FRPA 2026: Planning Your FRPA Schedule? 10 Sessions Worth Adding to Your List

The 2026 Florida Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference is almost here, and the nextRec team is excited to head to Orlando, FL to connect with parks and recreation professionals from across the state.

Taking place August 31 - September 3 at Rosen Shingle Creek, this year's conference brings together recreation and park professionals for several days of learning, networking, and exploring new possibilities for their communities.

Whether you're attending to explore emerging technology, strengthen your leadership skills, discover new programming ideas, or find better ways to serve your community, FRPA offers a packed lineup of educational opportunities. 

With so many sessions to choose from, narrowing down your schedule can be a challenge. To help you plan your week, we've highlighted 10 sessions we think are worth adding to your agenda.

Read on to discover the 10 sessions worth adding to your list! 

• • 👇 Jump to Tuesday's Educational Sessions (Tuesday, September 1)

  • 👇 Jump to Wednesday's Educational Sessions (Wednesday, September 2)

2026 FRPA Educational Sessions: Tuesday, September 1

1. Marketing Redefined: From Circus Signs to Strategy & AI

Time: 1:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Speaker: Tevin Ali

2. Park System Planning for Premier Agencies

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Speakers: Bobby Chenier, Brad Keen, Carlos Perez

3. Decoding Difficult Parents

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Speakers: Sara Carlson, Rachel Hyde

4. Safeguarding Success: Proactive Risk Management for Events

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Speakers: Shelby Mendelson, Trish Sturgess

5. Program & Policy Showdown: ADA Jeopardy

Time: 2:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Speakers: Anthony Robles

2026 FRPA Educational Sessions: Wednesday, September 2

6. Parks, People & Pennies: Navigating Economic Challenge with Confidence

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Speaker: Chris Nunes

7. First-Class Special Event Strategies and Design Elements

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Speakers: Jack Kardys, Kevin Kirwin

8. Empower, Engage, Excel: Development Plans That Retain Talent

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Speaker: Kelsey Mears

9. How to Get a "Yes" from Your Boss!

Time: 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Speakers: Vernon Neeley, Kevin Pickard

10. Grace Under Pressure: Navigating Irate Customers

Time: 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Speaker: Christopher McNamara

Stop by Booths #923, 925 & 927!

After a full day of learning and networking, we'd love to meet you at Booths #923, 925 & 927!

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 Orlando. Safe travels, enjoy the conference, and be sure to stop by Booths #923, 925 & 927!