The NDRPA State Conference will be held in Grand Forks Sept. 12-14. North Dakota park and recreation professionals are invited to gather with their peers from across the state for educational sessions and fun networking opportunities.

Download the conference schedule for more details.

Registration

Registration is closed. If you have any questions regarding your registration, please contact NDRPA at 701-355-4458.

Accommodations

Room blocks have been reserved at the Canad Inns Destination Centre, Staybridge Suites and Expressway Suites in Grand Forks. All education sessions, the awards banquet and the exhibitor showcase will take place at the Alerus Center connected to the Canad Inn. To book, call the hotels directly and reference group ID: NDRPA State Conference Block. Hotels and room rates:

• Canad Inn: $88.20/night
• Staybridge Suites: $129/night for studio queen OR $139/night for one bedroom suite
• Expressway Suites: $98/night
• Other nearby lodging options available

The room block deadline is Aug. 12.

Exhibit Hall

Location:  Alerus Center, 1200 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, ND 58201
Exhibit Set-up: Tues., Sept. 12, 8-11 a.m. and 2-5 p.m. CT
Exhibit Schedule: Wed., Sept. 13, 7 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. CT
Exhibit Tear-Down: Wed., Sept. 13, 3:30-5 p.m. CT

If you have questions regarding your exhibit booth or sponsorship, please contact NDRPA at 701-355-4458.

Keynote Speaker

Pat O’Toole, Manager at BerryDunn
Parks and recreation is an ever-evolving industry continually facing new challenges, and Pat O’Toole’s years of experience in feasibility studies, strategic planning, and operations provide a unique perspective on how organizations can rise to meet these challenges head-on. O’Toole will lead a presentation on the emerging trends in parks and recreation and how they impact organizations of all sizes across the country, including a panel discussion of parks and recreation directors from across the state focusing on the future of parks and recreation in North Dakota. Prior to joining BerryDunn, O’Toole held various positions at GreenPlay, PROS, Leon Younger, and OATS. His experience also includes serving as the director and assistant director for parks and recreation agencies in Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, and Indiana.

Tuesday Highlights

There are several opportunities to enjoy Grand Forks and the company of fellow professionals at the conference, including activities on Tuesday afternoon. It wouldn’t be the state conference without a golf tournament. Get ready to play beautiful King’s Walk, a links-style, Arnold Palmer Signature Course.

As an alternative to the golf tournament, attendees have the opportunity to tour Ralph Engelstad Arena. Described as the “finest facility of its kind in the world,” the Ralph is a 400,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility that serves as the home of UND men’s hockey. The alternative activity will also include a stop downtown at Half Brothers Brewery for a tour and complimentary pint.

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

Silent Auction Items Requested

This year’s conference will include a silent auction for NDRPA scholarships. Each park district is invited to donate an item for the auction valued at $50 or more.

Questions

For questions, contact the NDRPA office at 701-355-4458.