PRPS Conference & Expo First-time Experience
To those experiencing their first conference, it can be a battle of emotions from a little fish in a big pond to the handshake of a long missed friend. Everyone there knows your struggles because they feel them as well. When arriving the set-up is usually quick and to the point. The first hours are usually a whirlwind of activity between check in at the hotel, if you are staying, or the sign up for your class schedule and activities. Fortunately this process goes very smoothly and it's done and over before you know it. Next is the fun part of getting acclimated to your surroundings. I've always felt the best practice is to explore. Find all the rooms, education classes, and the layout of the building you will be living in for the week. This always helps when the fast pace of classes start.
We as recreation and park advocates and personnel are used to the common theme of fast pace and thinking on the fly. Every day in our line of work can be an experience; unlike the rest of our communities will ever know. We tend to share our daily activities with our loved ones, or sometimes any one that will listen, but most times, we are misunderstood. However when attending a PRPS conference we don't stand out and we feel a sense of fitting in and absolute understanding. To be around our own peers is something of a calming effect and can be a welcome home reunion.
To those experiencing their first conference, it can be a battle of emotions from a little fish in a big pond to the handshake of a long missed friend. Everyone there knows your struggles because they feel them as well. When arriving the set-up is usually quick and to the point. The first hours are usually a whirlwind of activity between check in at the hotel, if you are staying, or the sign up for your class schedule and activities. Fortunately this process goes very smoothly and it's done and over before you know it. Next is the fun part of getting acclimated to your surroundings. I've always felt the best practice is to explore. Find all the rooms, education classes, and the layout of the building you will be living in for the week. This always helps when the fast pace of classes start.
Your next few days will fly by faster than you think. In my own experience, I can only explain it as those long lost days of high school. Joining your friends in the hall before class, sharing stories, and even grabbing a snack or a drink before the bell rings. It's a nostalgic feeling that personally gives me a sense of days gone by. Once in your class your eyes are quickly opened to the speaker talking to not just a class but you personally. You will feel as though they know you and your problems on a very personal level and truly care and want only for your best. They offer tips, tricks, and notes to help you navigate this crazy job we all have. My advice is take a deep breath and suck it all in. It is the freshest air and feeling you can get.
Now for the fun part: the event hall and evening activities. Our day at our job can sometimes be stressful and crazy but it's the burden we bear for the job we love. These stressful moments seem to fly out the window when park and rec employees get to unwind. I highly recommend going to them all—whether it be a night of socializing at a social, some relaxing cornhole and bowling, or rocking out with a conference-ending band. You truly get to see the friendship and the fun your colleagues are made of.
If I could share the entire experience of our annual conference in a quote it would be this: “If you love your job then you will never work a day in your life.” We are the force that makes a change in our community, and we ride the line bringing the community together indoors and outdoors. The conference is just the paintbrush that allows us to paint a beautiful picture.
This year's Conference & Expo will be held a the Hershey Lodge from March 16-19, 2025. Find more details about the Keynote, Educational Sessions, Socials, Endnote and registration fees at www.prpsconferenceandexpo.org.