Virginia Recreation & Park Society 's Annual Conference provides access to a field of leaders and financial decision makers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.  
2016 VRPS Annual Conference
Trending Education Sessions
The 2016 VRPS Annual Conference is one month away!  You do not want to miss this great opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills from Parks and Recreation professionals from around the country.

For those who have registered for the Conference, volunteers are still needed for education session room hosts.  Sign-up to volunteer as a room host here.

Here are three education sessions featuring popular topics in the Parks and Recreation field! Each session is worth .1 CEU's. 
Transgender Issues in Recreation and Parks 
Gender identity issues are an emerging and significant area throughout the U.S., including in the legal and practical administration of parks and recreation departments. The purposes of this workshop is to educate participants on the vocabulary and issues raised by gender identity, and to facilitate a discussion as to how departments might resolve those issues.

Speaker: Dr. Benjamin H. Carr, Jr., Associate Professor, Graduate Director, James Madison University
Date: November 6, 2016
Session Time: 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. 
Location: Shenandoah Room
CEU: .1
The Current Landscape of Marijuana in 2016
Marijuana has now been legalized in 4 states and the District of Columbia.  It is of utmost importance that other states have the most up today information and data around the impact of this substance.  This presentation will explain a brief history of marijuana in legalized states as well as the most up today current impact on communities in these states and how that will impact Virginia. 
 
Speaker: Nancy Hans, Executive Director, Prevention Council of Roanoke County
Date: November 7, 2016
Time: 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. 
Location: Crystal Ballroom E
CEU: .1
Trends in Parks and Recreation...What's Hot and What's Not 
A challenge for any Parks and Recreation Professional is to stay on top of the latest trends in programming.  Once members of the community get word of a program or activity that they think is interesting, they will often look to your agency to see whether or not is is provided.

Speaker: Art Thatcher, CRPR, MPA. Project Manager, GreenPlay LLC
Date: November 7, 2016
Time: 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. 
Location: Shenandoah Room
CEU: .1
Mobile App
Trends in Parks and Recreation...What's Hot and What's Not 
The 2016 VRPS Conference App is currently available for download in the Apple App Store or Google Play. If you have registered for the Conference, you should have received an invitation email from CrowdCompass on September 30th regarding app download. Otherwise, search "CrowdCompass" in your app store and download the app.  When prompted, please allow notifications to be sent to your phone via the app.  Then, open the app and search "VRPS". Choose the VRPS Annual Conference 2016, and you're ready to go!

App features include:
  • Schedule
  • Education Sessions
  • Socials
  • Speakers
  • Maps
  • Exhibit Hall & Expedition
  • Social Wall
You can follow up-to-date information and Conference updates during the conference on the Notifications page within the Activity Feed icon.
Socials

You won't want to miss this "Jazz Age Roaring Twenties" themed party paying tribute to a time of decadence, lavish parties and prosperity that America enjoyed in the 1920's. Enjoy socializing with other conference attendees while enjoying great food, drinks, craft beer & wine (2 complimentary drink tickets provided), live music and dancing.  The "360 Band" will be playing music from all around the radio dial, featuring smooth harmonies, wide instrumental variety and lots of fun! The unbeatable backdrop of the Transportation Museum will fascinate you as well with all their planes, trains and automobiles and other intriguing exhibits. The combination cannot be beat! We'll  have a few surprises thrown in to make sure you have a great time and even a few "mementos" to get you in the mood and make your night complete. If the mood strikes join in the extravagance with your best 1920's apparel. Our special thanks to Landscape Supply Inc. for their generosity in making this evening possible.  Remember to bring your I.D.

Date: November 5, 2016
Time: 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. 
Location: Virginia Museum of Transportation
Address: 303 Norfolk Ave. SW
                   Roanoke, VA 24016
Cost: Included in Full Delegate Registration Fee.

Come out and join other conference attendees as you enjoy a night in Market Square filled with a variety of giant outdoor games, including Laser Tag, Giant Twister, Corn Hole, and more. The air will be filled with the amazing and versatile sounds of the band Caravan and there will be no shortage of tasty food and drink to fuel your party spirit (cash bar). If you enjoy a quieter approach to your evening then step into our Casino inside Charter Hall and listen to the light sounds of Jazz and Blues while trying your hand at the "tables". No shortage here either of food and drink to make you happy. So no matter what your mood you will find the right spot and the right folks so that you can thoroughly enjoy the evening.  Remember to bring your I.D.

Date: November 6, 2016
Time: 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. 
Location: Market Square & Charter Hall (Upstairs Market Building)
Address: 32 Market Square SE
                   Roanoke, VA 24011
Cost: Included in Full Delegate Registration Fee. 

*In case of inclement weather, all activities will move inside the entire Market Building.

Monday Night Grand Finale
We've reserved the upper room at Corned Beef and Company, the area's hottest club, just for VRPS participants. Big Lick Conspiracy will be entertaining attendees with two shows...one at 9pm and the other at 10 pm. Experience hilarious improvised scenes made up before your eyes using audience suggestions, just like "Whose Line is it Anyway?" It's Roanoke's only professional improv comedy troupe! Don't miss this opportunity to laugh the night away. Salty, savory snacks will be available and a cash bar awaits!!!!  Remember to bring your I.D.

Date: November 7, 2016
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. 
Location: Corned Beef and Company
Address: 107 S. Jefferson St.
                   Roanoke, VA 24011
Cost: Free Admission, Cash Bar