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About | Registration | Schedule & Keynote Speaker | Socials | Networking Dinner | Golf Tournament| Pickleball Tournament | Travel Info | Sponsor & Exhibit | Attendee Info | Know Before You Go 

 

Attendee Information

Welcome to the WRPA 2024 Annual Conference! Please review the information below detailing the event schedule, site location, parking, and more. If you have any questions about this information, please feel free to contact the WPRA Office at [email protected] or by calling 206-361-8869.

Download the Conference App

We encourage you this year to download the WRPA app to help navigate the conference and tradeshow.

Follow these simple steps to install the app on your device.

  1. Visit the App Store for IOS devices or Google Play for Android devices to search for the App.
  2. Search for "WRPA Today", select "WRPA Today" and download. The app may already be on your phone if you downloaded the Conference app previously, simply update.
  3. Once the app is installed, it may take a while to fully load. If this happens, close the app and open it back up.
  4. When you see the Home page of the app, select "More" on the bottom then select "Go to Events". You will then see the WRPA 2024 Event. 
  5. To access attendee-only content log in with the same email you used to register for the conference.
  6. Enjoy the app feature!
Apple App Store Download
Google Play Download

Hotel Information

Off I-5, the Hilton Vancouver Washington is across the street from Esther Short Park. Vancouver Waterfront and its pier, shops, and restaurants are nine minutes’ walk from our door. The Amtrak Station is a five-minute drive, and Portland International Airport is 15 minutes away. Enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and Grays, the restaurant and bar that supports sustainability.

Key Amenities

  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 12:00 PM
  • High-Speed Internet Access
  • Fitness and recreation

Parking

  • Self-parking: $34.00 per day
  • Valet parking: $44.00
  • EV charging: Not available
  • Secured: Available
  • Covered: Available
  • In/Out privileges: Available
More Information

Things to Do in Vancouver

Perfectly positioned between Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Pacific Coast, Vancouver, Washington boasts a vast array of activities, scenic landscapes, and historic attractions. Whether you are here on a family vacation or in town for a business conference, there is plenty to do in Vancouver.

Things To Do
Food and Beverages to Explore

Registration and Arrival

The conference registration desk will be open at the following times.

Registration Desk Hours
The registration desk is located in Heritage Pre-function
Tuesday, May 21 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, May 22 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, May 23 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday, May 24 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

 

Schedule & Presentation Materials

The full schedule is available on the WRPA website and on the app. Speaker presentations will be available after the event, please be on the lookout for the post-event email that will have a link to the finalized resource page. 

View Schedule 

Conference Socials

College Night! On Wednesday, be sure to wear your college swag as there will be tables indicated by schools for all Alumni to meet up.

We have a large variety of activities, events, and socials this year in Vancouver.

  • Networks Meeting
    Date & Time: Thursday, May 23 | 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
    Location: Programming Network: Kiesha Taylor | Location: Spruce/Pine

    Facilities/Rentals/Marketing Network: Shannon Kaopua | Location: Oak; Admin Network: Sylvana Niehuser | Location: Discovery Ballroom ABC; Aquatics Network: Landon Labowsky | Discovery Ballroom D/E; Athletic & Fitness: Curtis Carlson & Molly Barnett | Cedar; NEW Hispanic Professional Network: Angie Rance | Location: Alder; Equity, Inclusion, Belonging: Jennifer Gessley Gayman | Location: Ash

  • 2024 Awards Banquet
    Date & Time: Thursday, May 23 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
    Location: Discovery Ballroom ABC

Tours

  • Waterfront Park Tour
    Date & Time: Wednesday, May 22 | 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
    Location: Meet on the east side of the park, near the WATERFRONT PARK sign at the round-about end of Esther Short

Student and Emerging Networking Dinner

Calling all students and emerging professionals. You're invited to join us on Wednesday, May 22 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, for an enriching experience at the FREE Student & Emerging Professional Networking Dinner. This event offers an ideal platform for students to connect and engage in a relaxed atmosphere over a delightful dinner. It's an excellent opportunity to foster meaningful connections with seasoned professionals, providing valuable insights and potential mentorship. Come be a part of this gathering where networking meets camaraderie, paving the way for professional growth and development.

Register Now
Download the Flyer

CEU Tracking

Through national certification, you join thousands of people who are committed to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice in the delivery of park and recreation programs.

WRPA partners with the NRPA headquarters to coordinate certifications for industry professionals. Certifications include Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification, Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Certification, and more. 

At the 2024 Conference, attendees can come to the registration desk and request a CE Tracking Sheet to mark their attendance of certain sessions.

Learn More About Tracking
 

Exhibit Hall

Be sure to take the time to participate in our Tradeshow activities during the breaks throughout the Conference. Make deeper connections with the sponsors and exhibitors by inviting them to join you for socials and other activities.

Exhibit Hours

Date Time Location
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 10:15 AM - 3:30 PM Exhibit Hall Hours
  10:15 AM - 11:00 AM Break in Exhibit Hall
  12:15 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch in Exhibit Hall
  2:45 PM - 3:30 PM Break in Exhibit Hall
Thursday, May 23, 2024 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM   Exhibit Hall Open
  10:15 AM - 10:45 AM Break in Exhibit Hall
  12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch in Exhibit Hall
 
See Booth List

Exhibitors Information

Current exhibitors, please visit the Exhibitor Resources webpage for exhibit hall details

Exhibitor Resources Page

Exhibitor Engagement Programs

Exhibitor Passport

  • You will receive an exhibitor passport booklet at check-in.
  • Each booth will have a unique stamp to mark your passport.
  • Once you have filled out your passport, you will drop it in the passport collection bin next to the prize display table to be entered into the prize drawing.
  • The prize drawing will be on Thursday at 12:30 PM – you must be present to win. The prize is a $50 Amazon gift card and Yeti Tumbler.

Social Media Challenge

  • We have created a list of “selfies” that you can tag #WRPA2024 in on social media to earn entry into the drawing.
  • Photos can also be uploaded to the conference app social wall.
  • The more entries, the more chances to win!
  • The winner will be announced on Thursday at 12:30 PM – must be present to win. The prize will be a $50 Amazon gift card.
View List

Booth Games

  • Each exhibit booth has been assigned a fun game for you to play and win tickets.
  • You will write your first and last name on the tickets you win and take them to the prize display table to enter the prize drawing for your choice of prize basket(s).
  • The prize drawing will be on Wednesday and Thursday at 12:30 PM – you must be present to win. You can win on Wednesday and Thursday. Prizes are assorted gift baskets.

Special Coupon For You

Enjoy this special coupon for Big 5 Sporting Goods. Valid at all Big 5 locations and can be used on most product categories throughout the store through August.

View Coupon

Parking

Staying at the Hilton? There is a parking garage for registered guests at the hotel. 

Not staying at the Hilton?  There is underground garage parking at 6th street and Columbia. The name of the garage is Park and Go.