed in the Magic

The moment the conference begins, excitement fills the air. Like stepping into a theme park, the energy can be overwhelming at first. But with preparation and an open mind, the experience becomes unforgettable.

During the Conference:

  • Use the NRPA Events App: Access session details, maps and speaker information all in one place.
  • Arrive early: Popular sessions fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early.
  • Stay flexible: If a session isn’t the right fit, it’s okay to switch gears. Explore another class or visit the exhibit hall instead.
  • Take care of yourself: NRPA values well-being. Take breaks, grab a snack, or find a quiet spot to recharge between sessions.
  • Have fun: Learning is essential, but so is enjoyment. Meet new people, attend socials and explore the host city. 

Ashley presents a session at the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference

Pictured: Ashley presents a session at the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference.

Reflecting and Reconnecting

As the final session ends and the journey home begins, the suitcase might be heavier with pins and souvenirs — but the real treasures are the memories, knowledge and connections gained.

After the Conference:

  • Follow up on contacts: Stay in touch with the amazing people you met during the conference. Send a quick message to thank speakers, share insights or discuss future collaborations.
  • Apply new knowledge: Review notes from sessions and identify ways to implement ideas within programs, parks and facilities. Organize business cards for future reference.
  • Provide feedback: NRPA welcomes input. Complete surveys or send comments to help improve future conferences.
  • Celebrate the achievement: Attending a nationally recognized conference to grow personally and professionally is an accomplishment worth celebrating.

The Lasting Impact

The NRPA Annual Conference is more than an event — it’s a community, a celebration, and a reminder of why parks and recreation matters. It’s a place where passion meets purpose, where professionals come together to learn, share and dream bigger.

For those who live and breathe recreation, the NRPA Annual Conference isn’t just another conference — it’s a return to the magic that started it all.

Register today for the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference, this September 29-October 1 in Philadelphia!

Ashley Faulcon, MPA, CPRP is the Program Coordinator, Youth/Community Services for the East Brunswick (New Jersey) Recreation, Parks, and Community Services Department