September 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 46

FUtURe LeAdeRS continued from page 43

NRPA has worked on session offerings
for more than 10 months, so read your
program guide for sessions that offer
something you could take back to your
community. In between sessions, make
sure to catch up on all the latest trends
in the park and recreation industry by
visiting the exhibit hall. The opening
session is a " must attend " event. Gold
Medal awards are given to deserving
peers, and we have our own NRPA " State
of the Union " address provided by the
NRPA President, Chair of the Board, and
CEO Barbara Tulipane. There is always
an exciting keynote speaker, and this
year is no exception, with skateboard
legend Tony Hawk as the main feature.
Also, don't miss the Young Professional
Panel. This year's panel will feature park
and recreation agency directors who will
discuss what to expect during a professional's fi rst 10 years in the field. This

will be a great opportunity for all professionals, young and old, to participate in
a question-and-answer session moderated by the Young Professional Network.
As always, one of the best ways to ensure a good time at Congress is to get to
know the host city. Even though we are
all in town to attend a professional conference, you should take the opportunity
to experience a city you might not visit otherwise. Attending the opening and
closing events are more than socializing
opportunities; they provide VIP access to
must-see venues. NRPA uses unique local
attraction as the host locations for these
annual events. This year, the Welcome
Celebration will be held at the Georgia
Aquarium and the Closing Party will be
at the Centennial Olympic Park, a legacy of the Atlanta Summer Games. There
are also opportunities to experience Atlanta with the Parks Build Community

program. This year, Selena Butler Park in
inner-city Atlanta is the location of a revitalization project. The Atlanta host committee will also offer leisure tours and
off-site institutes for those interested in
learning more about Atlanta and the rich
history of the city.
Whether you are a first-time attendee
or a long-time veteran, hopefully you can
use something from this article to enrich
your Congress experience. So pack your
bags and get ready for the 2011 NRPA
Congress in Atlanta, November 1-3: Active Minds and Healthy Nation. Looking
forward to seeing you.
SHANe MIze is the Recreation

Superintendent for Missouri City, Texas
Parks & Recreation Department. He is the
incoming chair of the Young Professional
Network and serves on the NRPA National
Program Committee.

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44 Parks & Recreation

SEPTEMBER 2011

www.NRPA .ORG

September 2011 - Parks & Recreation

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