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.
Topic: Therapeutic Recreation
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Speakers: Becca Reidenga Talbot, Rosalie Solak, Emily Venezio
Location: Crystal Ballroom C
Topic: Leadership
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Speaker: David Mohr, Melissa Henriksen, Sameera Luthman
Location: Regency Ballroom A
Topic: Information Technology
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Speakers: Lauren Raspanti
Location: TBA
Topic: Parks and Natural Resource Management
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Speaker: Corrie Guynn
Location: TBA
Topic: Recreation
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Speakers: Jess Day, Jill Kowalyszyn
Location: Crystal Ballroom B
Topic: Marketing
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Speakers: Connor Bangs, Tiffani Picco, Jesse Barr
Location: Regency Ballroom B
Topic: Recreation
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Amanda Kloo
Location: Grand Hall L
Topic: Marketing
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Grant Gilchrist, Erin Classen, Shannon Stevens
Location: Crystal Ballroom B
Topic: Facility Management
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Brittany Johns
Location: Crystal Ballroom C
Topic: Community
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Jacqueline Rachev, Lynn McATeer, Nicolette Orlandino
Location: Regency Ballroom B
Topic: Leadership
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Speakers: Debbie Woodbury
Location: Crystal Ballroom B
Topic: Parks and Natural Resources
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Speakers: Jennie Sumrell, Anthony Iracki
Location: Crystal Ballroom A
Topic: Recreation
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Speaker: Susan Crane, Ann Marie Buczek
Location: Grand Hall I
Topic: Leadership
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Speakers: Carrie Fullerton, Maryfran Leno
Location: Regency Ballroom D
Topic: HR
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Speakers: Sam Jenkins
Location: Grand Hall K
Topic: Recreation
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Speakers: Natalie Sallee, Marlon Rodas, Alison Rodes
Location: Grand Hall I
Topic: Facility Management
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Speakers: Jenn Foreman, Dave Littwin, Viktoria Anderson-Orosz
Location: Grand Hall GH
Topic: Therapeutic Recreation
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Speakers: Peytan Schulte
Location: Crystal Ballroom C
Topic: Marketing
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Speakers: Carolyn Potosnak
Location: Regency Ballroom B
Topic: Recreation
Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Speakers: Kandice Newton, Sarah Carr, Erin Weingart
Location: Plaza Ballroom
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!