2026 Conference Session Proposal

Thank you for your interest in presenting at the 2026 Annual Conference. Conference attendees include a diverse mix of community recreation professionals, therapeutic recreation professionals, industry representatives, future professionals, and others passionate about our field.

The event will be held November 3rd - 6th at Hyatt Regency Buffalo, NY

All education sessions will be scheduled for Wednesday, November 4th, and Thursday, November 5th.

Theme: Good Neighbors, Great Parks

   

 

Please have the following information available before you begin your submission, or the information will not be saved: Name, organization, title, session description and outline, learning outcomes, email, headshot(s), and bio(s). 

Please note the following: 

  1. Deadline to submit is May 31
  2. Details submitted may be included in conference marketing materials. 
  3. Review the information closely and reach out to contactus@nysrps.org with any additional questions.
Fields marked with an * are required.

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General Information
Please review the information below and confirm understanding by seleting the box.

I understand: The conference sessions are designed to educate and inform, not to promote products or services. Attendees expect high-value, professional content. All sessions, except for speed sessions, are required to be 1 hour long and will be submitted for CEUs. Speed sessions will be 20 minutes in length. Attendees will be encouraged to complete a session survey to provide feedback. Information on all speakers must be submitted at the time of submission.

I understand: All sessions submitted must provide three clear, measurable learning objectives. The learning objectives describe what participants will be able to do after your session. All objectives must be observable and measurable. Each objective is limited to 20 words or fewer.

I understand: I am volunteering my time and expertise to support the recreation and park profession. 

Conference registration is not included as part of the speaker agreement. If you wish to attend sessions, meals, or other conference-related events, these items must be purchased in advance using the conference registration links.

I understand: I will submit all necessary information for review. Notifications for both selected sessions and those not selected will take place around July 15th. Sessions not selected initially may still be included later to complete the schedule. Upon complete submission of this form an e-mail will be sent confirming receipt. 

I understand: Each room will have audiovisual equipment provided, including a projector and a screen.

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Session Information

60 Minute Session
30 Minutes Speed Session

Please provide a breakdown of your presentation outline. Each session is scheduled for 60 minutes. 

Example:

  • 5 minutes: Introduction
  • 10 minutes: Present Findings and Analyze Results
  • 15 minutes: Discuss Information Related to Topic
  • 15 minutes: Participate in an Interactive Activity
  • 10 minutes: Q&A
  • 5 minutes: Conclusion
  • Total: 60 minutes

**Must provide 3 Learning Objectives

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Speaker Information
(Primary Contact) This person will be listed as the primary contact, and all communication will be sent to this speaker. It is their responsibility to communicate details to other speakers involved if necessary.

20MB max

NYSRPS Annual Conference
National Conference - NRPA or ATRA
First Time Speaker
Professional Speaker
Other

If you have presented before, please provide the conference name, session topic, and any other information

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Additional Speaker Information

20MB max

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Acknowledgement

If you represent a company that sells products or services to the park and recreation industry please provide the company's name. Presentation cannot be a sales pitch.

The program committee will do its best to accommodate, but there is no guarantee. 

The program committee will do its best to accommodate, but there is no guarantee.

Applicants interested in being considered for Featured Speaker must:

  • Have a minimum of 10 prior speaking engagements
  • Commit to:
    • Presenting one (1) 60-minute educational session, and
    • Participating in one additional engagement, such as a panel discussion, speed session, or roundtable

Yes
No
N/A

I understand I am submitting a session proposal to speak at the NYSRPS Annual Confernece