IPRA Calendar
IPRA Calendar
Sponsorship Committee Roundtable: Foundations at Every Stage: New Beginnings, Sustained Impact, and Endings
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Hosted by IPRA's Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section, Sponsorship Committee covers all the current topics and trends regarding sponsorship and partnership in the parks and recreation field. If you are interested in joining the C&M Section or simply w
Lunch & Learn: Access for All - ADA and WCAG Compliance
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Equitable digital experiences, such as ensuring website compliance with accessibility in mind, is critical to providing information, communication, and resources to all. Join My Rec as they breakdown Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 require
Senior Committee Meeting
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Senior Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that serve older adults. If you are interested in joining the committee or simply wish to attend for educational and networking purpose
ProConnect: The Magic of Mentorship - Sustaining the Circle of Mentorship
Triads step into the heart of the journey and focus on sustaining the circle of mentorship—parks, recreation, and conservation style.
Communication Pathways and Their Purpose
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Not every message belongs in the same channel—and not every audience needs the same level of detail.
SDWS : Building a Learning Organization
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Successful teams don’t happen by chance—they thrive in environments that accelerate competence and encourage continuous growth.
IPRA Open House
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
IPRA Members are welcome to stop by anytime to say hello, take a tour of our new office, and meet the IPRA team. Light refreshments will be provided — just pop in when you can! Please register by April 13 so we know how many to expect.
Adult Day Program Committee Meeting
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the Adult Day Program Committee consists of a group of special recreation professionals that either specialize or work in and around Adult Day Programming. The meeting will consist of opportunities
Safe Zone Conversation: Stories We Tell: Identity, Language, & Inclusive Communication
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
You are invited to participate in IPRA's first member-wide Safe Zone Conversation of 2026, on the topic of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).
NEW! Graphic Design Task Force Roundtable: Get to Know Your Fellow Park District Graphic Designers
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Hosted by IPRA’s Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section, the Graphic Design Task Force covers design principles, branding, visual storytelling, software tools, accessibility, industry trends, and best practices in digital and print design. If you are in
Recreation Section Joint Committee Meeting
9:30 AM - 1:45 PM
IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section consists of professionals that either specialize or work in and around athletics, special events, seniors, teens, early childhood, and camps. The Board Meeting will mainly consist of reports from the Section ...
Administrative Professionals Committee Meeting
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Administration & Finance (A&F) Section, the Administrative Professionals Committee consists of professionals working in an Executive Assistant/Administrative Professional role, providing a variety of professional duties to their park
Department Head Committee Meeting & Roundtable
12:00 PM - 2:00 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
'26 Diversity Education Institute
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
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.
Youth & Day Camp Committee Meeting (TR)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the Youth & Day Camp Committee consists of a group of professionals that either specialize or work in and around camps at special recreation agencies. If you are interested in joining the committe
Inclusion Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the Inclusion Committee consists of a group of special recreation professionals that either specialize or work in and around inclusion services. If you are interested in joining the committee or s
Lunch & Learn: Canada Geese in IL: Common Problems, Questions, and Solutions
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Between turf destruction, territorial attitudes, and unwelcome "gifts" left on our grass and sidewalk, the presence of protected Canadian geese disrupts park usage.
From Peer to Power Dynamic - Setting New Boundaries
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Moving from “one of the team” to “the one leading the team” can be one of the toughest transitions in management.
Therapeutic Recreation Section Board Meeting
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around special recreation agencies. The section meeting will mainly consist of reports from the Section Board and each committee Chair,
Park Pursuit 2026: Get Your Kicks on Route 66
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The 19th Annual Park Pursuit, hosted by IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, is modeled after the Emmy Award-winning reality television series 'The Amazing Race'. The event provides park district professionals with the opportunity to engage in a half-day race
Joint Committee Roundtable: Inclusion (TR) and School Age/Day Camp (REC)
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join us for a joint roundtable discussion with the Inclusion Committee (TR) and the School Age/Day Camp Committee (REC) as we discuss strategies, share best practices, and explore new ideas to create welcoming, engaging, and accessible camp experiences for
Senior Committee Meeting
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Senior Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that serve older adults. If you are interested in joining the committee or simply wish to attend for educational and networking purpose
Cultural Arts & Special Events Committee (TR)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the Cultural Arts & Special Event Committee is a group of professionals who specialize or work in and around Therapeutic Recreation cultural arts and/or special event programs. If you are interest
ProConnect: The Magic of Mentorship - Lights, Camera, Action!
This final event brings the triad brings the triad mentorship story to center stage—parks, recreation, and conservation style!
SDWS : Doing More with Less - Collaboration Is the Key to Success
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Budget cuts, staffing shortages, and growing community needs are realities for many park and recreation professionals. The good news? Collaboration can turn limited resources into expanded impact.
Reframing Problems as Positives - Changing Perspective
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Leadership is as much about mindset as it is about skillset.
Early Childhood Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Early Childhood Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around early childhood programs. If you are interested in joining the ...
Cultural Arts Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Cultural Arts Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. If you are ...
'26 Spring Playground Maintenance Course (Chicago Metro)
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
The National Recreation and Park Association's Playground Maintenance Course (PMC) is a one-day (6.25 hour) educational course that provides participants with an understanding of basic playground hazards, applying safe maintenance practices on equipment, i
SDWS : Doing More with Less - Collaboration Is the Key to Success
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Budget cuts, staffing shortages, and growing community needs are realities for many park and recreation professionals. The good news? Collaboration can turn limited resources into expanded impact.
New Professionals Committee Meeting
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the New Professionals Committee consists of new professionals that have been in the field of therapeutic recreation for five (5) years or less. If you are interested in joining the ...
Communications & Marketing Section Meeting & Summer Content Workshop
10:30 AM - 1:30 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. Join us for our Q1 Board Meeting, followed by a Marketing Roun
Forest Preserve & Conservation Section Board Meeting
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
The Forest Preserve and Conservation (FPC) Section consists of professionals that either specialize or work in and around forest preserves and/or conservation. If you are interested in joining the section or simply wish to attend for ...
SDWS : Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding and Addressing Ableism in Customer Service
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
More than one in four Americans lives with a disability — some visible, many not. Yet ableism, or bias against people with disabilities, often appears in ways we don’t even recognize
SDWS : Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding and Addressing Ableism in Customer Service
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
More than one in four Americans lives with a disability — some visible, many not. Yet ableism, or bias against people with disabilities, often appears in ways we don’t even recognize
SDWS : Critical Thinking: Making Decisions That Stick
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Practical thinking requires curiosity, perspective, and new approaches to problem-solving. The good news? Critical thinking is a skill anyone can learn.
8th Annual Unplug Illinois Day
The 8th Annual Unplug Illinois Day is Saturday, July 11, 2026 – join park, recreation, and conservation agencies state-wide in planning an event to highlight the programs and facilities that make your community thrive! Unplug Illinois promotes the ...
SDWS : Critical Thinking: Making Decisions That Stick
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Practical thinking requires curiosity, perspective, and new approaches to problem-solving. The good news? Critical thinking is a skill anyone can learn.
SDWS : Building Trust & Collaboration Across Generations
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
In today’s parks and recreation teams, five generations work side by side — each bringing unique strengths, values, and communication styles.
SDWS : Building Trust & Collaboration Across Generations
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
In today’s parks and recreation teams, five generations work side by side — each bringing unique strengths, values, and communication styles.
Park District Conservation Day
Park District Conservation Day began in 1994 as a special recognition day for Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation districts, recreation, and special recreation agencies. Agencies send dance groups, bands, chorales, theater groups, ...
Cultural Arts Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Cultural Arts Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. If you are ...
SDWS : Staying Positive in a Negative World: Practical Strategies for Leading with Calm, Credibility, and Optimism
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
In an era of constant change, conflict, and public scrutiny, maintaining a positive outlook can be one of a leader’s greatest challenges — and most powerful tools.
IPPYS (Illinois Park Professionals Yearly Soirée)
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Designed to honor outstanding achievements and careers in Illinois parks, recreation, and conservation, giving professionals an opportunity to celebrate colleagues and agencies. Step into the spotlight at the IPPYS—celebrating excellence, leadership, and
SDWS: Staying Positive in a Negative World: Practical Strategies for Leading with Calm, Credibility, and Optimism
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
In an era of constant change, conflict, and public scrutiny, maintaining a positive outlook can be one of a leader’s greatest challenges — and most powerful tools.
Illinois Delegate Reception @ NRPA 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Join us in Philadelphia! On September 30, 2026, IPRA and IAPD are co-hosting our annual Illinois Delegate Reception during the NRPA Annual Conference. Complimentary appetizers and soft drinks will be provided; a cash bar available.
SDWS : Keep Cool Under Pressure
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Amid uncertainty and rising public incivility, maintaining composure has never been more essential for today’s professionals.
SDWS : Keep Cool Under Pressure
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Amid uncertainty and rising public incivility, maintaining composure has never been more essential for today’s professionals.
'26 Software Symposium Vendor Registration
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
IPRA's Administration & Finance (A&F) Section will be hosting the 2026 Software Symposium at the Bolingbrook Park District.
SDWS : The Bison Principle: Courage, Clarity, and Stewardship
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
When storms approach, bison don’t run away—they face the wind and move through it together. The Bison Principle applies that instinct to the challenges of modern public service.
SDWS : The Bison Principle: Courage, Clarity, and Stewardship
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
When storms approach, bison don’t run away—they face the wind and move through it together. The Bison Principle applies that instinct to the challenges of modern public service.
SDWS : Shift Happens! Building Resilient Systems for a Changing Future
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
The pace and scale of change today are unlike anything we've experienced before. Economic volatility, demographic diversification, technological acceleration, and environmental disruption are reshaping the landscape of public service.
SDWS : Shift Happens! Building Resilient Systems for a Changing Future
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The pace and scale of change today are unlike anything we've experienced before. Economic volatility, demographic diversification, technological acceleration, and environmental disruption are reshaping the landscape of public service.