Your Guide to IPRA 2026: 10 Educational Sessions to Add to Your Schedule

The 2026 Indiana Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA) Annual Conference is almost here! From November 4-6, parks and recreation professionals will come together in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to share ideas, explore industry trends, and discover new ways to better serve their communities.

With educational sessions covering everything from community programming and leadership to emerging technology and facility operations, there's something for every recreation professional. 

At nextRec, we're always looking for ways to make recreation management simpler and more effective. We know that staying informed, learning from other agencies, and exploring fresh ideas can make a real difference in your department's day-to-day operations. 

To help you make the most of IPRA 2026, we've rounded up 10 educational sessions worth checking out!

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

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

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

  • 👇 Jump to Friday's Educational Sessions (Friday, November 6)
    

2026 IPRA Educational Sessions: Wednesday, November 4

1. Conference Kickoff: Making the Most of IPRA

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

Speakers: Allison Reed, Clinton Chamberlin, Parker Irwin

2. Leading Beyond Your Style: The Power of Adaptive Communication

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Speaker: Mayra Presley

3. Being a Naturalist is Natural

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Speaker: Lora Helmick

4. Building Smarter Parks with BOT (Build Operate Transfer)

Time: 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Speakers: Bruce Molter, Dominic Cornett, Greg Martz

5. Ready to Respond: Emergency Procedures + Safety Strategies for Parks + Recreation Professionals

Time: 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Speakers: Angie Wolfram, Jennifer Brown, John Lampe

2026 IPRA Educational Sessions: Thursday, November 5

6. STEM from Here: Growing Future Educators in Parks

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

Speakers: Emily Trisler, Kara Mackey

7. Parks Pricing Strategies: Community Good vs Cost Recovery

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

Speaker: Nathan Kane

8. Parks for Every Generation; Inviting Older Adults In

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Speaker: Sims Corbett

2026 IPRA Educational Sessions: Friday, November 6

9. Beyond the Front Desk: The Business of Community Center Operations

Time: 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Speaker: Chris Gilbert

10. Parks and Rec: The Project Manager's Cut

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Speakers: Demetrius Kennedy, Kelli Austin, Olivia Sanchez

Discover What's Next at IPRA 2026!

No matter which sessions you attend, IPRA 2026 is a great opportunity to discover fresh ideas, connect with other recreation professionals, and find new ways to make an impact in your community. 

Between sessions, be sure visit Xplor Recreation at Booth #84 and say hello to the nextRec team!

We'd love to learn more about your department, hear about your goals, and show you how nextRec can help simplify recreation management and create better experiences for your staff and residents.

Want to see nextRec in action? Stop by and discover how easy recreation management can be!

We can't wait to see you at IPRA 2026!