KEYNOTE SPEAKER — Economist Lowell Catlett will give a presentation about the implications that the current state of the economy holds for municipal parks and recreation departments during the NRPA Congress and Exposition 2012. (Photo provided)

Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity. The National Recreation and Park Association aims to inspire such innovation and to strengthen the future of parks and recreation across the U.S. during its annual congress and exposition at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., Oct. 16-18.

The congress is one of the nation’s premier gatherings for the parks and recreation field. It provides world-class networking combined with cutting-edge education and research sessions, inspirational speakers and experts, and the largest trade exposition in the field.
Lowell Catlett, renowned economist and dean of the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University will open the event with a keynote address. Catlett is a thought-provoking and entertaining speaker who will bring updates on the state of the economy and the implications of technology and environmental trends on the parks and recreation arena. Several special events are also slated during three days of activities, including an opening reception at Disneyland, Best of the Best ceremony, a golf tournament and a number of field trips that provide continuing education credits.

Pre-conference workshops and education sessions will touch on topics including:
“The High Line: Transforming Abandoned Rail to Successful Trail,” “Military Recreation: Worldwide Jobs Available,” “Federal Legislation Impacting Parks and Recreation,” “Supercharged Conservation Marketing: Build Successful Stewardship-Based Campaign Elements” and dozens of others.

Exposition

For two days only, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, nearly 400 exhibitors will pack 100,000 square feet with hands-on opportunities to see products up-close. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to ask questions and receive discounts that a catalog back at the office just can’t offer! To download detailed exhibitor information and floor plans, go to http://s3goeshow.com/nrpark/annual/2012/exhibit_hall_map.cfm