September 2015 - Parks & Recreation - 76

2015 NRPA Annual Conference Special Events

e know each year you come to the NRPA Annual Conference for
fantastic networking opportunities, continuing education, unique
site visits and the expansive exhibit hall that are the cornerstones
of our biggest event. The passion and dedication that drives our
members to attend is noteworthy, and it should not go without reward. That's why
NRPA Conference organizers, along with the Local Host and Program Committees, have arranged some extra-special events and attractions designed to help you
get the most out of your time in Las Vegas. Here, we highlight a handful of notto-be-missed opportunities - for the most up-to-date scheduling and registration
information, go to www.nrpa.org/Conference2015. There, you can also download
our mobile app that keeps you current before and during the event!
Special Guest Speaker
NRPA is pleased to announce that
United States Surgeon General, Vice
Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, will give
a special address during the Opening
General Session from 9 a.m. to 10:30
a.m. Tuesday, September 15. Dr. Murthy's highest priority as U.S. Surgeon
General is building a stronger, healthier America, so attendees will want to
be there to hear more about this goal
and the nation's public health.

NRPA 50th Anniversary Celebration
We've been talking about it for months,
so you know we're going all-out for our
50th anniversary celebration, set for 6
p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, September
16. You and thousands of your peers in
parks and recreation are invited to enjoy
a night of music, dancing, food and beverages as we reflect on the past 50 years
of challenges and successes, and look
forward to the years to come. Be sure
to pack your dancing shoes and leave
room for some delicious birthday cake!
Exhibit Hall Reception
Last year, we held a hugely successful
networking reception right in the exhibit hall, and you let us know how many
great connections you made during that
event. For 2015, we're repeating the
model from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tues74 Parks & Recreation

day, September 15. After a full day of
attending education sessions and meeting your colleagues, you'll be ready to
spend some additional time talking
about the best practices, programming
initiatives and exciting new projects that
fuel your passion for our field. It's also
a great opportunity to get a closer look
at the more than 400 exhibitors showcasing their goods and services in the
exhibit hall. There will be plenty of hors
d'oeuvres, entertainment and prizes to
keep you going all evening long.
What's That, Girl? It's Lassie!
Lassie, the original canine superhero and American icon of safety and
trust, is making an appearance at the
2015 NRPA Annual Conference to
help parks and recreation professionals learn how to better protect children
during disasters. The visit marks Lassie's latest endeavor as Save the Children's ambassador for its " Get Ready.
Get Safe. " initiative, which helps communities prepare to keep children safe
no matter what storm might come
their way. Join Lassie for a photo, disaster supplies relay race and to learn
about the Prep Rally, a turnkey emergency preparedness program for kids
in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Come see Lassie perform the relay at
6:15 p.m. Tuesday in the Member Cel-

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Television icon Lassie will make an
appearance during the Exhibit Hall
Reception on the evening of Tuesday,
September 15.

ebration area during the Exhibit Hall
Reception detailed above.
Neon 5K Fun Run/Walk
Here again, our Local Host Committee members have outdone themselves
by organizing a spectacular fun run
and walk from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15. Grab your
sneakers and set out for a 5K run or
1-mile walk along the scenic trails of
Sunset Park. As dusk falls, runners will
be guided by bright neon glow sticks
and the shimmering Las Vegas skyline.
Several fun extras, including music, refreshments and giveaways, make this a
healthy event not to be missed!
A number of special events and celebrations are scheduled to take place
at the 2015 Annual Conference - in
addition to those mentioned above -
so be sure to check the mobile app or
visit www.nrpa.org/Conference2015
to learn more about events like Sunrise
Yoga on Wednesday morning, the Gold
Medal reception, Best of the Best Ceremony, Student Quiz Bowl and special
guest appearances and prize giveaways
throughout the Conference.

September 2015 - Parks & Recreation

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