2026 Software Symposium
Friday, October 16, 2026 (8:30 AM - 3:00 PM) (CDT)
Description
Hosted by IPRA's Administration & Finance (A&F) Section, the 2026 Software Symposium brings together park, recreation, conservation, forest preserve, and special recreation professionals for a full day of learning, networking, and technology exploration. The event will feature two keynote presentations led by industry experts, offering valuable insights into technology adoption, cybersecurity, innovation, and the evolving role of software in public service organizations. Attendees will gain practical strategies and real-world perspectives that can help agencies improve efficiency, strengthen operations, enhance customer experiences, and successfully manage organizational change.
In addition to the keynote presentations, participants will have the opportunity to attend vendor demonstrations showcasing the latest solutions designed for parks, recreation, and conservation agencies. Throughout the day, attendees can explore a 20-vendor exhibit hall featuring recreation management platforms, registration systems, facility scheduling tools, aquatics and maintenance management software, cybersecurity solutions, asset management systems, payment platforms, HR technologies, and other emerging innovations.
The symposium is designed to encourage meaningful conversations, product comparisons, peer networking, and hands-on learning, providing attendees with the knowledge and connections needed to make informed technology decisions for their organizations. Attendees who actively engage with exhibitors throughout the day will have opportunities to qualify for raffle prizes, making the exhibit hall experience even more rewarding.
Registration deadline is Friday, October 9, 2026.
Location: The Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Complex (B.R.A.C.) located at 200 Lindsay Lane, Bolingbrook, 60440.
Who Should Attend: This event is ideal for park, recreation, conservation, forest preserve, special recreation, administrative, finance, HR, and IT professionals who evaluate, manage, or implement software solutions related to recreation management, finance, workforce management, reporting, and agency operations.
Food & Beverage: Lunch options are included with registration and can be selected when completing an event registration.
CEUs: This event is approved for 0.15 CEUs (Continuing Education Units are for CPRE and CPRP certifications).
| Time | Activity |
| 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. | Keynote: Inspiring Adoption When No One Wants to Change |
| 9:25 - 10:10 a.m. | Demonstrations 1 - 6 |
| 10:10 - 10:55 a.m. | Exhibit Hall |
| 10:55 - 11:40 a.m. | Demonstrations 7-12 |
| 11:40a - 1:15p | Exhibit Hall |
| 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch with Keynote: Building a 24/7 SOC |
| 1:15 - 2:00 p.m. | Demonstrations 13 - 18 |
| 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Exhibit Hall |
| 2:30 p.m. | Raffle Drawing |
Vendors in Attendance: Active Network, Amilia, AssetWorks, BS&A Software, CivicRec, DigiQuatics, DoubleSpot, FitnessAssets.com, HBS, HydroApps, Minutemen Security & Life Safety, NobleTec, Paylocity, Productive Parks LLC, Rec Technologies, Software Solutions Inc, Tyler Technologies, Verkada, Vermont Systems, Xplor Technologies
$20 Member (Professional, Advocate, Commercial)
$30 Non-Member
FREE for Student & Faculty Members
Recreation & Aquatic Complex (B.R.A.C.) 200 Lindsay Lane
Bolingbrook, 60440
SIGnature Events
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