'26 Diversity Education Institute
Friday, April 24, 2026 (8:30 AM - 4:00 PM) (CDT)
Description
Join professionals from across Illinois for a day of learning, networking, and actionable strategies at the 6th annual Diversity Education Institute, hosted by IPRA’s Diversity (DIV) Section. Whether you're just beginning your DEI journey or looking to refine your agency's approach, this dynamic program will provide fresh insights, expert guidance, and valuable connections.
This year's program brings together an exciting mix of sessions designed to spark innovation, strengthen workplace culture, and elevate inclusive recreation across every level of your agency. You'll dive into what employers must know in 2026, sharpen your recruitment and onboarding strategies, and explore how to support physical activity access for individuals with disabilities from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
From navigating generational trends to transforming lessons learned into next-step innovation, the lineup keeps you learning, laughing, and leveling-up all day long. You'll also unpack the power of small actions to drive big impacts in DEI, gain fresh insight into neurodivergence and dismantling ableism in recreation spaces, and engaged with the DEI Board of Regents in roundtable discussions and speed sessions.
Engage with fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and walk away with practical tools to implement in your agency. Don’t miss this opportunity to lead the DEI conversation and create lasting impact in your organization and community.
Registration deadline is Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Location
Fox Valley Park District, Prisco Community Center, 150 West Illinois Avenue, Aurora, IL 60506.
Who Should Attend
This session is ideal for professionals in the parks and recreation field across Illinois who are involved in or interested in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their agencies. Whether you're new to DEI or looking to refine your approach, this event offers expert insights, practical tools, and valuable networking opportunities to help drive meaningful change in your organization and community.
Food & Beverage
Registration includes morning coffee and a lunch.
CEUs
Program is approved for 0.4 CEUs and will be awarded to those in attendance for the full day.
| Schedule | Session | Time |
| Check-In | Coffee & Networking | 8:30 - 8:50 a.m. |
| Welcome | Opening Announcements & Sponsor Recognition | 8:50 - 9:00 a.m. |
| Keynote | Staying Cool Across the Generations | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. |
| Concurrent #1 | Navigating Recruitment & Onboarding | 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. |
| Understanding Neurodivergence & Dismantling Ableism | 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. | |
| Concurrent #2 | What Employers Need to Know in 2026 | 11:30a - 12:30p |
| From Implementation to Innovation | 11:30a - 12:30p | |
| Lunch | Included with Registration | 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. |
| General Session | Roundtable Discussions with the Board of Regents | 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. |
| Concurrent #3 | Supporting Access to Leisure Activities | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. |
| Small Actions, Big Impacts | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | |
| Speed Session | Debriefing the Day with the Board of Regents | 3:30 - 4:00 p.m. |
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.
Sponsors
Premier Sponsor
$80 Professional Member
$120 Non-Member
FREE for Student Members
Prisco Community Center 150 West Illinois Avenue
Fox Valley, 60506
Diversity Section
IPRA Education
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