GRPA 2026: Fresh Ideas, Great Sessions & More to Explore

The 2026 Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) Annual Conference is almost here! With plenty of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and fresh perspectives on the schedule, it's a great chance to connect with fellow recreation professionals and discover new ways to make a difference in your community.

With so much happening throughout the conference, deciding which sessions to attend can be a challenge. That's why the nextRec team has rounded up 15 sessions worth adding to your schedule! From creative programming and community engagement to athletics, special events, and everyday operations, theses sessions offer practical ideas you can bring back to your department.

And don't forget to visit Xplor Recreation at Booths #23 and #24 to meet the nextRec team! We'd love to hear what your department has been working on, share what's new with nextRec, and chat about ways to make managing recreation a little easier.

Ready to plan your GRPA experience? Check out our top session picks below!

Read on to discover the 15 sessions worth adding to your list! 

• • 👇 Jump to Monday's Educational Sessions (Monday, November 2)

  • 👇 Jump to Tuesday's Educational Sessions (Tuesday, November 3)

  • 👇 Jump to Wednesday's Educational Sessions (Wednesday, November 4)

  • 👇 Jump to Thursday's Educational Sessions (Thursday, November 5)

2026 GRPA Educational Sessions: Monday, November 2

1. From Participants to Partners: Building Community Through Intentional Engagement

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

Speaker: Tim Petrea

2. Game Day Without the Drama: Conflict Doesn't Define Our Programs–How We Handle It Does

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Speaker: Tim Petrea

3. Fitness Over Fifty: Creating a Thriving Fitness Program for All Levels of Vitality

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Speaker: Lycia Rettig

2026 GRPA Educational Sessions: Tuesday, November 3

4. WOW Our Members–Build a Strong Community Relations and Sponsorship Program

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Speaker: Lycia Rettig

5. Adult Athletic Leagues

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Speakers: Brody Whitlock, Conor Hoyne

6. Main Character Energy: Creating Special Events That Hit

Time: 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Speakers: Jocelyn Eason, Brandon McLester, Kierra Cordell, Amiya Law, Dontae Hamilton

2026 GRPA Educational Sessions: Wednesday, November 4

7. Glow Big or Go Home

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Speaker: Tara Vroman

8. Project Management Beyond Capital Projects

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Speaker: Lauren Martin

9. From Basic Needs to Belonging: Why Recreation Programming is Essential

Time: 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Speaker: Jordon Gonzalez

10. GRPA Athletics–Expectations to Hose a State Tournament/Meet

Time: 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Speaker: Thad Ferguson

11. GRPA Baseball & Softball–"Where Are We Headed"

Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Speaker: John Layng

2026 GRPA Educational Sessions: Thursday, November 5

12. Scroll-Stopping Strategies: Turning Content into Community

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Speaker: Paige Ferguson

13. If You Build It, They Might Come... If You Program It, They Will Stay

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Speaker: Tim Petrea

14. Nature Next Door: Connecting People to Nature in Local Parks

Time: 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Speaker: Candace Cook

15. From "That Was Nice" to "We're Going Again Next Year"

Time: 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Speaker: Michelle Dunn

Let's Connect at GRPA 2026!

Whether you're looking to shake up your programming, find new ways to engage your community, or simply pick up a few helpful tips from fellow recreation professionals, GRPA 2026 has plenty to offer. We hope these session recommendations help you make the most of your time at the conference!

While you're there, swing by and visit Xplor Recreation at Booths #23 and #24 to say hello to the nextRec team! We'd love to learn more about your department, hear about the challenges you're tackling, and show you how nextRec can simplify your day-to-day operations. 

See you at GRPA 2026!