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!
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.
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
Time: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Ryan Hegreness
Location: Room 164/165
Time: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Jason Hendrix, Gabby Vera
Location: Room 154
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Speaker: Skyler Roussel
Location: Room 153
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. James Moore
Location: Room 154
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Speaker: Anthony Robles
Location: Room 164/165
Time: 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Speaker: Kristen Clark
Location: Room 153
Time: 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Speakers: Amanda Lacey, Sarah Martin, Dennis Mueller, Steve Hamilton
Location: Room 154
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Speaker: Bobbi Nance
Location: Room 164/165
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Speakers: Keri Konold, John Kennedy, Ben Cserepes
Location: Room 153
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Speaker: Jason Chadock
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Isabelle Flores
Location: Room 150
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Kelby Mieras
Location: Room 151
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Bobbi Nance
Location: Room 152
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Janet Bartnik
Location: Room 164/165
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Speakers: Rachael Goodwin, Kevin Snipes
Location: Room 153
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Speaker: Katie Groke
Location: Room 164/165
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Speaker: Kristy Diaz-Trahan
Location: Room 152
Time: 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Speakers: Steven Brinkerhoff, Michael Gonzales
Location: Room 150
Time: 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Speaker: Kevin McKee
Location: Room 152
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Speaker: Robt Medrano
Location: Room 166
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!