Schedule - 2026 ORPA Annual Conference

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.

ORPA Welcome Social with ROMTEC and Playcraft Systems

Join ROMTEC and Playcraft Systems at the Times Theatre & Public House from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Lights, Camera, Welcome to Conference!

Kick off your ORPA conference experience with an evening of pizza, drinks, trivia, raffle prize, and good company, hosted by Romtec and Playcraft Systems at the Times Theatre & Public House!

After a full day of sessions and events, take a seat in the theater, grab a drink, and settle in for a fun evening with fellow conference attendees. Romtec and Playcraft Systems are rolling out the red carpet to welcome you to conference with an evening designed to help you relax, connect, and celebrate the start of a great week.

Receive an admissions ticket when you arrive at the registration desk; bring your ticket to get in the door. Once inside, find Romtec and Playcraft Systems representatives to receive your drink wristbands—or more drink tickets!

Your evening also includes a pizza buffet featuring a variety of pizzas, breadsticks, and two types of salad. Gluten-free and vegan options are available upon request.

Come ready to eat, drink, mingle, and enjoy an evening hosted exclusively by Romtec and Playcraft Systems!

ORPA In Action: Celebrating Our Members, Volunteers & Leaders Who Make an Impact!

This is a great opportunity to connect with professionals from across Oregon who share similar roles, interests, and challenges. Grab lunch and join colleagues who do what you do to exchange ideas, build relationships, and learn from one another.

Interested in getting more involved with ORPA? Take a seat to learn about the various ORPA Sections, the resources they provide, and how they can help you expand your professional network and advance your career.

Section Awards will also be presented during the lunch, providing an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding people, programs, and projects that are making a positive impact in communities throughout Oregon.

Lunch is a choice of turkey, roast beef, smoked ham, or vegetarian sandwich. Fresh fruit, specialty salad, chips, cookies, and soda or bottled water. Vegan/Gluten-free available upon request.

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

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.

Coffee and Conversations with the ORPA Board

Start your final conference morning with coffee, breakfast, and conversation with the ORPA Board of Directors.

This is your chance to connect with the people helping guide ORPA's future, ask questions, share ideas, and learn more about where the association is headed. Curious about our new strategic plan? Wondering what the ORPA Board actually does? Interested in getting more involved someday? Or just want to put some faces to the names?

Pull up a chair. Board members will be around the room and ready for conversation—no presentation, no slides, and no formal agenda. Just an opportunity to connect, ask, listen, and be part of the conversation about what's next for ORPA.

Breakfast is all butter croissant topped with scrambled eggs, grilled ham & cheese. Served with crispy hash browns and fresh fruit. Vegan/Vegetarian options available, ask a server.