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PRESENTED BY
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The 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show invites you to Be a Beacon - for your community, your profession, and one another.
Join us February 2–5, 2027, at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa for four dynamic days of learning, connection, celebration, and inspiration. Explore educational opportunities designed for every stage of your career, discover new products and solutions in a vibrant Trade Show, and build meaningful relationships with park and recreation professionals from across Michigan.
Throughout the week, we’ll celebrate the people and ideas lighting the way forward, create space to learn from one another, and encourage you to recognize the impact you can make. Come ready to find inspiration, share your light, and Be a Beacon for the future of parks and recreation.
Join us February 2–5, 2027, at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa for four dynamic days of learning, connection, celebration, and inspiration. Explore educational opportunities designed for every stage of your career, discover new products and solutions in a vibrant Trade Show, and build meaningful relationships with park and recreation professionals from across Michigan.
Throughout the week, we’ll celebrate the people and ideas lighting the way forward, create space to learn from one another, and encourage you to recognize the impact you can make. Come ready to find inspiration, share your light, and Be a Beacon for the future of parks and recreation.
Tuesday, February 2
12:30 - 2:30 pm | Career-Focused Learning + Skill Development Education
Kick off your conference experience with Career-Focused Learning & Skill Development Education. As the first opportunity to learn at the 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show, these two-hour sessions are designed to help you dive in, build practical skills, and start the week energized.
Choose from multiple session options designed for professionals at every career stage, with each opportunity aligned with the mParks Professional Development & Career Pathway to strengthen the competencies that support your growth and impact in the profession.
Skills-Based Education is included with Full Delegate and Tuesday Pass registration.
Session options and additional details coming soon.
Choose from multiple session options designed for professionals at every career stage, with each opportunity aligned with the mParks Professional Development & Career Pathway to strengthen the competencies that support your growth and impact in the profession.
Skills-Based Education is included with Full Delegate and Tuesday Pass registration.
Session options and additional details coming soon.
3:00 - 3:45 pm | Welcome Reception
Let’s celebrate the start of something extraordinary! Join us as we welcome attendees to the 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show with an hour of connection, conversation, and community. Enjoy a hosted bar, light snacks, and the opportunity to meet colleagues old and new as we set the tone for an inspiring week ahead.
4:00 - 6:00 pm | Opening Session + Student Showcase
It’s time to Be a Beacon! Join us as we officially kick off the 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show and celebrate the people, ideas, and leadership lighting the way for parks and recreation across Michigan.
The Opening Session will feature welcome remarks from the 2027 Conference Planning Team Chair and mParks leadership, as well as remarks from our Presenting Sponsor, Sinclair Recreation. We’ll also shine a light on outstanding projects and innovation from across the state by presenting the mParks Design Awards.
New this year: the Student Showcase takes center stage during the Opening Session! Meet the future of parks and recreation as emerging professionals share fresh ideas, perspectives, and inspiration with the professionals who are helping shape their path.
Together, we’ll recognize those making an impact today, elevate the voices that will lead us tomorrow, and set the tone for a conference focused on how each of us can Be a Beacon for our communities, our profession, and one another.
And that’s just the beginning, more Opening Session experiences are still to come!
The Opening Session will feature welcome remarks from the 2027 Conference Planning Team Chair and mParks leadership, as well as remarks from our Presenting Sponsor, Sinclair Recreation. We’ll also shine a light on outstanding projects and innovation from across the state by presenting the mParks Design Awards.
New this year: the Student Showcase takes center stage during the Opening Session! Meet the future of parks and recreation as emerging professionals share fresh ideas, perspectives, and inspiration with the professionals who are helping shape their path.
Together, we’ll recognize those making an impact today, elevate the voices that will lead us tomorrow, and set the tone for a conference focused on how each of us can Be a Beacon for our communities, our profession, and one another.
And that’s just the beginning, more Opening Session experiences are still to come!
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6:00 - 8:00 pm | Dinner On Own
Dinner is on your own, but you don’t have to dine alone. Use the evening to gather your team for dinner, reconnect with longtime colleagues, or invite new connections from across the state to continue the conversations started throughout the day.
Stay close and enjoy one of the dining options at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, including Aerie Restaurant & Lounge or Jack’s Taproom, or head out and explore the many restaurants, breweries, and local favorites throughout the Traverse City area.
Whether you’re catching up with old friends or building new relationships, make the most of the evening to connect, unwind, and enjoy Northern Michigan.
Attending on your own or joining us for your first mParks conference? The Conference Planning Team is creating opportunities for you to connect with fellow attendees so you can share a meal, continue the conversation, and feel part of the mParks community. Look for details in the Mobile App and in the emails leading up to the event.
Stay close and enjoy one of the dining options at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, including Aerie Restaurant & Lounge or Jack’s Taproom, or head out and explore the many restaurants, breweries, and local favorites throughout the Traverse City area.
Whether you’re catching up with old friends or building new relationships, make the most of the evening to connect, unwind, and enjoy Northern Michigan.
Attending on your own or joining us for your first mParks conference? The Conference Planning Team is creating opportunities for you to connect with fellow attendees so you can share a meal, continue the conversation, and feel part of the mParks community. Look for details in the Mobile App and in the emails leading up to the event.
8:00 - 11:00 pm | Light up your Region!
Light up the night and celebrate what makes every corner of Michigan unique! The Light Up Your Region Social brings mParks’ seven Leadership Regions together for an evening of regional pride, friendly competition, games, and connection.
Taste the State! Each mParks Leadership Region will serve up a food or drink that represents its part of Michigan. Sample your way across the state, then cast your vote for your favorite regional delicacy. The region with the most votes will take home the prize - and statewide bragging rights!
Throughout the evening, attendees will also have exclusive access to The Den, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa’s entertainment center, with complimentary gaming credits to enjoy arcade games, duckpin bowling, axe throwing, and more.
Then, from 8:30 - 9:30 p.m., the Student Trivia Fundraiser adds another round of friendly competition. With plenty of time built into the evening, you can experience the regional tastings, enjoy The Den, and put your knowledge to the test at trivia.
Admission to the Light Up Your Region Social is included with all conference registration packages. Participation in Trivia requires an additional ticket purchase, with proceeds supporting the mParks Student Career Group.
Come represent your region, discover a taste of Michigan, connect with colleagues from across the state, and see which region shines brightest!
Taste the State! Each mParks Leadership Region will serve up a food or drink that represents its part of Michigan. Sample your way across the state, then cast your vote for your favorite regional delicacy. The region with the most votes will take home the prize - and statewide bragging rights!
Throughout the evening, attendees will also have exclusive access to The Den, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa’s entertainment center, with complimentary gaming credits to enjoy arcade games, duckpin bowling, axe throwing, and more.
Then, from 8:30 - 9:30 p.m., the Student Trivia Fundraiser adds another round of friendly competition. With plenty of time built into the evening, you can experience the regional tastings, enjoy The Den, and put your knowledge to the test at trivia.
Admission to the Light Up Your Region Social is included with all conference registration packages. Participation in Trivia requires an additional ticket purchase, with proceeds supporting the mParks Student Career Group.
Come represent your region, discover a taste of Michigan, connect with colleagues from across the state, and see which region shines brightest!
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Wednesday, February 3
6:00 - 8:00 am | Mindful Movement
Take time to recharge, reset, and move. Conference week is packed with learning, networking, and new experiences, but making time for yourself is just as important. Mindful Movement gives you dedicated space in the schedule to step away, get moving, and start your day in a way that works for you.
6:45–7:45 am | Hold the Light: A Yoga Practice for Community Leaders
Begin your day by pausing, breathing, and reconnecting. This welcoming, all-levels yoga session invites park and recreation professionals to prioritize their own well-being as they prepare to show up fully for the communities they serve. Through gentle movement, mindful breathwork, and intentional reflection, participants will recharge, connect, and embrace the reminder that caring for ourselves is essential to caring for others.
Please bring a yoga mat and water. Advance sign-up is requested for the yoga class.
6:45–7:45 am | Hold the Light: A Yoga Practice for Community Leaders
Begin your day by pausing, breathing, and reconnecting. This welcoming, all-levels yoga session invites park and recreation professionals to prioritize their own well-being as they prepare to show up fully for the communities they serve. Through gentle movement, mindful breathwork, and intentional reflection, participants will recharge, connect, and embrace the reminder that caring for ourselves is essential to caring for others.
Please bring a yoga mat and water. Advance sign-up is requested for the yoga class.
Looking for another way to get moving? Take a walk around the beautiful Grand Traverse Resort & Spa property, with both indoor and outdoor options available. Or, take advantage of the Resort's wellness amenities, including the indoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness facilities, and other Health Club amenities.
Whether you spend the time stretching, swimming, walking, playing, or simply moving at your own pace, use this opportunity to prioritize your well-being before another full day of conference experiences begins.
Your conference experience is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a little time to recharge your light.
Whether you spend the time stretching, swimming, walking, playing, or simply moving at your own pace, use this opportunity to prioritize your well-being before another full day of conference experiences begins.
Your conference experience is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a little time to recharge your light.
8:30 - 9:30 am | Education Breakout Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
9:45 - 11:30 am | Shine Where You Are: Leadership Region Networking + Education
Every region of Michigan has its own strengths, opportunities, and challenges, and this is your time to focus on what matters where you are.
Connect with fellow professionals from your mParks Leadership Region for a dedicated session combining networking, conversation, and education. Attendees will participate in roundtable discussions designed to encourage idea-sharing, explore regional priorities, and learn from colleagues who understand the communities you serve. Each region will also hear from a speaker selected to address the unique needs and interests of that region, bringing relevant ideas and practical takeaways to the conversation. Build stronger connections close to home, learn from one another, and discover how your region can shine brighter together.
Connect with fellow professionals from your mParks Leadership Region for a dedicated session combining networking, conversation, and education. Attendees will participate in roundtable discussions designed to encourage idea-sharing, explore regional priorities, and learn from colleagues who understand the communities you serve. Each region will also hear from a speaker selected to address the unique needs and interests of that region, bringing relevant ideas and practical takeaways to the conversation. Build stronger connections close to home, learn from one another, and discover how your region can shine brighter together.
11:30 - 12:00 pm | Connect + Reflect Break
A little breathing room can go a long way. This 30-minute break is intentionally built into the conference schedule to give you the freedom to use the time however you need it most. Continue a great conversation with a colleague, catch up on email, get in a little movement, grab a coffee, or head back to your room for a few quiet minutes to unplug and recharge. There’s no agenda and nowhere you have to be. Connect, reflect, and make this time your own before the next conference experience begins.
12:00 - 1:30 pm | Delegate Lunch
Come together for lunch as we shine a light on excellence in Michigan parks and recreation. The Delegate Lunch is an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees while celebrating the people, programs, and resources making an impact in communities across the state.
During lunch, we’ll present the Programming Awards and Park Resources Awards, recognizing outstanding work and innovation within the profession. We’ll also announce the recipient of the Commitment to Excellence Award, honoring an individual whose dedication and leadership exemplify what it means to Be a Beacon for others.
Additional Delegate Lunch program details coming soon!
Tickets to the Delegate Lunch are included in the Full Delegate and Wednesday Daily Pass. Additional tickets can be purchased here.
During lunch, we’ll present the Programming Awards and Park Resources Awards, recognizing outstanding work and innovation within the profession. We’ll also announce the recipient of the Commitment to Excellence Award, honoring an individual whose dedication and leadership exemplify what it means to Be a Beacon for others.
Additional Delegate Lunch program details coming soon!
Tickets to the Delegate Lunch are included in the Full Delegate and Wednesday Daily Pass. Additional tickets can be purchased here.
1:45 - 2:45 pm | Education Breakout Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
3:00 - 4:00 pm | Education Breakout Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
Explore a robust lineup of sessions that will challenge your thinking and fuel your creativity. From innovative programs to cutting-edge research, every session is designed to help you rethink strategies, reinvent solutions, and reignite your purpose.
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4:00 - 6:00 pm | Trade Show Grand Opening + mParks Foundation Silent Auction
Kick off the 2027 mParks Trade Show at the Grand Opening, where innovation, inspiration, and impact come together. Connect with exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, and solutions shaping the future of parks and recreation. Discover new ideas, gather practical tools, and enjoy complimentary food and refreshments as you explore the show floor.
While you’re there, don’t miss the mParks Foundation Silent Auction, one of the Foundation’s most important fundraising efforts of the year. Bid on unique items, experiences, and services while supporting programs that expand access to parks, recreation, and outdoor opportunities for communities across Michigan. Every bid helps strengthen the profession and create healthier, more connected communities statewide.
While you’re there, don’t miss the mParks Foundation Silent Auction, one of the Foundation’s most important fundraising efforts of the year. Bid on unique items, experiences, and services while supporting programs that expand access to parks, recreation, and outdoor opportunities for communities across Michigan. Every bid helps strengthen the profession and create healthier, more connected communities statewide.
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6:00 - 8:00 pm | Dinner on Own
Dinner is on your own, but you don’t have to dine alone! Use the evening to gather your team for dinner, reconnect with longtime colleagues, or invite new connections from across the state to continue the conversations started throughout the day.
Stay close and enjoy one of the dining options at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, including Aerie Restaurant & Lounge or Jack’s Taproom, or head out and explore the many restaurants, breweries, and local favorites throughout the Traverse City area.
Whether you’re catching up with old friends or building new relationships, make the most of the evening to connect, unwind, and enjoy Northern Michigan.
Attending on your own or joining us for your first mParks conference? The Conference Planning Team is creating opportunities for you to connect with fellow attendees so you can share a meal, continue the conversation, and feel part of the mParks community. Look for details in the Mobile App and in the emails leading up to the event.
Stay close and enjoy one of the dining options at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, including Aerie Restaurant & Lounge or Jack’s Taproom, or head out and explore the many restaurants, breweries, and local favorites throughout the Traverse City area.
Whether you’re catching up with old friends or building new relationships, make the most of the evening to connect, unwind, and enjoy Northern Michigan.
Attending on your own or joining us for your first mParks conference? The Conference Planning Team is creating opportunities for you to connect with fellow attendees so you can share a meal, continue the conversation, and feel part of the mParks community. Look for details in the Mobile App and in the emails leading up to the event.
8:00 - 11:00 pm | Social + Networking
Something fun is on the horizon! The Conference Planning Team is still putting the finishing touches on Wednesday night’s social, but you can count on an evening designed to bring attendees together for plenty of fun, connection, and memorable moments.
More details coming soon; stay tuned to see how we’ll light up Wednesday night!
The Wednesday Night Social is included in Full Delegate and Wednesday Passes.
More details coming soon; stay tuned to see how we’ll light up Wednesday night!
The Wednesday Night Social is included in Full Delegate and Wednesday Passes.
Thursday, February 4
6:00 - 8:00 am | Mindful Movement
Take time to recharge, reset, and move. Conference week is packed with learning, networking, and new experiences, but making time for yourself is just as important. Mindful Movement gives you dedicated space in the schedule to step away, get moving, and start your day in a way that works for you.
Choose your own way to participate! Join an organized yoga class designed to help you stretch, breathe, and prepare for the day ahead - sign-up details coming soon.
Take a walk and explore the beautiful Grand Traverse Resort & Spa property, with both indoor and outdoor options available. Or, take advantage of the Resort’s wellness amenities, including the indoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness facilities, and other Health Club amenities.
Whether you spend the time stretching, swimming, walking, playing, or simply moving at your own pace, use this opportunity to prioritize your well-being before another full day of conference experiences begins.
Your conference experience is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a little time to recharge your light.
Choose your own way to participate! Join an organized yoga class designed to help you stretch, breathe, and prepare for the day ahead - sign-up details coming soon.
Take a walk and explore the beautiful Grand Traverse Resort & Spa property, with both indoor and outdoor options available. Or, take advantage of the Resort’s wellness amenities, including the indoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness facilities, and other Health Club amenities.
Whether you spend the time stretching, swimming, walking, playing, or simply moving at your own pace, use this opportunity to prioritize your well-being before another full day of conference experiences begins.
Your conference experience is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a little time to recharge your light.
8:30 - 9:30 am | Bright Start: Trade Show Hour + mParks Foundation Silent Auction
Start your day with bright ideas and great coffee. Connect with exhibitors, enjoy fresh pastries, and discover tools and trends that can help you Be a Beacon in your community. While you’re there, browse and bid in the mParks Foundation Silent Auction, where your participation supports programs that expand access to parks, recreation, and outdoor experiences across Michigan. The perfect way to fuel your morning and make an impact.
9:45 - 10:45 am | Education Breakout Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
10:45 - 11:15 am | Connect + Reflect Break
A little breathing room can go a long way. This 30-minute break is intentionally built into the conference schedule to give you the freedom to use the time however you need it most. Continue a great conversation with a colleague, catch up on email, get in a little movement, grab a coffee, or head back to your room for a few quiet minutes to unplug and recharge. There’s no agenda and nowhere you have to be. Connect, reflect, and make this time your own before the next conference experience begins.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm | Education Breakout Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
12:15 - 2:00 pm | Trade Show Lunch + mParks Foundation Silent Auction
Fuel your afternoon of inspiration. Conference delegates can enjoy a boxed lunch while exploring exhibits and deepening connections with vendors and peers.
Tickets to the Trade Show Lunch are included in the Full Delegate and Thursday Daily Pass. Additional tickets can be purchased here.
The Trade Show Lunch is your last chance to bid in the mParks Foundation Silent Auction. Auction closes at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets to the Trade Show Lunch are included in the Full Delegate and Thursday Daily Pass. Additional tickets can be purchased here.
The Trade Show Lunch is your last chance to bid in the mParks Foundation Silent Auction. Auction closes at 1:30 p.m.
2:15 - 3:15 pm | Education Breakout Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
Explore a robust lineup of sessions that will challenge your thinking and fuel your creativity. From innovative programs to cutting-edge research, every session is designed to help you rethink strategies, reinvent solutions, and reignite your purpose.
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3:30 - 4:30 pm | Education Breakout Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
Explore a robust lineup of sessions that will challenge your thinking and fuel your creativity. From innovative programs to cutting-edge research, every session is designed to help you rethink strategies, reinvent solutions, and reignite your purpose.
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5:30 - 9:00 pm | Annual Awards Reception + Banquet
Celebrate excellence and inspiration at the mParks Annual Awards Banquet. This memorable evening honors professionals, agencies, and advocates who have reimagined possibilities and made a lasting impact on Michigan’s parks and recreation landscape. Join us for an elegant reception at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner and awards at 6:30 pm.
Award banquet ticket included in Full Delegate package includes ticket; additional tickets available for purchase by clicking here.
Award banquet ticket included in Full Delegate package includes ticket; additional tickets available for purchase by clicking here.
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9:00 - 11:00 pm | Afterglow + Connect 4 Tournament
Keep the energy alive at the AfterGlow, our informal post-banquet celebration! Unwind, reflect, and reconnect as we close out another incredible year. Enjoy music, mingling, and memories with peers who continue to reignite passion across Michigan’s parks and recreation community.
The AfterGlow features the 26th Annual Connect 4 Tournament hosted by Region 2: Southern.
Drink vouchers provided to banquet attendees; cash bar available.
The AfterGlow features the 26th Annual Connect 4 Tournament hosted by Region 2: Southern.
Drink vouchers provided to banquet attendees; cash bar available.
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Friday, February 5
8:30 - 11:00 am | Delegate Breakfast + Closing Keynote
As the 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show concludes, gather for a final celebration of achievement and inspiration. Enjoy breakfast as we present the Marketing Awards, and leave with renewed purpose to rethink, reinvent, and reignite your impact in your community.
Closing Keynote + Breakfast ticket is included in the Full Delegate package; additional tickets are available for purchase by clicking here.
We’re preparing to close out the 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show with inspiration, energy, and a final challenge to carry your light forward. The Conference Planning Team is putting the finishing touches on a Closing Keynote designed to bring the Be a Beacon theme to life and leave you energized to take what you’ve learned back to your organization and community. Closing Keynote speaker and session details coming soon!
Closing Keynote + Breakfast ticket is included in the Full Delegate package; additional tickets are available for purchase by clicking here.
We’re preparing to close out the 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show with inspiration, energy, and a final challenge to carry your light forward. The Conference Planning Team is putting the finishing touches on a Closing Keynote designed to bring the Be a Beacon theme to life and leave you energized to take what you’ve learned back to your organization and community. Closing Keynote speaker and session details coming soon!
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