WRPA 2024: 14 Must-Attend Educational Sessions

With a jam-packed schedule of educational sessions covering a wide range of topics, the 2024 WRPA Annual Conference on May 21-24 promises to offer valuable insights for you and your parks and rec agency.

To help you narrow down the choices, we have carefully selected 14 sessions that we believe will be beneficial for you. 

• Skip to Day 1 of 2024 WRPA Educational Sessions (Wednesday, May 22)
• Skip to Day 2 of 2024 WRPA Educational Sessions (Thursday, May 23)

2024 WRPA Sessions-Workshops: Day 1 (Wednesday, May 22)

1. Bridges to Heal US

Topic Categories: DEI
Date: Wednesday, May 22
Time: 9:15AM to 10:15AM
Speakers: Erin Jones

2. So, You Want to Move Up? (Supervisor, Coordinator, Specialist level)

Topic Categories: Professional Development
Date: Wednesday, May 22
Time: 11:00AM to 12:15PM
Speakers: Carmen Murrell, Amanda Zollner

3. Programs & Special Events at Your Pool

Topic Category: Programming
Date: Wednesday, May 22
Time: 11:00AM to 12:15PM
Speakers: Melissa Georgesen

4. Empowering Communities Through Pickleball: A Path to Inclusivity

Topic Categories: DEI, Sports
Date: Wednesday, May 22
Time: 11:00AM to 12:15PM
Speakers: Sue Goodwin, Solomon Alabi

5. Reel, Stories and Memes, Oh My! Demystify Instagram to Boost Your Programs

Topic Category: Social Media
Date: Wednesday, May 22
Time: 2:10PM to 2:45PM
Speakers: Abby Ketcham

6. How Effective Leaders Deal with Change

Topic Category: Leadership
Date: Wednesday, May 22
Time: 3:30PM to 4:45PM
Speaker: Jennifer Wills, Joanna Martin

7. Illuminating Community Through Cultural Event Partnerships

Topic Categories: Events, Culture
Date: Wednesday, May 22
Time: 3:30PM to 4:45PM
Speakers: Stacey Donovan, Anna Cruz, Erik Miletich

You can check out the full 2024 WRPA Day 1 Educational Session line-up here.

We're hosting a social mixer at Nom Nom Restaurant and Grill on May 21st, from 8pm - 10pm, and attendance is complimentary for all WRPA attendees! Space is limited, so register for the event today!

2024 WRPA Sessions-Workshops: Day 2 (Thursday, May 23)

8. Preparing for Success - Navigating the Application Process

Topic Category: Professional Development
Date: Thursday, May 23
Time: 9:00AM to 10:15AM
Speaker: Kelly McGinley-Ashe

9. Gender Inclusion in Your Agencies and Sports Programming

Topic Category: DEI, Programming
Date: Thursday, May 23
Time: 10:45AM to 12:00PM
Speaker: Julie Rocha, Emily Kent

10. Prioritizing Social Emotional Wellness of Program Participants

Topic Category: Health and Wellness
Date: Thursday, May 23
Time: 10:45AM to 12:00PM
Speaker: Stacy Stenslie, Mary Boyle

11. Help Wanted! Identifying Employment Risks and Recommendations for Parks & Recreation Professionals

Topic Categories: Legal
Date: Thursday, May 23
Time: 10:45AM to 12:00PM
Speaker: Andy Cooley, Jenna Richardson, Peter Mayer, Jefri Peters

12. Interview Like a Pro: Skill Development

Topic Category: Professional Development
Date: Thursday, May 23
Time: 10:45AM to 12:00PM
Speakers: NeSha Thomas-Schadt, Kylee Ashley

13. Understanding Social Styles in a Changing Workplace

Topic Category: Communication
Date: Thursday, May 23
Time: 1:30PM to 2:45PM
Speakers: Ashley Gain, Abigal Wenick, Keisha Taylor

14. Creating Inclusive Recreation: A Roadmap to Success

Topic Category: Inclusive Recreation
Date: Thursday, May 23
Time: 1:30PM to 2:45PM
Speakers: Mary Boyle, Kim Indurkar

You can check out the full 2024 WRPA Day 2 Educational Session line-up here.

Wrapping it up:

We’re hoping you have the best experience at the event and leave with lots of valuable insights and ideas you can apply at your agency!

While at the conference, be sure to come visit the Xplor Recreation team at booth #3!

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 experience of our NEW Client Mobile App

🎉Snag yourself some *useful* swag to take home

📸Have a laugh and capture memories with your team at our photobooth!