TUE SEP 22

8:00 AM

First Timer's Breakfast

This breakfast is perfect for those who are attending the ORPA Conference for the first time! Meet other newbies and get tips for making the most of your time at this event from conference volunteers and seasoned veterans.

Breakfast

Start your day with a good breakfast! Fuel up and make valuable connections before sessions begin for the day.

This event is proudly sponsored by:

9:00 AM

ORPA Welcome & Keynote Address

Kick off this year's conference by joining colleagues from across Oregon for the Opening Ceremonies and Keynote Address. Together, we'll celebrate the start of the conference and set the stage for three days of learning, networking, and professional growth!

This year, we're excited to welcome high-energy keynote speaker Marli Williams, who will be speaking on:

Stronger Together: The Power of Human Connection in Parks & Recreation

In a time when our work has never mattered more, and yet often feels more demanding than ever, this high-energy, interactive opening keynote will reignite your sense of purpose and remind you why we are, truly, stronger together.

Through powerful storytelling, meaningful conversations, and energizing facilitated activities, this session will reconnect attendees across every role, department, and generation within the Parks & Recreation community. Together, we’ll explore how human connection is the foundation of effective leadership, thriving teams, and resilient communities.

This event is proudly sponsored by:

10:00 AM

Networking Break In Exhibit Hall

Take a mid-day pause to recharge, grab a refreshment, and connect with fellow attendees in the exhibit hall. This dedicated time is perfect for building relationships, exploring vendor offerings, and discovering new ideas to bring back to your organization.

This event is proudly sponsored by:

10:30 AM

Breakout Sessions

Choose from five concurrent education sessions offered within specialized tracks including:

• Aquatics
• Design, Construction & Capital Projects; 
• Leadership Management & Administration 
• Maintenance & Operations
• Outdoor Recreation
• Parks, Natural Areas & Conservation
• Project Planning & Community Engagement 
• Recreation, Events, Programming & Sports

11:30 AM

Annual Awards Ceremony & Luncheon

Celebrate excellence in Parks and Recreation field at the Awards Ceremony! Join us as we honor individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to parks and recreation. This inspiring event is a highlight of the conference and a chance to recognize the passion, innovation, and dedication within our community.

This event is proudly sponsored by:

1:00 PM

Breakout Sessions

Choose from five concurrent education sessions offered within specialized tracks including 

• Aquatics
• Design, Construction & Capital Projects
• Leadership Management & Administration
• Maintenance & Operations
• Outdoor Recreation
• Parks, Natural Areas & Conservation
• Project Planning & Community Engagement
• Recreation, Events, Programming & Sports

2:00 PM

Networking Break In Exhibit Hall

Take a mid-day pause to recharge, grab a refreshment, and connect with fellow attendees in the exhibit hall. This dedicated time is perfect for building relationships, exploring vendor offerings, and discovering new ideas to bring back to your organization.

This event is proudly sponsored by

2:30 PM

Section Meetings

Aquatics Section, Planning & Design Section, REPS (Recreation: Events, Programs Sports), Counties & Outdoor Recreation

3:45 PM

Breakout Sessions

Choose from five concurrent education sessions offered within specialized tracks including:

• Aquatics
• Design, Construction & Capital Projects 
• Leadership Management & Administration
• Maintenance & Operations
• Outdoor Recreation
• Parks, Natural Areas & Conservation
• Project Planning & Community Engagement
• Recreation, Events, Programming & Sports

4:45 PM

Happy Hour with Exhibitors

Wrap up your day with a casual and fun happy hour in the exhibit hall! Mingle with vendors and fellow attendees over drinks and light snacks, explore exhibits at your own pace, and make connections in a relaxed, social atmosphere!

This event is proudly sponsored by:

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

ORPA Welcome Social with ROMTEC and Playcraft Systems

Kick off the first night of conference at the opening night party! Join ROMTEC and Playcraft Systems at the Times Theatre & Public House from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 

This event is proudly sponsored by:

WED SEP 23

8:00 AM

Breakfast

Start your day with a good breakfast! Fuel up and make valuable connections before sessions begin for the day.

This event is proudly sponsored by:

9:00 AM

The Future of Parks and Recreation in Oregon

Join the ORPA Board of Directors for a panel discussion on ORPA's new Strategic Plan. Learn how this roadmap will guide the future of parks and recreation in Oregon, shape the association's priorities, and strengthen support for professionals across the state. Discover where the industry is headed and how ORPA plans to lead the way in advancing parks, recreation, and community well-being.

This event is proudly sponsored by:

10:00 AM

Networking Break In Exhibit Hall

Take a mid-day pause to recharge, grab a refreshment, and connect with fellow attendees in the exhibit hall. This dedicated time is perfect for building relationships, exploring vendor offerings, and discovering new ideas to bring back to your organization.

10:30 AM

Breakout Sessions

Choose from five concurrent education sessions offered within specialized tracks including:

• Aquatics
• Design, Construction & Capital Projects
• Leadership Management & Administration
• Maintenance & Operations
• Outdoor Recreation
• Parks, Natural Areas & Conservation
• Project Planning & Community Engagement
• Recreation, Events, Programming & Sports

11:30 AM

Section Lunches

Join us for lunch and connect with peers in your role and focus area through ORPA’s Special Interest Sections. These sections reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of the parks and recreation profession, offering members a space for networking, peer-to-peer learning, resource sharing, and professional growth. Discover new ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and strengthen your professional community over a shared meal.

ORPA Special Interest Sections: 

• Admin Directors 
• Aquatics 
• Counties and Outdoor Recreation
• Maintenance and Construction
• Natural Resource
• Planning and Design
• Recreation: Events Programs Sports
• Section for Older Adult Resource

1:00 PM

Breakout Sessions

Choose from five concurrent education sessions offered within specialized tracks including: 

• Aquatics
• Design, Construction & Capital Projects; Leadership
• Management & Administration; Maintenance & Operations
• Outdoor Recreation
• Parks, Natural Areas & Conservation
• Project Planning & Community Engagement
• Recreation, Events, Programming & Sports

2:00 PM

Networking Break In Exhibit Hall

Take a mid-day pause to recharge, grab a refreshment, and connect with fellow attendees in the exhibit hall. This dedicated time is perfect for building relationships, exploring vendor offerings, and discovering new ideas to bring back to your organization.

This event is proudly sponsored by:

2:30 PM

Section Meetings

Admin, Natural Resources, Section for Older Adults (SOAR), Maintenance and Construction

3:45 PM

Breakout Sessions

Choose from five concurrent education sessions offered within specialized tracks including: 

• Aquatics
• Design, Construction & Capital Projects 
• Leadership Management & Administration
• Maintenance & Operations
• Outdoor Recreation
• Parks, Natural Areas & Conservation
• Project Planning & Community Engagement
• Recreation, Events, Programming & Sports

4:45 PM

Happy Hour with Exhibitors

Wrap up your day with a casual and fun happy hour in the exhibit hall! Mingle with vendors and fellow attendees over drinks and light snacks, explore exhibits at your own pace, and make connections in a relaxed, social atmosphere!

This event is proudly sponsored by:

6:00 PM

Dinner on Your Own

Take time to explore Seaside and enjoy delicious local food with new connections and longtime colleagues!

Looking for a place to gather? Check out one of our sponsored Vendor Social Events! Hosted by conference sponsors at locations throughout Seaside, these casual gatherings are a great opportunity to connect with fellow attendees while enjoying sponsor-provided refreshments!

Details about participating sponsors, event locations, and what each social will offer will be available closer to the conference.

THU SEP 24

8:00 AM

Meet the Board Breakfast

Join the ORPA Board of Directors for an engaging morning to ask questions, hear updates on the state of ORPA, and explore meaningful ways to get involved beyond the conference.

Breakfast

Start your day with a good breakfast! Fuel up and make valuable connections before sessions begin for the day.

9:00 AM

Breakout Sessions

Choose from five concurrent education sessions offered within specialized tracks including: 

• Aquatics
• Design, Construction & Capital Projects
• Leadership Management & Administration
• Maintenance & Operations
• Outdoor Recreation
• Parks, Natural Areas & Conservation
• Project Planning & Community Engagement
• Recreation, Events, Programming & Sports

10:00 AM

Quick Break

10:15 AM

Breakout Sessions

Choose from five concurrent education sessions offered within specialized tracks including:

• Aquatics
• Design, Construction & Capital Projects
• Leadership Management & Administration
• Maintenance & Operations
• Outdoor Recreation
• Parks, Natural Areas & Conservation
• Project Planning & Community Engagement
• Recreation, Events, Programming & Sports

11:15 AM

Quick Break

11:30 AM

Breakout Sessions

Choose from five concurrent education sessions offered within specialized tracks including 

• Aquatics
• Design, Construction & Capital Projects
• Leadership Management & Administration
• Maintenance & Operations
• Outdoor Recreation
• Parks, Natural Areas & Conservation
• Project Planning & Community Engagement
• Recreation, Events, Programming & Sports

12:30 PM

Closing & Farewell

As the conference comes to a close, stop by the registration desk to turn in your CEU form before grabbing a snack for the road. Take a moment to say goodbye to new and familiar faces as we wrap up another memorable conference. Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you again next year!