2012 MRPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBIT
Survive & Thrive
Building Blocks to Success
April 2-4, 2012, Ocean City, MD

Registration Form Now Available
For a conference registration form, general information and hotel reservation form, click here. For a preliminary list of sessions (updated January 18, 2012), click here.

Make Plans Now to Attend!

A variety of schedule conflicts including the Easter Holiday, Passover and school spring breaks has caused the committee to make an adjustment in the 'traditional' conference schedule. In order to accommodate those with children on school breaks and to get folks home for Easter and Passover observances, the conference will be held on Monday April 2nd, Tuesday April 3rd and Wednesday April 4th. Additionally, Maryland Election officials have moved the election date to April 3rd. Conference attendees will need to plan ahead and take advantage of early voting or absentee voting options available in your community. For information about early voting, go to www.elections.state.md.us

Monday, April 2 – Pre-conference workshops; Golf Tournament; Opening Session; Exhibit Hall Grand Opening; Social

Tuesday, April 3 - Education sessions; Continental breakfast (exhibit hall); All conference luncheon; Branch Meetings; Social

Wednesday, April 4 - Education Sessions; Awards Brunch; General Membership Meeting; Closing Banquet/Social

2012 Conference Co-Chairs:
Terri Hilton, thilton@rockvillemd.gov

Matt Purkins, mpurkins@ccg.carr.org

Exhibit Space Available

Are you a playground or park equipment supplier? An aquatic supplier? Do you provide landscape services, recreation supplies or concession stand products? Consider exhibiting at MRPA's 2012 Conference.

MRPA's exhibit hall features 55 booths (8' x 8') at a cost of just $500 (non-members). The conference features structured scheduling closing all events except exhibits.

Download the exhibitor packet.

2011 Conference Session Hand-Outs.
* The Power of Fun at Work
* Great Leaders Inspire!!
* Keeping Your Pool Safety Afloat
* C.A.R.E. - Transforming Customer Service Into Human Service
* Perfect for Midlife and Older Adults: 3rd Age Life Planning Programs (Core Elements handout)
* Perfect for Midlife and Older Adults: 3rd Age Life Planning Programs (Life Planning handout)
* Sports Turf Management Essentials
* Help I'm Retiring...Now What?
* Adjusting to the New Economic Reality for Parks and Recreation
* Getting the Word Out: Best Practices in Effective Outreach for Recreation and Parks Agencies
* Professional Ethics in a Political Environment
* Skateboarding: Outreach, Planning & Youth Empowerment
* Promoting & Impelmenting a Sportsmanship Program in Youth Sports
- Pilot Program Outline
- Press Release
- Ocean City Program Outline
* Serving Participants with Autism: What Are We Doing Right and What Can We Do Better?
* Effectively Managing and Overseeing Volunteer Coaches

MRPA Conference and Exhibit
The MRPA Annual Conference is a gathering of professionals, volunteers, board members and vendors from across the state and region. It is an opportunity to attend a great variety of educational sessions on areas of interest to the parks and recreation profession, a chance to network with your peers and a time to acknowledge outstanding accomplishments of both departments and individuals as we recognize our annual award recipients.