Calling All Presenters!

The IAPD/IPRA Program Committee is currently accepting proposals for the 2017 Soaring to New Heights conference program. This is an excellent opportunity to share your best practice case studies, innovative program ideas, and the latest research and emerging trends with a multi-disciplinary audience of nearly 4,000 professionals and commissioners in the parks, recreation and conservation field. Proposals are being sought for sessions/workshops with a focus in one of the following content areas:

• Boardmanship – topics include board member job description, responsibilities, effectiveness, ethics, conduct, specific duties, rights and goals. Examples of topics include conflict resolution, policy development, how to build an effective board, understanding your role as a board member and board/executive director/staff relations.
• Facilities – covers a broad range of items related to facility design, community centers, facility maintenance, aquatics, fitness, golf, nature centers, special facilities (skate parks, ice rinks, etc...) and green/eco initiatives.
• Finance/IT – focuses on financial management and information technology issues for parks and rec professionals, including topics such as budgets, levies, referendums, taxes, technology trends, software and systems.
• Governance/Legal – topics pertaining to laws, court cases, advocacy, pending legislation, policies and legal issues.
• HR/Risk Management –focuses on human resources issues such as hiring, training, disciplining, HR laws, retention, risk management and team building.
• Leadership/Management – encompasses a broad spectrum of topics on leadership/management strategies and skills development, including change management, innovation, partnerships/collaboration, networking, performance management, staff development, strategic planning and succession planning.
• Marketing/Communications – address topics including but not limited to marketing, customer service, sales skills development, branding, sponsorships, graphic design, PR/media relations, social media, photography and videography.
• Parks – includes a wide range of topics covering park buildings and structures, land, master planning, landscaping/ground maintenance, turf care, athletic fields, playgrounds, trees, equipment, purchasing and trails.
• Recreation – focuses on topics related to park and recreation programming for seniors, adult, teen and youth, including general programming, health & wellness, special and cultural events, youth camps, preschool and youth sports.
• Therapeutic Recreation – covers topics for special needs populations, programming and facilities, as well as training for special needs staff.

 

Interested parties should complete a proposal through the online submissions system. The deadline to submit is June 3, 2016.