Get Ready for Camp Fargo!
Pack your gear and prepare for an unforgettable adventure at the NDRPA State Conference, happening Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 in Fargo. North Dakota park and recreation professionals are invited to “camp out” with peers from across the state for engaging educational sessions, fun activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect.

The full conference schedule will be posted soon—don’t miss the adventure!

REGISTRATION

Register online or, if you have a large group registration, submit the group registration form (Excel) to the NDRPA office. The registration deadline is Sept. 5.

Please note: registration is open to government and nonprofit entities. Commercial organizations are invited to participate in the conference as exhibitors. Please see exhibitor information below.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SMALL PARK BOARDS

NDRPA is pleased to announce five conference registration scholarships are available to park board commissioners or staff from park districts that have up to 2 full-time, year-round staff. The scholarship is limited to two people per park district and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. If a park district submits more than two scholarship requests, additional requests will be placed on a waiting list to be awarded after Aug. 19. To request a scholarship, contact the NDRPA office at 701-355-4458.

ACCOMMODATIONS

A room block has been reserved at the Holiday Inn Fargo, 3803 13th Avenue S., Fargo. The first day of education sessions and exhibitor showcase will take place at the Fargo Parks Sports Center, 6100 38th Street S., Fargo. The awards banquet, NDRPA Annual Meeting and Thursday education sessions will take place at the Holiday Inn Fargo.

To book a room, call the Holiday Inn Fargo directly at 701-282-2700 and reference group ID: 2025 NDRPA State Conference. Room rates are $134/night. The room block deadline is Sept. 5.

SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBIT HALL

NDRPA invites you to sponsor and/or exhibit at the conference.

For sponsorship details, download the 2025 Sponsor Prospectus. The deadline for sponsor recognition in printed promotional materials is July 31.

Each exhibit booth fee includes a full conference pass, including all meals for one exhibitor representative.  Additional exhibitor passes are $120 each.

Sponsorships and exhibit hall space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in exhibiting, reserve your booth or sponsorship today!

EXHIBIT HALL DETAILS

Location: Fargo Parks Sports Center, 6100 38th Street S., Fargo

Exhibit Set-up:

• Tues., Sept. 30, 8-11 a.m. and 2-5 p.m. CT
• Wed., Oct. 1, 7-8 a.m. CT

Exhibit Schedule: Wed., Oct. 1, 9:15 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. CT

Exhibit Tear-Down: Wed., Oct. 1, 3:30-5:00 p.m. CT

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Miss Shannan Paul

“Comedy Through Chaos: Lessons Learned Through Laughter”

Start the conference on a high note—with energy, insight, and a lot of laughs! We’re excited to welcome Miss Shannan Paul, comedian, media personality, and fierce advocate for overcoming imposter syndrome. Named Best Stand-up Comedian by City Pages, Shannan is a masterful storyteller who knows how to connect with audiences from all walks of life.

In her inspiring keynote, Shannan shares how humor helped her navigate life’s toughest moments—and how you, as park and recreation professionals, can harness that same resilience to lead, uplift, and make a lasting impact. Get ready to laugh, reflect, and walk away empowered to lead with heart and humor.

Holly Huso

Founder, The Haymaker Sales and Leadership, LLC

We’re thrilled to welcome Holly Huso, founder of The Haymaker Sales and Leadership, LLC, to this year’s conference! A powerhouse executive, transformational coach, and gifted speaker, Holly brings a deep well of experience across Division I athletics, education and top-tier healthcare leadership.

From her roots as a North Dakota farm kid to her rise as a sought-after leadership expert, Holly’s journey is proof that resilience, grit, and authenticity are game changers. Known for her humor, clarity and ability to truly connect, Holly’s keynote will inspire and challenge you through real-world stories and practical strategies you can put into action. Prepare to be energized—and maybe even transformed.

TUESDAY HIGHLIGHTS

There are several opportunities to enjoy the vibrant city of Fargo in the company of fellow professionals at the conference, including three Tuesday afternoon activities to choose from:

1. Participate in the golf tournament at Rose Creek Golf Course, the 18-hole, water-and-sand-lined gem of south Fargo.
2. Join a refreshing nature walk at Orchard Glen Park, guided by an expert arborist, who will share insights about the park’s diverse trees and ecosystems. After stretching your legs and soaking in the beauty of nature, dive into a fantastic cider tasting with Wild Terra Cider! This event is all about combining the joys of nature, learning something new, and savoring local flavors.
3. Experience Fargo like never before with a private screening at the iconic Fargo Theatre! Immerse yourself in this cult classic at the historic venue that shares its name, surrounded by fellow parks and rec professionals. After the film, continue the fun with a tasting experience at a local downtown restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a sampling of expertly crafted local flavors. It’s an afternoon of cinema, culture, and community.

Tuesday night’s social and dinner will take place at Trollwood Park.