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WRPA 74th Annual Conference April 28 & 29, 2021

Illuminating the Future:
A Virtual Conversation On Parks & Recreation Post-Pandemic

Thank You to Those Who Joined Us Virtually on April 28 & 29, 2021

We had more than 250 participants online with us at the 2021 Annual Conference. We laughed and learned together on Zoom and had a blast catching up with old friends and meeting new friends.

All #WRPA2021 registrants now have access to all available recordings from the conference. Simply visit the Attendee Portal and log into your WRPA profile to rewatch content or catch up on any sessions you missed.

Go to the Attendee Portal

If you are having trouble logging in we recommend you first try resetting your password. If you are still having trouble please email the WRPA office at [email protected] or giving us a call at (206) 361-8869.

About the 2021 WRPA Conference & Tradeshow

WRPA is looking forward to the 2021 WRPA Conference. We know 2020 was a tough year, but let's start getting excited about a new and illuminating future. Be sure to mark your calendar for April 28 & 29, 2021. We want you and your team to celebrate this year's theme with us, Illuminating the Future: A Virtual Conversation On Parks & Recreation Post-Pandemic.

WRPA conferences generally welcome more than 400+ recreation and park professionals, sponsors, exhibitors, and speakers. We hope that moving the event to a virtual platform opens the doors for even more participants to join us. Learn more about the event by viewing our Schedule at a Glance and learn more about our Keynote Speaker below.

View Schedule

Meet the Keynote

Mentoring Program

This Year's Virtual Conference Platform Is Sponsored By:

Registration

Registration Rates
	Full Conference	One Day
Agency Employee Member	$145	$95
Group of 4+ Linked Agency Employee Members (email the WRPA Office for your unique discount code)	$109 Per Person	n/a
Individual Member (Affiliate, Associate, Commercial, Emeritus, Professional)	$175	$95
Non-Member	$205	$105
Student	$25	$25

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED

Have you been recently laid off, furloughed, or need financial assistance? We want to make sure our Conference is accessible to everyone, contact the WRPA Office for more information.

Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA): This program is eligible for WCIA's Training Reimbursement. Reimbursement funding is available upon program completion. Reimbursement requests must be submitted through WCIA Origami Member Portal by the designated Origami user. For questions about reimbursement or your designated Origami User, please contact Member Services at [email protected].

See Who Is Coming to the Conference

Want to see who else has signed up for the conference so far?

Current Attendee List

2021 WRPA Mentorship Program

Engaging Professional Development Opportunities for Students

The WPRA Student Connections Committee is dedicated to providing engaging professional development opportunities for students and young professionals who are looking to further gain insight into the exciting field of parks and recreation. One way we achieve this is through our Mentorship Program.

This annual program pairs distinguished professionals (our mentors) with a student or young professionals (our mentees) who can benefit from have a networking relationship with a current professional in the industry. The deadline for applications for this year was March 19, 2021.

Learn More

Keynote Speaker Announcement Ken Nwadike, Jr.

Ken E. Nwadike, Jr. is a peace activist, motivational speaker, and video journalist known as the Free Hugs Guy online. In 2014, Nwadike launched the Free Hugs Project to spread love in response to the bombing of the Boston Marathon. Nwadike has made major news headlines for his peace-keeping efforts and de-escalating violence during protests, riots, and political rallies. Nwadike has made many appearances on news programs worldwide, including CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain, and BBC News. Ken was the keynote speaker at the 2017 National NACA conference, a speaker at the 2018 and 2020 national conferences, and several regional NACA events.

Ken is a favorite on campuses nationwide and is frequently invited to return. Ken engages people in conversations of understanding, and compassion amidst the rising tide of hatred and racism. His keynote and interaction with people create unity and builds community, reminding them that we are all humans in need of love.