Sunday, October 14   

8 a.m.–2:45 p.m. Off-Site Institutes  

8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Aquatic Facility Operator Course and Exam (Day 1)  

  

Monday, October 15   

7 a.m.–3 p.m. Golf Tournament Anaheim Hills Golf course. For an outstanding golf experience, the tree-lined fairways of Anaheim Hills Golf Course are a local favorite. Enjoy the rolling native landscape and the gorgeous Mediterranean architecture. Every aspect of the grounds has been designed to complement the natural beauty of the course.  

7 a.m.–5 p.m. Armed Forces Recreation PTI 

7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Registration Open  

8 a.m.–6 p.m. Off-Site Institutes  

8 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Pre-Conference Workshops  

1:15–5:30 p.m. Pre-Conference Workshops  

8–9:30 p.m. Gold medal Reception (by invitation only)  

  

Tuesday, October 16   

7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Registration Open  

8:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Off-Site Institutes  

9–10:30 a.m. General Session. Where tradition meets trendsetters! This year’s dynamic opening General Session is a don’t miss. Unlike anything you’ve seen from NRPA before, this kick-off event for the conference will be sure to keep you on your toes with its fast pace while not losing those time-honored elements members look forward to.  

10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open  

10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Exclusive Trade Show Hours  

1 p.m.–6 p.m. Education Sessions  

5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Ticket sales for Opening Reception available at Disneyland gate area  

6 p.m.–10 p.m. Opening Reception–Disneyland Park (Reception begins at 8:00 p.m. in the park.) This year’s opening event will be at the happiest place on earth—Disneyland! Attendees will have two hours to enjoy the entire park and rides on their own, followed by a two-hour private reception with fabulous hors d’oeuvres and desserts, drinks, and entertainment. Sponsored by Gametime.  

  

Wednesday, October 17   

7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Registration Open  

8 a.m.–5 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open  

8 a.m.–9 a.m. Exclusive Trade Show Hours  

9 a.m.–6 p.m. Education Sessions  

12 noon–3 p.m. Exclusive Trade Show Hours  

6 p.m.–7 p.m. Leisure Research Symposium: Poster Session  

6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Best of the Best Ceremony. Recognize the inspirational people and programs that remind us daily of the phenomenal work being done in the field, including the 2012 network and national awards recipients, newly accredited and re-accredited park and recreation agencies and academic programs, and the 2012 young Professional Fellows and Diversity scholarship recipients.  

6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Park and Recreation Student Quiz Bowl  

  

Thursday, October 18  

7–9 a.m. 5K Fun Run/Walk, Downtown Disney District. Join for the annual 5K run/walk, which will take place at Downtown Disney District. Runners and walkers will enjoy views of this lovely promenade with shops, restaurants, and attractions. You’ll feel transported to another world where you can spend some time with other attendees.  

7:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Registration Open  

8 a.m.–5 p.m. Off-Site Institutes  

8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Education Sessions   

  

Making Connections On-Site? Try Online as Well! 

When it comes to all the action at the annual Congress and Expo, we know you don’t want to miss a beat. That’s why this year you have more ways to stay connected and informed right at your fingertips. Get those smart phones out and get ready to connect—here’s how:

— Start by downloading the new and improved NRPA 2012 Congress mobile application. Use it to create a schedule, view maps, and connect to Twitter and the NRPA blog where we’ll keep you up to date on daily happenings and insights.

— Speaking of Twitter, tweet and retweet using the official hashtag #NRPACongress. Tweet us at @NRPA_News what sessions you’ll be attending, key highlights, and more; we’ll be eagerly retweeting too!

— Have Foursquare? Check in with us while you’re at Congress. There are several great locations to check in: Community Center, Expo Floor, General Session. Go for the glory and become the “Mayor” of Congress! — Maybe you want to catch a glimpse of the Expo Floor but you are in a session? Don’t worry; we’ll be posting pictures to the NRPA Congress Pinterest board and Facebook page. Send us your pictures and we’ll add them! (Make sure you follow us in both locations, of course!)

— And to wrap it all up, you’ll get “Keeping Up with Congress,” the ultimate daily newsletter recapping all the day’s highlights, happenings, and events. Don’t miss a beat—connect and start sharing now!   

Learn more about the NRPA Annual Conference.