The WRPA 2025 Conference & Tradeshow is just around the corner! Taking place this year from Tuesday, May 13 to Friday, May 16 in Kennewick, Washington, 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: Technology
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Speakers: Jen Wills, Director of Parks and Recreation, Longview Parks and Recreation
Location: Meeting Room C
Topic: Programming
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Speakers: Billie Hassebrock, Community Services Supervisor and Artistic Director, Bellevue Youth Theatre, City of Bellevue; Mary Boyle, Inclusion Coordinator, Highland Community Center, City of Bellevue
Location: Meeting Room E
Topic: Staff Management
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Speaker: Colin Wick, Volunteer Program Coordinator, Bellevue Botanical Garden, City of Bellevue; Jennifer Newton, Parks and Community Services Manager, City of Bellevue
Location: Meeting Room C
Topic: Programming
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Speakers: Kevin Witte CPRP, Recreation Manager, Auburn Parks; Kjerstin Lange, Recreation Coordinator, Auburn Parks
Location: Meeting Room E
Topic: Outreach and Engagement
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Speakers: Amy Johnson, Business Intelligence Supervisor, Metro Parks Tacoma, Jay Kim, Data Analyst, Metro Parks Tacoma
Location: Meeting Room G
Topic: Programming
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Speakers: Carmen Murrell, Recreation Supervisor, City of Shoreline; Amanda Zollner, Recreation Supervisor, City of Shoreline
Location: Meeting Room F
Topic: Leadership
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Speakers: Aisha Panas CPRE MBA, Deputy General Manager, Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District; Sabrina Taylor Schmitt, Recreation and Aquatic Director, Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District
Location: Meeting Room G
Topic: Customer Service
Time: 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Speakers: Cody Ogren, Adaptive and Accessibility Coordinator, Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District; Morgan Houk, Natural Resources Program Manager, Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District
Location: Meeting Room E
Topic: Programming
Time: 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Speaker: Katt Merilo, CPRP, Master's, Special Education Adaptive and Specialized Recreation Coordinator, Parks Tacoma
Location: Meeting Room C
Topic: Leadership
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Speaker: Kelly Melroy, Facilities Supervisor, City of Ridgefield; Corey Crownhart, Parks Manager, City of Ridgefield
Location: Meeting Room G
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 #204! 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 an 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!