The 2025 TRAPS Institute & Expo is just around the corner! Taking place this year from Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28 in Allen, Texas, our team cannot wait to connect in person with the many incredible parks and rec professionals who will be in attendance.
If you’ll be there too, you know that there’s lots planned for the multi-day conference, including many educational workshops and sessions. To help you plan your time at this year’s event with ease, our team has combed through the available sessions and picked out our top favorites.
Topic: Leadership and Development
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Speaker: Calie Willis, Chief of Strategic Relationships, City of Coppell
Topic: Parks and Recreation Planning
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Speakers: Ziad Kharrat, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Denton; Marshall McGee, Parks Manager, City of Denton
Topic: Leadership and Development
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Speaker: Jeff Achee, Assistant Director, Pflugerville Parks and Recreation
Topic: Leadership and Development
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Speaker: Cassie Paddock, Recreation Manager, City of Schertz
Topic: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Speaker: Jill Moore, Inclusive Play Specialist, Landscape Structures
Topic: Aquatics Programming
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Speakers: Emily Marecle, Aquatic Supervisor, City of Grapevine; Kurt Hardin, Assistant Parks Manager, City of Grapevine
Topic: Parks and Recreation Design
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Speaker: Matt Kaser, Principal, Kaser Design
Topic: Parks and Recreation Partnerships
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Speakers: Deborah Branch, District Superintendent, City of Fort Worth; Chris Swindle, Senior Contract Compliance Specialist, City of Fort Worth
Topic: Internal Communications
Time: 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Speaker: Shannon Coates, Director of Play, Frisco
Topic: Senior Programming
Time: 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Speakers: Courtney Davis, Assistant Senior Recreation Center Supervisor, City of McKinney; Samantha Williams, Assistant Aquatics Supervisor, City of McKinney
Topic: Community Engagement
Time: 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Speakers: Jason Ross, Parks Superintendent, City of Pasadena; Jed Aplaca, Director of Parks & Recreation, City of Pasadena
Topic: Program Registration
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Speaker: (Our very own!) Datis Mohsenipour, VP of Marketing, Xplor Recreation
Topic: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Speakers: Brian Vasquez, Senior Landscape Architect, Halff; Mary Hemenes, Recreation Manager, City of Round Rock
Topic: Marketing and Communication
Time: 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Speakers: Jenna Gilbreath, Strategic Marketing Manager - Public and Media Relations Office, City of Allen; Dana Ball, Marketing Manager - Public and Media Relations Office, City of Allen
Topic: Leadership and Development
Time: 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Speaker: Lauren Shrum, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, City of Schertz
Topic: Facility Management
Time: 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Speakers: Morgan Skidmore, Park Manager, Travis County Parks; Juan Zamora, Park Supervisor, Travis County Parks
Topic: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Time: 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Speaker: Jana Burke, President, Mariposa Professional Services
Topic: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Speaker: Jana Burke, President, Mariposa Professional Services
Topic: Leadership and Development
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Speaker: Neelay Bhatt, Founder & CEO, Next Practice Partners
Topic: Health and Wellness
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Speaker: Sheri Willis, Clinical Social Worker & Consultant
Topic: Leadership and Development
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Speaker: Brandon Jones, Parks and Recreation Aquatics Professional
Topic: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Speaker: Dr. Willette Middleton, Recreation Operation Supervisor, City of West University Place
Topic: Sustainability
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Speakers: Frances McGee, Senior Environmental Coordinator, Dallas Parks and Recreation; Juan Casas, Division Engagement Coordinator, Dallas Parks and Recreation
Topic: Community Engagement
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Speakers: Corina Sadler, Volunteer Resources Manager, City of Plano; Morgan Green-Griffin, Volunteer Resources Coordinator, City of Plano
Topic: Aquatics Programming
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Speaker: Brittany Kartchner, Aquatic Center Coordinator, City of Irving
We hope you have a fantastic time at the event and leave with valuable insights and ideas to put into practice at your agency!
While at the conference, be sure to come visit the Xplor Recreation team at Booth #200! Other than the incredible conversation and chance to say hello to our team, here are a few reasons to stop by:
🎁 Enter in a draw to win a free iPad Air.
🔍 See our all-in-one recreation management software in action.
📱 Get a hands-on demo of our self-serve kiosk and client Mobile App!
🎉 Snag yourself some swag to take home.
📸 Capture memories with your team at our photobooth!