The 2026 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference is fast approaching! From Thursday, January 29 to Saturday, January 31 in Chicago, Illinois, our team is looking forward to connecting face-to-face with the inspiring parks and recreation professionals attending this year’s event.
If you’re planning to join us, you already know there’s a robust agenda filled with educational workshops and engaging sessions. To help you make the most of your conference experience, our team has reviewed the schedule and selected our top session recommendations.
Read on to discover the 20 must-attend sessions for the IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference!
![[NAM] Blog Feature Image 2026 IAPDIPRA Educational Sessions](https://blog.xplorrecreation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/%5BNAM%5D%20Blog%20Feature%20Image%202026%20IAPDIPRA%20Educational%20Sessions%20(2).png?width=989&height=518&name=%5BNAM%5D%20Blog%20Feature%20Image%202026%20IAPDIPRA%20Educational%20Sessions%20(2).png)
2025 IAPD/IPRA Workshops: Day 1 (Thursday, January 29)
1. From Classroom to Day Camp: Strategies for Summer Success
Topic: Therapeutic Recreation
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Speakers: Becca Reidenga Talbot, Rosalie Solak, Emily Venezio
Location: Crystal Ballroom C
2. Charting the Course: Strategic Planning for the Journey Ahead
Topic: Leadership
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Speaker: David Mohr, Melissa Henriksen, Sameera Luthman
Location: Regency Ballroom A
3. From Ballot to Victory: Strategies for Successful Referendums
Topic: Information Technology
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Speakers: Lauren Raspanti
Location: TBA
4. Rethinking the "Services" in Park Services
Topic: Parks and Natural Resource Management
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Speaker: Corrie Guynn
Location: TBA
5. Build Your Bash
Topic: Recreation
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Speakers: Jess Day, Jill Kowalyszyn
Location: Crystal Ballroom B
6. Bridging the Gap: Turning Parks Projects into Powerful Social Media Stories
Topic: Marketing
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Speakers: Connor Bangs, Tiffani Picco, Jesse Barr
Location: Regency Ballroom B
7. Calling All Educators: 10 Inclusion Tips to Meet All Needs
Topic: Recreation
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Amanda Kloo
Location: Grand Hall L
8. The Power of Plain Language
Topic: Marketing
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Grant Gilchrist, Erin Classen, Shannon Stevens
Location: Crystal Ballroom B
9. Beyond Access: When "Accessible" Falls Short of Functional
Topic: Facility Management
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Brittany Johns
Location: Crystal Ballroom C
10. Before, During & After: Communications for Every Phase of Your Referendum
Topic: Community
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Jacqueline Rachev, Lynn McATeer, Nicolette Orlandino
Location: Regency Ballroom B
2025 IAPD/IPRA Sessions: Day 2 (Friday, January 30)
11. Innovate to Elevate
Topic: Leadership
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Speakers: Debbie Woodbury
Location: Crystal Ballroom B
12. IPRA Healthy Play Initiative: Celebrating Collective Park Impacts
Topic: Parks and Natural Resources
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Speakers: Jennie Sumrell, Anthony Iracki
Location: Crystal Ballroom A
13. Engage, Excite and Evolve: Modern Approaches to Adult Programming
Topic: Recreation
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Speaker: Susan Crane, Ann Marie Buczek
Location: Grand Hall I
14. Girl Power - Get Empowered Now!
Topic: Leadership
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Speakers: Carrie Fullerton, Maryfran Leno
Location: Regency Ballroom D
15. Supporting the Front Line: Leadership Practices for Stronger Teams
Topic: HR
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Speakers: Sam Jenkins
Location: Grand Hall K
16. It's Not the Size of Your Agency; It's How You Use It!
Topic: Recreation
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Speakers: Natalie Sallee, Marlon Rodas, Alison Rodes
Location: Grand Hall I
17. How to Speak Aquatics
Topic: Facility Management
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Speakers: Jenn Foreman, Dave Littwin, Viktoria Anderson-Orosz
Location: Grand Hall GH
18. Evolving Supports: How Can We Better Serve Adults with Disabilities Their Work
Topic: Therapeutic Recreation
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Speakers: Peytan Schulte
Location: Crystal Ballroom C
19. How to Be Successful in Sponsorships When It is Not Your Full-Time Job
Topic: Marketing
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Speakers: Carolyn Potosnak
Location: Regency Ballroom B
20. Leaders Linking Up - School Age and Day Camp Round Table
Topic: Recreation
Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Speakers: Kandice Newton, Sarah Carr, Erin Weingart
Location: Plaza Ballroom
![[NAM] Blog Feature Image IAPDIPRA 2025 Educational Sessions](https://blog.xplorrecreation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/%5BNAM%5D%20Blog%20Feature%20Image%20IAPDIPRA%202025%20Educational%20Sessions.png?width=1910&height=1000&name=%5BNAM%5D%20Blog%20Feature%20Image%20IAPDIPRA%202025%20Educational%20Sessions.png)
Don’t Forget to Stop by Booth #119!
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 #119! 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!
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