As a new parks and recreation professional you may only have had the opportunity to work during an event and/or program. Ready to take the plunge and take on the new role? During this one hour speed session, geared towards new Parks and Recreation Professionals, we will show you tips and tricks for proposing and executing successful programs and events for your municipality or county. Topics will range from your initial proposal, budgeting, staffing, marketing, day-of-tips, challenges or obstacles and post event/program action. This session is great for conference first-timers or conference alumni looking for fresh ideas.

.1 CEU available - through FRPA only

This session will focus on creating 21st century parks that leverage agency partnerships and investment opportunities in public infrastructure projects through the inclusion of Complete Streets and Place Making principles. As a conduit by way of these collaborative engagements, communities can realize innovative design solutions, benefits of reinvigorated neighborhoods, and catalyze private sector investment.

.1 CEU available through FRPA only

This session will explore what it takes to build an All-Star team from the complete interviewing process and potential team member expectations, to developing staff to move up the management line-up, and what happens when you’re on the team but aren’t getting off the bench!

.1 CEUs - through FRPA only

Having economic impact information is not in itself enough. Now that you have the important economic data, how do you utilize that to tell the story of your agency? This session will demonstrate how to take pieces of information and change the story line to fit your audience while maintaining the credibility of the information. Telling a story that compels decision makers to commit funding and support to your effort, is your goal. Showing that you are a community gain, not a budget drain is imperative to increasing your value to your community.

.2 CEUs - through FRPA only

This session will provide an overview and examples of the importance of appropriately evaluating, monitoring, and reporting on annual budget activities in a responsible and responsive manner. The session will also provide information on how to track your costs by park and by maintenance activities to your leadership and policy makers. The session will also provide information on how to track your costs by park and/or recreation program to identify opportunities to improve efficiencies in your organization.

.1 CEU - through FRPA only

This session will cover the concepts you need to consider when designing and implementing effective internal controls in a parks and recreation environment. Session will explore how and why fraud occurs, cover internal control standards (COSO Model), and explore different techniques to help mitigate risks within your organization.

.2 CEUs available - through FRPA only

Everyone is looking for ways to market their programs, but no one thinks about marketing themselves. This fun and interactive class will focus on giving you the tools to build your personal brand. Learn the 10 ways to stand out from the crowd, get known, get noticed, and maybe get that promotion you want!

.1 CEUs - through FRPA only

Leading organizations across the country can be great examples of how to establish a way of thinking and execution that make your department shine. Using some of the best known organizations in the country, discuss how to build a culture that focuses on things you think are most important and grow your agency revenues.

.1 CEUs - through FRPA only

This session is designed to teach you how to evaluate programs and services in relationship to revenue. Learn the connection between cost recovery and program pricing. Discuss some micro and macro strategies to use when determining the price of a program.

.1 CEUs - through FRPA only