IPRA Calendar
IPRA Calendar
Agency Showcase 2024
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Agency Showcase is a spirited competition spotlighting bright ideas exhibited by park, recreation and conservation agencies. This professionally judged competition recognizes Illinois agencies for their marketing and communication efforts ...
Therapeutic Recreation Section Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around special recreation agencies. If you are interested in joining the section or simply wish to attend for educational ...
Communications & Marketing Section Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM
IPRA's Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around marketing, communications, graphic design, and sponsorship. Â If you are interested in joining the section or ...
Administration & Finance Section Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM
IPRA's Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around marketing, communications, graphic design, and sponsorship. Â If you are interested in joining the section or ...
IPRA Conference Kick-Off: A Hosted Happy Hour
5:45 PM - 7:15 PM
Attention all IPRA members! Please join us on Thursday, January 23 at 5:45 pm. Be a part of our inaugural IPRA Conference Kick-Off to network with your fellow conference attendees and have a drink on us to kick off an amazing first day of conference! IPRA
School Age & Day Camp Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the School Age & Day Camp Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around before-and-after school programs and camps. If you are ...
Mastering the Art of Influence
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
What are the essential skills for effectively influencing both internal and external stakeholders?
Forest Preserve and Conservation Section Meeting and Learning Lab: Restoring Healthy Waterways
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
The Forest Preserve and Conservation (FPC) Section consists of professionals that either specialize or work in and around forest preserves and/or conservation. This event will begin with a Forest Preserve & Conservation Section Meeting followed by a Learni
Diversity Section Meeting
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
IPRA's Diversity (DIV) Section consists of professionals aiming to expand the knowledge base and emphasize the importance of diversity in Parks, Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation and Forest Preserves. Â We focus on two focal points: 1) ...
Department Head Committee Meeting & Roundtable
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Administration & Finance (A&F) Section, the Department Head Committee consists of a group of department head level professionals who meet to discuss and pursue opportunities for networking, professional development, and leadership tra
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Exam Basics
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The first of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will consist of an overview of all five content ...
Mastering the Art of Influence
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
What are the essential skills for effectively influencing both internal and external stakeholders? It starts with an understanding of stakeholder types, followed by the implementation of techniques that build strong relationships and influence ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Exam Basics
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The first of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will consist of an overview of all five ...
Safe Zone Conversation: Fostering Inclusion Through Open Dialogue
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
In celebration of Black History Month, you are cordially invited to participate in IPRA's member-wide Safe Zone Conversation on the topic of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Communications
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The second of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Communications
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The second of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive ...
Aquatic Facility Operator Course
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) course is a national certification program offered by the National Recreation and Park Association and hosted by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. The program is designed to provide the most ...
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Finance
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
The third of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Finance
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
The third of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive ...
Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course - Spring
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The CPSI course is a national certification program delivered by National Recreation and Park Association and co-hosted by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. It is designed to train individuals on how to identify hazards on public ...
School Age & Day Camp Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the School Age & Day Camp Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around before-and-after school programs and camps. If you are ...
How Climate Change and Weather Extremes are Impacting Parks & Recreation
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Shifting climate patterns and extreme weather events are impacting park operations, programming, and facilities.
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Human Resources
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The fourth of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Human Resources
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The fourth of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive ...
Department Head Committee Meeting: 2026 Conference Presentation Planning
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Administration & Finance (A&F) Section, the Department Head Committee consists of a group of department head level professionals who meet to discuss and pursue opportunities for networking, professional development, and leadership tra
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Operations
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
The fifth of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
How Climate Change and Weather Extremes are Impacting Parks & Recreation
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Shifting climate patterns and extreme weather events are impacting park operations, programming, and facilities. Let's talk about some practical strategies for mitigating risks, ensuring public safety, and planning for long-term resilience. ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Operations
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
The fifth of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive ...
Diversity Section Meeting
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
IPRA's Diversity (DIV) Section consists of professionals aiming to expand the knowledge base and emphasize the importance of diversity in Parks, Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation and Forest Preserves. Â We focus on two focal points: 1) ...
Lunch & Learn: Parking Lot Concrete Overlays - aka "Whitetoppings"
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Concrete overlays of existing asphalt parking lots are becoming more widely implemented nationwide.
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Planning
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The last of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review of ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Programming
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The last of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
CPRP Discounted Exam Registration Deadline
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is a national certification program through the National Recreation and Park Association, and it is designed for park and recreation professionals that wish to put their career on the path to ...
CPRE Discounted Exam Registration Deadline
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certification establishes a national standard for managerial, administrative, and executive park and recreation professionals. This is a nationally accredited mastery-level certificate, and ...
Developing SOPs: From Chaos to Clarity
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Join us for an engaging session on creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that can transform your organization’s management and operations.
Statewide Education & Funding Initiative - Tinley Park
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Building on the success of previous efforts, this initiative continues to promote best practices in parks and recreation while providing innovative education and evidence-based resources to address the evolving needs of communities across the state.
School Age & Day Camp Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the School Age & Day Camp Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around before-and-after school programs and camps. If you are ...
Statewide Education & Funding Initiative - Wheeling
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
We’re excited to announce the return of the Statewide Education and Funding Initiative—a collaborative effort by IPRA, GameTime, Cunningham Recreation, and PlayCore to advance community parks and recreation. Building on the success of previous ...
Statewide Education & Funding Initiative - Champaign
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
We’re excited to announce the return of the Statewide Education and Funding Initiative—a collaborative effort by IPRA, GameTime, Cunningham Recreation, and PlayCore to advance community parks and recreation. Building on the success of previous ...
Statewide Education & Funding Initiative - O'Fallon
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
We’re excited to announce the return of the Statewide Education and Funding Initiative—a collaborative effort by IPRA, GameTime, Cunningham Recreation, and PlayCore to advance community parks and recreation. Building on the success of previous ...
Developing SOPs: From Chaos to Clarity
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join us for an engaging session on creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that can transform your organization’s management and operations. This presentation will explore how to develop clear and effective SOPs to streamline processes, ...
Real Experiences in an Artificial World
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, automation, and digital interactions, the essence of genuine human connection in customer service has never been more critical.
Real Experiences in an Artificial World
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, automation, and digital interactions, the essence of genuine human connection in customer service has never been more critical. This session explores how to deliver authentic, ...
Recreation's Role in Advancing Inclusivity for the LGBTQAI2S+ Community
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Park and recreational professionals can create inclusive environments where people are able to find a sense of belonging.
Recreation's Role in Advancing Inclusivity for the LGBTQAI2S+ Community
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Park and recreational professionals can create inclusive environments where people are able to find a sense of belonging. Perhaps the newest frontier in the diversity, equity, and inclusion movement has been with the LGBTQAI2S+ community. This ...
How to Think Big in Parks and Recreation
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
This engaging workshop empowers parks and recreation professionals to envision and implement impactful projects, groundbreaking programs, and innovative services that address evolving community needs.
How to Think Big in Parks and Recreation
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Unlock new potential in this session designed to inspire a bold, expansive approach to community development. This engaging workshop empowers parks and recreation professionals to envision and implement impactful projects, groundbreaking ...
The Leader's Guide to Mental Health & Resiliency
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Stress is an inevitable part of life, whether at home, work, or play. This session focuses on helping individuals understand and manage their responses to stress by recognizing it is a normal reaction to challenging or abnormal situations.
The Leader's Guide to Mental Health & Resiliency
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Stress is an inevitable part of life, whether at home, work, or play. This session focuses on helping individuals understand and manage their responses to stress by recognizing it is a normal reaction to challenging or abnormal situations. ...
Walk the Talk: Mindfulness and Well-Being for Park & Recreation Leaders
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
This webinar will introduce a Mindful Leadership Framework, designed to help balance organizational demands with personal well-being ultimately reducing internal and external conflict.
Walk the Talk: Mindfulness and Well-Being for Park & Recreation Leaders
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
This webinar will introduce a Mindful Leadership Framework, designed to help balance organizational demands with personal well-being ultimately reducing internal and external conflict. Attendees will learn effective techniques for emotional ...
High Road Leadership: How to Bring People Together in a Divided World
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Join us for a dynamic workshop on the essential principles of transformative leadership.
High Road Leadership: How to Bring People Together in a Divided World
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join us for a dynamic workshop on the essential principles of transformative leadership. Based on the work of John Maxwell, you’ll learn how to unite people in a divided world, balancing self-confidence with humility while understanding your ...
The Wisdom to Do Good Work: A Crash Course
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
The best preparation for a good world tomorrow is to lead with courage and do good work today.
The Wisdom to Do Good Work: A Crash Course
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The best preparation for a good world tomorrow is to lead with courage and do good work today. And what does it mean to do good work in parks and recreation? It means focusing on the common good and less so on special interests. It means not ...
The Courage to Be Unfair: Promoting Equity
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Often, inequity is the unintentional biproduct of decision making focused on short term satisfaction or making a special interest group happy and can often come at the expense of those who can go unnoticed or unheard.
The Courage to Be Unfair: Promoting Equity
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Often, inequity is the unintentional biproduct of decision making focused on short term satisfaction or making a special interest group happy and can often come at the expense of those who can go unnoticed or unheard. Good intention may not ...