The 2026 NRPA Annual Conference is almost here! From Tuesday, September 29 through Thursday, October 1, parks and recreation professionals from across the country will come together for three days of learning, networking, and new ideas. 

With more than 250 educational sessions on this year’s agenda, there’s no shortage of opportunities to learn. From customer service and programming to funding, data, facility management, community engagement, and more, the conference schedule covers just about every corner of parks and recreation. 

With so many options, figuring out where to start can be a challenge. To make planning a little easier, we’ve rounded up 30 sessions worth adding to your NRPA 2026 schedule — 10 for each day of the conference. 

And while you’re there, don’t forget to stop by the Xplor Recreation Booth, #1707, to connect with the Vermont Systems team! 

Skip to Day 1 of NRPA Educational Sessions (Tuesday, Sept 29)

Skip to Day 2 of NRPA Educational Sessions (Wednesday, Sept 30)

Skip to Day 3 of NRPA Educational Sessions (Thursday, Oct 1)

2026 NRPA Educational Sessions (Tuesday, Sept 29)

From Teens to Trailblazers: How Teen Programs Build Leaders, Professionals and Purpose

• Speakers: JaCory Bazell, Carlos Chapman
• Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
• Room: 118AB

Great Leaders Get Fired: Planning for the Worst

• Speakers: Greg Jackson, Lakita Frazier, Ryan Hegerness
• Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
• Room: 201AB

Wearing All the Hats: How Small Agencies Make It Work 

• Speakers: Emmy Richards, Keith Cox
• Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
• Room: 121AB

Activating “America’s Outdoor Era” – A New Vision for Public Health in America Through Outdoor Recreation 

• Speakers: Whitney Potter Schwartz, Kristine Stratton, Vanesa Karmanian, Nathan Reigner
• Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
• Room: 201AB

Choose Your Own Adventure: The Power of Succession Planning 

• Speakers: Myla Neal, Tommy Cureton
• Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
• Room: 126AB

From Green Fees to Free Green Space: Converting Golf Courses Into Public Parks

• Speakers: Michael Kirschman, Steve Torpy, Owen Wells
• Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
• Room: 119B

From World Cup to Your Community – Growing the Game MLS GO

• Speakers: Chris Ward, Chris Busey, Patrick Kelleher
• Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
• Room: 113C

Gloves and Ears: Leadership and Life Lessons From Rocky Balboa and Mickey Mouse 

• Speaker: Neeley Bhatt
• Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
• Room: 114 (Michael A. Nutter Theatre)

Maximizing Food and Beverage Operations/Concessions: 39 Strategies in 60 Minutes

• Speakers: John Prue, Michael Holtzman
• Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
• Room: 105AB

Politics, People and Performance: Leading Teams With Competing Ambitions

• Speakers: Shonnda Smith, Hashim Taylor
• Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM
• Room: 108AB

2026 NRPA Educational Sessions (Wednesday, Sept 30) 

Becoming the Park and Recreation Influencer Your Community Needs

• Speakers: Margo Diamond-Nelson, Stacey Arismendez-Martienez, Erin Hamilton
• Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
• Room: 113C 

Collaborations and Community Events – Money Isn't Everything!

• Speakers: Johnathan Skinner, Lydie Gutfeld
• Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM 
• Room: 121AB 

Hidden Farm System: Smaller Agencies Are Growing Your Next Superstar  

• Speakers: Emmy Richards, Chris Nunes 
• Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM 
• Room: 103C 

I'm Not Supposed to Be Here… And That's Why I'm Perfect for the Job!

• Speakers: Keith Cox, Trista Taylor 
• Time: 1:15 – 2:15 PM 
• Room: 201AB 

Introduction to GIS for Park Asset Management 

• Speaker: Mitchell Fransen 
• Time: 1:15 – 1:40 PM
• Room: Exhibit Hall: Speed Sessions Section B (Booth #246) 

Commanding the Space: How Park and Recreation Professionals Can Walk In and Own Any Room 

• Speakers: Roslyn Johnson, Jai Cole, Bernita Reese, Shonda Smith
• Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM 
• Room: 114 (Michael A. Nutter Theatre)

From Happy Accidents to Intentional Impact: Growing the Next Generation for Parks and Recreation Pros 

• Speakers: Stacey Dicke, Meredith Lawrence, Tom Venniro 
• Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM 
• Room: 103AB 

Other Duties as Assigned: Marketing Without a Marketing Department  

• Speaker: Katie MacCammon 
• Time: 2:45 – 3:45 PM 
• Room: 115AB

Future Directors Unplugged

• Speakers: Tabita Martinez, Molly Keays, Jonelle Bailey, Bernita Reese 
• Time: 4:15 – 5:15 PM 
• Room: 114 (Michael A. Nutter Theatre)

The Esports Blueprint 2.0: Expanding Access, Engagement and Revenue Through Community-Based Gaming 

• Speakers: Cody Wager, Justin Swaney
• Time: 4:15 – 5:15 PM
• Room: 105AB

2026 NRPA Educational Sessions (Thursday, Oct 1)

From Magic to Meaning: Carrying Disney's Culture of Care to the City of Brotherly Love 

• Speakers: Thomas Venniro, Aaron Dalzot 
• Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM 
• Room: 113AB 

Mastering Mobile Recreation: Transforming Outdoor and Community Engagement

• Speakers: Raynetta Brown, Chauncey Milbrandt, Oscar Venegas 
• Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM 
• Room: 119AB

Zero to 90: A High-Speed Adventure Through the First 90 Days

• Speakers: Kate Meacham, Jennifer Robinson
• Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM 
• Room: 201AB

Playmaker to Playcaller: The Survival Guide for New Supervisors  

• Speakers: Zachary Morris, CPRP, Darius Davis, Christian Bell
• Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM 
• Room: 201AB 

The Circle of Life… of Programs: What Thrives, What Dies, What Needs a Reboot 

• Speakers: Megan Keul, Kevin Witte
• Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM 
• Room: 118AB 

Beyond Recreation: Cultivating a Culture of Emergency Response in Los Angeles City 

• Speakers: Melanie Escamilla, Adriana Smith
• Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM 
• Room: 105AB 

The Concession Advantage: Funding and Activating Public Spaces 

• Speakers: Richard DePalma, Katie Burns Kays, Christin Chute Canul
• Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
• Room: 109AB

The Power of Public-Private Partnerships: How Baltimore Built 60+ Playgrounds in Three Years 

• Speakers: Sally Dorman, Dr. Reginald Moore, Frank Lance, Lysa Ratliff 
• Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM 
• Room: 201AB

Dallas Park Safety and Security Dashboard: Data-Driven Strategies for a Safer Park and Trail System

• Speakers: Kevin Mondy, Jeremy McMahon, Joseph Kheir
• Time: 2:30 – 3:30 PM 
• Room: 105AB 

T.E.A.M. at Work: A 20-Year Workforce Development Model Building Skills, Confidence and Community

• Speakers: Adesimbo Jery, Dr. Farah Shakour-Bridges, Gamal Gordon, Darnell Mills 
• Time: 2:30 – 3:30 PM 
• Room: 109AB 

We'll See You at NRPA 2026! 

No matter which sessions make it onto your schedule, NRPA 2026 is a great opportunity to discover new ideas, learn from other recreation professionals, and bring practical strategies back to your organization. 

Between sessions, be sure to make your way to the Xplor Recreation Booth, #1707, and say hello to the Vermont Systems team. We'd love to hear what's happening at your organization, answer your questions, and show you what's new with Vermont Systems. 

Other than the opportunity to connect with RecTrac experts, here are a few reasons to stop by:  

• Free, exclusive RecTrac swag. 
• An inside look at our industry-leading recreation management software. 
• A hands-on demo of the WebTrac App. 
• The chance to learn more and get the most out of your software! 

We can't wait to see you at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference!