The 2026 APRA Annual Conference & Expo is almost here, and the nextRec team is excited to head to Phoenix, Arizona to connect with parks and recreation professionals from across the country.
Whether you're attending to discover new ideas, sharpen your leadership skills, explore emerging technology, or network with peers, APRA offers an incredible lineup of educational opportunities. With so many great sessions happening throughout the conference, narrowing down your schedule can be a challenge.
To help you plan your week, we've highlighted 20 sessions we think are worth adding to your agenda.
See you in Phoenix!
Read on to discover the 20 can't-miss sessions at the APRA Annual Conference & Expo!
Connect, Collaborate, and Learn at the APRA TEAM Roundtables
Date: Monday, August 31
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Phoenix Convention Center
One of the biggest benefits of attending APRA is connecting with professionals who understand the challenges and opportunities you face every day. The APRA TEAM Roundtables provide a casual, collaborative environment where attendees can exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another. Whether you're passionate about technology, aquatics, leadership, park maintenance, or special events, these discussions are a great way to kick off the conference and expand your professional network.
Featured Roundtable Topics
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Young Professionals TEAM
Technology TEAM
Athletics TEAM
Special Events TEAM
2:15 – 3:15 PM
Outdoor Natural Resources TEAM
Senior & Active Adults TEAM
Therapeutic Recreation TEAM
Directors TEAM
3:30 – 4:30 PM
DEI TEAM
Park & Facility Maintenance TEAM
Aquatics TEAM
Tribal TEAM
2026 APRA Educational Sessions: Tuesday, September 1
1. Artificial Intelligence: Productivity, Pitfalls, and Organizational Readiness
Time: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Ryan Hegreness
Location: Room 164/165
2. Hired for Fun, Promoted for Chaos: From Rec Leader to Executive Leadership
Time: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Jason Hendrix, Gabby Vera
Location: Room 154
3. From Concept to Construction: Building a Community Park
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Speaker: Skyler Roussel
Location: Room 153
4. Mastering the Art of Persuasion - From Team Huddle to Town Hall
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. James Moore
Location: Room 154
5. Building Resilience Through Experience, Strategy, and Self-Leadership
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Speaker: Anthony Robles
Location: Room 164/165
6. Aquatic Management Academy: Top Gun for Aquatics
Time: 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Speaker: Kristen Clark
Location: Room 153
7. Arizona's Water Reality: Sources, Use, and Conservation in Parks
Time: 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Speakers: Amanda Lacey, Sarah Martin, Dennis Mueller, Steve Hamilton
Location: Room 154
8. Looking at Your Customers in a New Light
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Speaker: Bobbi Nance
Location: Room 164/165
9. Seeing the Bigger Picture
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Speakers: Keri Konold, John Kennedy, Ben Cserepes
Location: Room 153
10. Panic-Proof Planning: We Don't Wing It, We P.L.A.N.
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Speaker: Jason Chadock
2026 APRA Educational Sessions: Wednesday, September 2
11. Play with Purpose
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Isabelle Flores
Location: Room 150
12. Park Maintenance to Park Leadership
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Kelby Mieras
Location: Room 151
13. Backing Up Your Passion with Proof
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Bobbi Nance
Location: Room 152
14. Future-Proofing Your Department - Succession Planning
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Janet Bartnik
Location: Room 164/165
15. Budgeting is a Team Sport: How to Play to Win!
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Speakers: Rachael Goodwin, Kevin Snipes
Location: Room 153
16. Communication is a Tool, Not a Weapon
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Speaker: Katie Groke
Location: Room 164/165
17. AI + TI + EI: When Technology is Smart - But Leadership is Smarter
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Speaker: Kristy Diaz-Trahan
Location: Room 152
18. Pickleball: How Does America's Fasting-Growing Sport Fit Your Parks?
Time: 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Speakers: Steven Brinkerhoff, Michael Gonzales
Location: Room 150
19. Communicating Parks and Recreation Wins to Elected Officials and Decision Makers
Time: 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Speaker: Kevin McKee
Location: Room 152
20. More Than ChatGPT: How Can AI Help Recreation Departments Deliver Exceptional Experiences?
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Speaker: Robt Medrano
Location: Room 166
Stop by Booth #92 and Say Hello!
After a full day of learning and networking, we'd love to meet you at Booth #92!
Whether you're looking for a recreation management solution, exploring new ways to modernize your registration process, or simply curious about what's new with nextRec, our team is here to help.
When you stop by, you can:
🎁Pick up exclusive nextRec swag.
💻See the nextRec platform in action with a live demo.
👩💻Chat with our recreation technology experts.
🔎Discover how nextRec helps agencies streamline registrations, memberships, facilities, payments, reporting, and more.
We can't wait to connect with you in Phoenix. Safe travels, enjoy the conference, and be sure to stop by Booth #92!
