Kristine Stratton, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) issued the following statement:
“Nearly a year has passed since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic and, throughout that time, NRPA has remained steadfastly committed to the health, safety and professional growth of our members and all park and recreation professionals.
On the heels of a successful, first-ever virtual 2020 NRPA Annual Conference, we are excited to announce our intent to host the first-ever hybrid experience of the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference this fall in Nashville, Tennessee. September 21–23, 2021, park and recreation professionals, champions and industry suppliers will have the opportunity to attend the conference in-person or virtually.
The safety of our staff and attendees is of the utmost importance to NRPA. We will follow all federal, state and local guidelines set for in-person gatherings as well as recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO. In-person attendees can anticipate daily health and wellness check points, physical distancing and face covering requirements as well as other health and safety protocols.
By offering a hybrid experience, NRPA looks forward to providing even more people with the opportunity to network with peers, learn from experts in the field, and connect with industry suppliers. The 2021 NRPA Annual Conference virtual and in-person options will offer attendance opportunities that meet personal and agency budget and travel preferences. We are dedicated to the same high-quality educational programming NRPA is known for — because everyone deserves a great conference!
If, at any time, NRPA feels we cannot create and maintain a safe in-person event or if any federal, state or local restrictions prevent us from hosting an in-person event, NRPA will cancel the in-person component while continuing to offer a quality virtual event.”
For more information, visit the NRPA Annual Conference website: nrpa.org/conference
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About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.