The NDRPA State Conference and the ND Trails Conference will be held jointly in Bismarck Sept. 13-15, encouraging conversations on “Navigating Our Future.” North Dakota park and recreation professionals will gather with trail users, advocates and managers from across the state to learn from educational sessions and network with peers.

Download the schedule for details.

REGISTRATION

Register online or, if you have a large group registration, submit the group registration form to the NDRPA office. The registration deadline is Aug. 25.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE 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. 10. To request a scholarship, contact the NDRPA office at 701-355-4458.

ACCOMMODATIONS

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center in Bismarck. The education sessions, awards banquet and exhibitor showcase will take place at the Ramkota. The room block deadline is Aug. 25. Call 701-258-7700 to make reservations.

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES

The following sponsorships are available:

• Attendee Gift
• Tuesday AM Break

For sponsorship details, download the 2021 NDRPA Sponsor Benefits. If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact NDRPA at 701-355-4458. Sponsorships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The deadline for sponsor recognition in printed promotional materials is Aug. 27.

EXHIBIT HALL

NDRPA invites you to exhibit at the conference. Each exhibit booth fee includes a full conference pass, including all meals for one exhibitor representative.  Additional exhibitor passes are $80 each.  Exhibit hall space is limited to 40 booths including equipment booths, also on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reserve your booth today!

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

  Kristine Stratton is the president and chief executive officer of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). In her role, she is responsible for the nearly $20 million national organization that works to ensure that all people have access to parks for health, conservation and recreation. NRPA is the national voice for the protection and creation of local parks, harnessing the passion and power of its more than 60,000 members and the millions of individuals they serve.

Andrea Travnicek, Ph.D., was appointed by Gov. Burgum in May 2020 to oversee the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. In this role, she manages public lands associated with the department, including 13 state parks, 10 state recreation areas, seven nature preserves, and two natural areas. Prior to the appointment she worked for the U.S. Department of the Interior in various leadership roles since 2017.

Chris Nunes, CPRE, is director of parks and recreation for The Woodlands Township in The Woodlands, Texas. In his position, Nunes oversees a $36.3 million operational budget and is accountable for the management of 148 parks, 15 swimming pools and aquatic facilities, and 220 miles of pathways. He speaks around the country on topics such as business plans, contracting, creative programming, marketing, external funding, communication, leadership and succession planning.

MONDAY HIGHLIGHTS

There are several opportunities to enjoy Bismarck and the company of fellow professionals at the conference, including four options on Monday afternoon.

It wouldn’t be the state conference without a golf tournament. Get ready to play beautiful Riverwood Golf Course.

Trail enthusiasts will enjoy one of two field sessions. Ride the Rough Rider Trail on a mini ATV (Space is limited to 12 people, and a helmet is required. Transportation will be provided from Riverwood.). Hike the Atkinson Nature Trail and experience a trackchair, then take an interpretive walk through General Sibley Park.

The Downtown History, Art & Spirits Walk features sights of downtown Bismarck. Tour Camp Hancock and the Former Governors’ Mansion, hear chilling tales of Murderer’s Gulch, and experience an art gallery and an art alley.

Monday night’s social and dinner will take place at the Sertoma Club Community Center in Sertoma Park with yard games and more.

RAFFLE ITEMS REQUESTED

This year’s conference will include a limited silent auction with a few select items and a raffle to raise funds for NDRPA scholarships. Each park district is encouraged to bring at least one raffle item valued at $50 or more.