With more than 8,000 professionals in attendance, the NRPA Annual Conference is the best event to meet new people, reconnect with colleagues and learn from the best in the business. This year, there are so many great opportunities to network and unwind with your colleagues.
Event Details
Monday, September 24
Local Host Golf Tournament
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Eagle Creek Golf Club
Join your peers for this friendly tournament, as the scenic and challenging Sycamore course tests every shot in your bag. Includes transportation, green fees, cart, on-course beverages, lunch, dinner, awards and prizes.
Local Host Adventure Outing
12:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Eagle Creek Park Treetop Adventure
Take an exhilarating self-guided two- to three-hour journey through the Eagle Creek canopy. Includes course fee, transportation, lunch, dinner and a gift.
Tuesday, September 25
Opening General Session Featuring Peter Kageyama
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | JW Marriott
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, is an internationally sought-after community development consultant and grassroots engagement strategist who speaks all over the world about bottom-up community development and the amazing people who are making change happen. Join us on Tuesday for a keynote presentation that will inspire you to make your communities great places to live, followed by the presentation of the 2018 Gold Medal Awards.
Student Pep Rally
5:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
It’s time to show your school spirit! NRPA is inviting students to a unique networking event at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse, home to the Indiana Pacers. Come mingle with other future park and recreation professionals and show off your school colors. Those who attend will have access to the NRPA Opening Reception immediately following the rally.
NRPA Opening Reception
(sponsored by GameTime)
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Unwind with thousands of your colleagues at the Opening Reception at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers. There will be live music, amazing food and drink, and you may even get to shoot some hoops down on the court!
Wednesday, September 26
General Session Featuring SaulPaul
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
SaulPaul, a Musician with a Message, redefines what it means to be a keynote speaker. He’s an award-winning recording artist whose album Dream in 3D was considered for a Grammy Award. His book Dream in 3D has influenced multitudes. SaulPaul has entertained and inspired audiences at amazing events and venues across the world, and, at the Wednesday General Session, he will entertain you and remind you of the important role parks and recreation plays in shaping the lives of all people.
Exhibit Hall Luncheon
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Exhibit Hall
Grab some lunch while you explore the exhibit hall and scope out all the amazing products and services.
Best of the Best Awards Ceremony
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | JW Marriott
At this annual ceremony, we recognize and celebrate the most inspirational people and programs by presenting the 2018 Innovation Awards, Spotlight Awards and the Park Champion of the Year Award. The newly accredited and re-accredited park and recreation agencies and academic programs, Young Professional Fellows, Diversity and Student Scholarship recipients, and professionals who have recently achieved their CPRP or CPRE designations will also be recognized. (Light reception to follow).
Thursday, September 27
Local Host 5K Fun Run And Walk
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Downtown Central Canal
What is parks and recreation without a little exercise? Join hundreds of your peers and enjoy a morning run, jog, or walk along the canal. Includes race bib, post-race refreshments and T-shirt.
Local Host Canal Water Paddle
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Downtown Central Canal
Enjoy a morning paddle boat ride along a designated part of the canal.
Ethnic Minority Society Luncheon
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
This annual luncheon is a celebration of diversity in the recreation profession and a great opportunity to network and learn more about the organization.