Pictured: Lacey Polster
My first NRPA Annual Conference was in Orlando in 2025, and it couldn’t have been a better better one to start with! When I started my role as a marketing and communications specialist at Grayslake Community Park District in Illinois, I remember hearing my coworkers talk about how incredible the NRPA conferences are. They raved about how informative the speakers are and how the exhibit hall has just about everything you could ever want. When I was invited to attend, I was ecstatic for the opportunity.
My goals for every conference I attend are the same:
- Learn at least one new thing I can take back with me to implement at my district.
- Find a cool souvenir for my husband.
- Have fun!
Goal #1: Learn something I can implement at my district.
I’m sure that every conference attendee has hopes that they will have at least one takeaway after attending the conference. I was dumbfounded by how much I was learning in every session I attended. I learned everything from ADA website compliance, how to create belonging with your community, social media marketing ideas, and how to leverage popular trends. I was trying to soak it all up as fast as I could. Between taking notes in my notebook, taking pictures, and downloading the slides to show my coworkers back in the office, I gained much more than just one takeaway.
Goal #2: Find a cool souvenir for my husband.
One of the best parts of a national conference as a newbie is that everyone is on a level playing field when it comes to finding their way around the conference. Everyone is reading signs, everyone is scanning the halls and everyone is asking questions. I decided to tackle the exhibit hall with one of my coworkers by my side after we left the opening general session.
I stepped through the door into the exhibit hall with zero expectations and it was an unforgettable experience. I was amazed by the energy and creativity on display. I looked to my right and there was a band playing a peppy song. I looked to my left and there was a herding dog demonstrating dog park equipment. I looked straight ahead and it was endless play structures. It truly felt like stepping back into childhood and getting to play again. Seeing the variety of playground pieces in person really brought them to life and gave me a whole new appreciation for the work we do. This is why we do what we do. We bring people together.
I made my way through all the booths, collecting goodies to take with me, all while meeting people from all over the country. From this, my husband got a bucket hat, a mini stress ball shaped like a tree, and a nifty water bottle. I got a discount on the branded tent I was purchasing for my district, free ice cream, and a chance to step back from the stress of designing program guides. For these three days, I got to play.
Goal Number 3: Have fun!
I hadn’t been to Orlando since my senior year of high school when I did a 12-states-in-12-days road trip with my best friend. When I stepped out of the airport and the sunshine hit my face, I knew this was going to be a great few days. I am someone who loves traveling but I get easily stressed by the details. This was great because it was all figured out for me! All I had to do was hop onto my shuttle and remember the name of my hotel.
One of my favorite parts was the opening reception at Universal Studios. Beyond the obvious fun of riding rides, the park was closed to the public, so the usual dread of waiting in lines was made better by meeting park and recreation professionals from all over the country. While waiting in line for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, we had 40 minutes to chat with those around us. It was so much fun getting to hear their stories, learn how things are done in different regions, and spend time with coworkers outside the office.
Overall, this experience reminded me why parks and recreation work matters. I am excited for future conferences so I can continue learning, experiencing new exhibits, and having fun!
Lacey Polster (she/her) is the marketing and communications specialist for Grayslake Community Park District in Illinois.