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Professional Development School - "Power-Up Your Career"

November 8, 2026 5:30 PM - November 11, 2026 10:00 AM (CST)

Description

Level up your professional journey at IPRA’s longest-running educational and networking experience. Held each November at the majestic Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, Illinois, Professional Development School (better known as PDS) brings park, recreation, forest preserve, and conservation professionals together for practical education, meaningful connections, and renewed inspiration in a small, student-focused setting. Whether you are just getting started or ready for your next leadership challenge, PDS is the place to LEARN skills that strengthen your daily work, CONNECT with peers and mentors who expand your professional network, and INSPIRE new ideas that help you lead your agency and community forward. In 2026, it’s time to Power-Up Your Career - join the many professionals who have completed PDS and returned to their agencies energized, equipped, and ready for what’s next!

Who Should Attend: PDS offers a graduated, 3-year curriculum designed to help industry professionals advance their careers. Regardless of job title or work experience, new attendees must start at Year One, advance to Year 2, and Graduate to the last level. PDS graduates are eligible to participate at the Graduate level annually.

  • Year 1 - identifies individual strengths and hones skills needed to perform effectively
  • Year 2 - discovery to being intentional and mission-focused
  • Graduate - presents tools to move teams and agencies toward improved success


RegistrationMember FeeNon-Member Fee
Single-Occupancy Lodge - FULL
$1,075
$1,350
Single-Occupancy Villa
$1,140$1,415
Double-Occupancy Lodge - FULL
$1,025$1,300

*Single-Occupancy Villa is only available to Year 2 and Graduate delegates.

As of August 9, the Single-Occupancy Lodge and Double-Occupancy Lodge options are FULL. Interested delegates may add their name to the wait list - click here for instructions. 

Registration closes Thursday, October 8 OR when all 100 spots are filled, whichever comes first. 

Financial Assistance: Click Here to apply for a scholarship through the Illinois Park & Recreation Foundation by August 31st!

What's Included? Includes room and board, Sunday dinner, Monday and Tuesday breakfast/lunch/dinner, Wednesday breakfast, participation in educational sessions and social events, and CEUs. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the resort, as well as any snacks outside regular meal times. 

CEUs: Event is approved for 1.5 CEUs (Continuing Education Units are for certifications such as CPRE, CPRP, and CTRS).

Stay Connected: Click Here to follow the PDS Facebook page and stay connected with the Board of Regents throughout the year!

Interested in Sponsoring?
There are 3 levels of sponsorship opportunities available for interested organizations. Click 'Sponsor Registration' at the top of the page or click here to access IPRA's full sponsorship prospectus.

Pricing


Single-Occupancy Lodge

Member $1,075 / Non-Member $1,350

Single-Occupancy Villa 

Member $1,140 / Non-Member $1,415

Double-Occupancy Lodge

Member $1,025 / Non-Member $1,300


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Contact Information

Wheeling Park District
Name: Dan Gutierrez
Phone: (847) 513-2891
Email: dgutierrez@wheelingparkdistrict.com
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