Event Details

NRPA Virtual 5K Fun Run, Walk or Roll

Sunday, October 25 – Saturday, October 31

Join us for the NRPA Virtual 5K! A virtual race is a race you can run, walk or roll at any location and at your own pace. Any point during the week, head to your favorite park or trail, walk in your neighborhood or around your home, race alone or in a group with family, friends or coworkers!

How to Sign Up
To sign up, please select the Virtual 5K during the conference registration process. If you already have registered for NRPA Virtual, you can go back and add on the 5K by logging in to the registration site and modifying your registration.

If you aren’t joining us for NRPA Virtual, you still can participate in the 5K! To sign up, please select Virtual 5K Only during the registration process.

After registering online, you will be able to download your race bib and finisher’s certificate. You also will receive a special NRPA Virtual 5K race medal in the mail!

The NRPA Virtual 5K is brought to you by the United States Tennis Association.

Register for the Virtual 5K

Coffee Talk Discussions

Tuesday, October 27 – Thursday, October 29 (See the Full Schedule for more information.)

Whether you like to start your day with a nice cup of joe or enjoy an early afternoon/evening pick-me-up, you won’t want to miss our Coffee Talks at the beginning and end of each day of NRPA Virtual. Join the hosts of Open Space Radio, Roxanne Sutton and Cort Jones, as they chat with park and recreation professionals, thought leaders and NRPA staff about some of the most pressing issues facing your work today.

You’ll hear from these experts on topics, such as community healing in the wake of trauma, navigating budget cuts, natural disaster preparedness, equity, emerging trends and more. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask your questions in real time via the chat box! Bring your favorite coffee or beverage of choice and join us for these insightful conversations – you won’t even have to wait in line at the convention center Starbucks!

Exhibit Hall

Tuesday, October 27 – Thursday, October 29  (See the Full Schedule for more information.)

Live chat and connect with exhibitors from some of the top brands in the field. Explore cutting-edge playground equipment, technology solutions, athletic gear, aquatics products and more!

See exhibit hall highlights for more details about booths and exhibitor giveaways and raffles taking place during NRPA Virtual.

Opening General Session

Tuesday, October 27, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. EDT

Glenn Harris, a veteran advocate for racial justice, will step up to the microphone during the 2020 Opening General Session. The president of the new Race Forward and publisher of Colorlines brings to the NRPA Virtual stage a vast historical knowledge about equity and experience working with many groups, big and small, to end institutionalized racism.

Harris serves as the president of the new Race Forward, the union of two leading racial justice nonprofit organizations — Race Forward and Center for Social Inclusion, where he served as president starting in 2014. The new Race Forward builds on the work of both organizations toward advancing racial justice.

Learn More About The Opening General Session

Virtual National Gold Medal Award Presentation

Tuesday, October 27, 7 – 8 p.m. EDT

Recognize the 24 National Gold Medal Award Finalists who represent excellence in the management of parks and recreation. Four agencies in five (5) population classes and four (4) armed forces installations will receive the prestigious Finalist Award. This fast-paced award presentation will recognize each of the Finalist agencies and conclude with the surprise announcement of Grand Plaque recipients. Watch the free virtual presentation online.

The National Gold Medal Award Program is administered by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with NRPA and sponsored by Musco Lighting.

Watch the 2020 National Gold Medal Awards

Virtual Best of the Best Ceremony

Wednesday, October 28, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. EDT

At this virtual ceremony, we will recognize and celebrate the most inspirational people and programs by presenting the 2020 Innovation Awards and Spotlight Awards. The newly CAPRA-accredited and re-accredited park and recreation agencies, Young Professional Fellows, and Diversity and Student Scholarship recipients also will be recognized.

This Best of the Best Ceremony is brought to you by Bobcat Company.

Networking Events