Although the IAPD / IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference is one of the largest, if not the largest, park and recreation conference in the country there are plenty of opportunities for small group learning and networking opportunities.
There really is something for everyone at this year’s conference and we’re asking you to help spread the word about what’s going on that you think others will like. Maybe it’s a social night, maybe it’s a scavenger hunt, maybe a fun dinner and night out on the town…
Share your networking opportunities here by posting a comment. Keep checking back to see if anything interests you and your coworkers. Have fun this year, meet a ton of new people and learn a lot in the sessions!
I would like to extend an invitation to all professionals to attend the Professional Connection at the 2007 IAPD/IPRA Conference. Get your conference off by Soaring to New Heights and sharing your years of experience and knowledge with students attending the conference preparing to take the leap we all took when we first became professionals. Give them a few tidbits of knowledge, share a few great experiences you have from the field and a few you would like to forget as they prepare to Soar to New Heights. Professional Connection begins at 5:30 in the Columbus K/L in the East Tower on the Gold Level Thursday, January 25th. A light dinner and beverages will be available. Don’t forget we were all about to take the leap into the professional world, and wouldn’t it have been helpful to have a few extra bits of advice before that time. If you are interested in registering or have further questions, contact me via email at kwascher@southelgin.com or call me at 847-622-0003. See everyone at Conference 2007!!
Join ITRS for a “Las Vegas Night” party at conference. We will be hosting a BAGGO competition at the party. Winners of the BAGGO tournament will win BAGGO boards to take home with them. The party will be held on Thursday, January 25 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Regency A & B Ballrooms. We hope to see everyone there!
As a member of NRPA, I would challenge that your event is the largest. Given that about 10,000 people attend the NRPA Congress each year, I’d say that one is unmatched.
Chip Edwards
Thank you Chip for correcting us…the IAPD/IPRA conference is the largest state conference for park and recreation professionals. We are very proud of this as are the numerous professionals from neighboring states who come to our conference.
Take care and hopefully we’ll see you in January!
I would like to invite all professionals in attendance to participate in an unofficial 5K run on Saturday morning. We will arrange a very casual 5K run/race starting at 7:30am from the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Please bring a t-shirt from your agency for a t-shirt exchange/awards. No registration necessary - just show up and run with a group as we take in a beautiful Chicago sunrise.
Look for more information about this fun run while at the conference.
Matt Wehby
The Facility Management Section is having their social Thursday night from 5-7pm in room 2176.