Please join us for the Alaska Recreation & Parks Association Annual Conference.
When: SEPTEMBER 20 & 21, 2023
Where: Wrangell, Alaska
Cost: $249 for ARPA members, $349 for non-members
The Alaska Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) 2023 Annual Conference is in Wrangell, Alaska, the gem of Southeast. Wrangell prides itself in being a hard-working and resilient community that reflects the best in authentic Alaskan values.
This year’s conference theme is "The Future is Now". So it seems very fitting that we are hosting Video Game Industry Insider, Scott Norvis. Scott has two engineering degrees, named 11 patents with video gameology of 15 published titles and more than 30 million units sold. Scott understands not only the technology, but the psychology that goes into video games. He leverages his experience from the Walt Disney Company, and as a serial entrepreneur to give you insights and meaningful takeaways. This opportunity includes a keynote presentation, eSports workshop and a tournament open to community members.
In addition to the unique offering and introduction to eSports programming, the conference will feature thought provoking, educational and inspirational speakers from the industry including affiliates from the association and professionals with expertise in capital project planning, aquatics programming, governmental accounting, child development and social media marketing.
Conference planners are excited to sprinkle in unique opportunities to tour the local museum, learn about the cultural heritage of the region and experience the sheer beauty that southeast Alaska has to offer. While the full schedule of sessions and events are not fleshed out yet, know that we have an epic experience in store for you. If you have not visited Southeast Alaska before, we encourage you to stay through the weekend and experience some of what the local landscape has to offer. You can learn more about opportunities abound @ Travel Wrangell.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
September 19th - Tuesday- Evening registration, museum open house, music, appetizers and light refreshments.
September 20th - Wednesday- Full Conference day with keynote luncheon and evening social event.
September 21st - Thursday - Full conference day with the awards banquet and auction.
September 22nd- Friday- Additional training opportunity with Dr. Mike Walsh of the Foraker Group. Learn more about Board Roles and Responsibilities. (small fee to participate).
EDUCATIONAL SESSION TOPICS
-E-Sports Keynote, Workshop and Community Competition (open to public)
-Mixed topic Recreation Roundtables
-Cultural Welcoming Ceremony
-Board Roles and Responsibilities, Leadership Training with the Foraker Group
-Community Connection in Place: The Importance of Place-Based Learning in Youth Development
-Partnerships Promoting Play: Creating a Sports Gear Library In Your Community
-Intergenerational Recreation Panel
-Addressing the Decline of Referees in Recreation Sports
-How Recreation can play a role in Tourism and Visitor Industry Growth
-Leave No Trace Training
-Inclusivity Training for Recreation Professionals
-Trail Strategy and Planning
-Risk Management 101
-Principals of Governmental Accounting
-Parliamentary Procedures
-Historical and Cultural Interpretation @ Museum
-How Artificial Intelligence can play a role in your Aquatics department
-Risk mitigation in your day-to-day
-Bonds and Other Ballot Propositions
-Getting the most out of your Lifeguard in-service training
-How to get involved in ARPA: Committees, Board, Member Involvement
HOTEL INFORMATION
There are a variety of places to stay in Wrangell. We've reserved the majority of rooms at our local waterfront hotel, the Stikine Inn. A number of other beautiful locations are within our community that may meet your needs as well. For the "Recreation" Conference rate, please contact the Stikine Inn directly. Because September is still within our visitor season, we encourage you and your staff to book accommodations early.
Please note that the conference will be held at the Nolan Center, which is located in the center of downtown. Consider the location of your accommodations in relation to the conference facility. Car rentals and transportation options are limited in Wrangell. If you have questions or concerns regarding your stay in Wrangell, please contact the host committee chair, Kate Thomas.
Stikine Inn
Wrangell Extended Stay
Sourdough Lodge
Visit Travel Wrangell for more information on places to stay. You might also consider checking out Wrangell on Airbnb.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The ARPA Conference is the premier opportunity for new professionals and students to present their work, learn about best practices and network with recreation professionals. ARPA provides scholarships to facilitate participation in the conference and to help foster the next generation of recreation professionals.
ANNUAL AWARDS
Many of our co-workers and community partners are deserving of an award and this is your chance to recognize individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to parks and recreation in Alaska. We invite you to take a moment and nominate a deserving co-worker, employee, volunteer or supervisor. The 2022 awards will be presented at the 2023 Annual Conference in Wrangell. Remember these awards recognize accomplishments done/completed in 2022.
HELPFUL LINKS
Education Session Proposal Form
Award Nomination Form
Sponsorships
Become an ARPA Member
Contact Kate Thomas, kthomas@wrangell.com or 907-874-2381 for more information.