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Students at Conference
The mParks Conference & Trade Show is the premier education and networking event for Michigan’s park and recreation professionals—drawing more than 700 attendees each year, including practitioners, industry leaders, vendors, and speakers. Students play a vital role in shaping the future of the field, and mParks is proud to support emerging professionals through meaningful opportunities at Conference. Students are invited to join 2026 mParks Conference & Trade Show and take part in hands-on learning, professional connections, and experiences that support future career goals.

All students enrolled in a recreation-related program at a Michigan college or university are eligible for a complimentary mParks membership.

There are two primary ways to get involved - volunteer or present at the Student Showcase, or both! Apply by February 6, 2026.

Volunteer

Volunteering at the 2026 mParks Conference & Trade Show offers practical event experience and direct access to professionals from across the state. Volunteers support every aspect of the event—behind the scenes and on the front lines—while gaining valuable insight into leadership, logistics, and professional service.

Apply to be a student Volunteer

Benefits

• Direct interaction with park and recreation professionals
• Hands-on experience in event planning and execution
• Access to all 2026 Conference education sessions
• Complimentary housing at the DoubleTree Lansing (dependent on assigned volunteer dates)
• Complimentary access to Meet the Talent: Speed-Networking
• Complimentary participation in the Conference Trivia Fundraiser & Social

Student Showcase

The Student Showcase will be held on Tuesday, March 3, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Lansing Center. The event will begin with a student and professional networking opportunity and then move into the showcase presentations. 

The 2026 Student Showcase highlights the next generation of parks and recreation professionals. Undergraduate students from Michigan colleges and universities are invited to share their visions, passions, and career aspirations with attendees. This program is designed to elevate student voices, spark meaningful networking, and celebrate the transformative experience of entering the profession.

Apply to be a student showcase presenter

Benefits

• Complimentary Full Delegate Registration for the 2026 mParks Conference & Trade Show
• Complimentary housing at the DoubleTree Lansing (March 3–6; double occupancy with another Showcase participant or student volunteer)
• Valuable opportunities to network with professionals and share your personal leadership philosophy
• Complimentary participation in the Trivia Fundraiser & Social

Requirements & Application

• Must be a student in good academic standing
• Application must include a faculty/staff endorsement
• Application must include a 2–3 minute introductory video summarizing your presentation
• Selected students will give a 4–5 minute, no-technology presentation (creativity encouraged!)
• Must be available for the Showcase: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 6:30–8:00 p.m.
• Up to five students will be selected

Presentation Theme
Rethink. Reinvent. Reignite. Inspiring Parks. Empowering People.

The 2026 mParks Student Showcase invites you to explore how fresh thinking, innovative ideas, and renewed passion can shape the future of parks and recreation. This theme encourages students to reflect on their role as emerging leaders and to share how they will rethink challenges, reinvent possibilities, and reignite inspiration in their communities and in the profession.

Share your insight on one of the following:

• Rethink: How have you challenged norms or explored new approaches that elevate parks, programs, or community experiences?
• Reinvent: How have you applied creativity, innovation, or problem-solving to reimagine services, spaces, or opportunities in parks and recreation?
• Reignite: How has your passion for the field grown—and how will you spark energy, engagement, or connection for others?
• Inspiring Parks. Empowering People: How will your work help build environments and experiences that inspire, empower, and strengthen Michigan communities?

Tips for a Great Presentation

Connect with the mParks Pillars

​Use the mParks pillars to help frame your message and vision:

WE ADVOCATE: How will you rethink advocacy to strengthen support for parks and recreation?

WE TEACH: How will you reinvent ways to educate and empower others around health, wellness, and conservation?

WE INSPIRE: How will you reignite joy and curiosity in the outdoors?

WE UNITE: How will you build inclusive, welcoming spaces that empower people of all backgrounds?

Include a Call to Action

​Show how your leadership—and your willingness to rethink, reinvent, and reignite—can shape a brighter, more connected future. Share practical steps, creative ideas, and a compelling vision for the communities and profession you hope to serve.

Reflection Questions

Use these prompts to help guide your message:

• What sparked your passion for parks and recreation?
• ​How have your experiences reshaped your understanding of leadership?
• How do you envision applying your education to create meaningful impact?

This is your opportunity to inspire others, share your aspirations, and help redefine the future of parks and recreation.

The Student experience at the 2026 mParks Conference & Trade Show is made possible by the support of the mParks Foundation and the mParks Past Presidents.