The 2018 NRPA Exhibit Hall provides a spectacular display of more than 450 exhibitors that is sure to provide you with awesome ideas and solutions for all your needs. It is a one-stop-shop for all the latest and greatest products and services, playground equipment, cutting-edge park and recreation technology solutions, and athletic and aquatics gear. Over the course of two days and with more than 6.5 hours of exclusive exhibit hall time, park and recreation professionals at every level will have the opportunity to network with potential service providers and fellow attendees, participate in education sessions, win cash and prizes, complete the EXPOdition scavenger hunt and have a great time!
Following the NRPA General Session, Tuesday, September 25, the exhibit hall will open at 10:30 a.m. and remain open until 5 p.m. Wednesday’s exhibit hall hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the first 1,500 people to arrive each day will receive a giveaway item. Tuesday’s prize is sponsored by Background Investigation Bureau (704) and Burke Playgrounds (1031) is the sponsor of Wednesday’s prize.
Networking Fun
Several great networking opportunities exist in the exhibit hall. Make sure to check out the Learning Playground (135) for exciting interactive education sessions, visit with the NRPA team at the NRPA member area — America’s Back Yard booth — (2854), enjoy lunch on Wednesday, September 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the EXPOdition exhibit hall scavenger hunt, one of our longtime favorite activities. Prizes include three free registrations for the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, iPads, FitBits, T-shirts and gift cards, but they’ll only be available to a select few who get all their squares stamped and turn in their scavenger hunt card by 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26 at the Burke booth (1031).
Make sure to visit our gift card-drawing sponsors to be eligible for a chance to win $100–$200 American Express gift cards every hour on the show floor, and all attendees have a chance to win $1,000 in cash, a giveaway that’s sponsored by Toro. One drawing will be held each day, so make sure to register at the Toro booth (1801). Don’t forget to pick up your limited-edition, 2018 NRPA Annual Conference-branded mini-basketball, but you must visit the NRPA Member area – America’s Back Yard booth (2854) for details. You will also see vendor equipment demonstrations, have a chance to try out new equipment and technology, see cute four-legged friends at several dog-park displays, take a chance at winning prizes from the Playcore treasure chest (1401), get a cool hat from Gametime (1501), participate in a fitness challenge at the Greenfields booth (1417) for a chance to win fitness equipment, as well as many other opportunities to pick up cool trinkets to take home for yourself (and maybe the family).
The Learning Playground
Get the juices flowing on the Learning Playground, site of our most popular interactive education sessions. Here are two sessions you won’t want to miss: “YAY! The Not-So-Subtle Art of Being Childlike Not Childish” on Tuesday from
1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., and “From Shawn Mendes to the Beatles – Connecting the Generations” on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Meet the NRPA Team
Your dedicated NRPA Team will be on hand to network, provide details about our ongoing projects and initiatives related to our Pillars – Health & Wellness, Conservation and Social Equity and of course answer any questions you may have about our member benefits, certifications and online learning (2854). You can engage with colleagues and NRPA staff, play games and relax in America’s Back Yard.
Visit 2018 NRPA Annual Conference for details and updates. We can’t wait to see you in Indianapolis!
Ted Mattingly is NRPA's Director of Facilities and Administrative Services