Upcoming Events
Sponsored by:
Additional Course Details:
Times: November 18-19 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, check in starts at 7:30 AM November 20 (Exam Day) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, check in starts at 8:00 AM
The CPSI course materials that must be read in advance will be mailed to the course registrants 4 weeks prior to the course.
*The CPSI Manual is mailed to registrants for the course. It is not included in the Exam Only option.
Please access the CPSI Candidate Handbook (Paper & Pencil Testing) on the CPSI Material and Resources page to review critical information regarding completing the course/examination. The handbook contains detailed information on requesting Special Accommodations, English as a Second Language accommodations, how to access Latin-American Spanish materials and day-of examination policies (wearable technology policy, ID policy, etc.)
The option to take the CPSI exam via computer based testing is available through the NRPA. To obtain additional information please visit www.nrpa.org/cpsi. Please be advised if you register to take the examination with the course, you will not receive a refund to take your exam via computer based testing at a later date. Please decide now if you would like to take the exam on Day 3 of the course or via a Computer Based Exam at a later date.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the KRPA office at 785-235-6533 or jamie@krpa.org.
KRPA Event Policy:
No Refunds: Please note that all registrations are non-refundable. We regret that we cannot offer refunds for any cancellations.
Substitutions: We do allow substitutions. If you are unable to attend the event, you may transfer your registration to another person. Please notify us of any substitutions at least 48 hours prior to the event.
Registration Fees: All registration fees must be paid in full within 30 days of registration. Failure to pay within this timeframe may result in the cancellation of your registration.
Join Executive Director Erika Devore and Public Policy Chair Tony Finlay for a timely briefing on the Kansas for Conservation bill following the Governor’s Water Conference. They’ll highlight key takeaways, what’s next, and walk through KRPA’s member toolkit to help you share the message locally and build support. Q&A included.
Additional Course Information: Link provided upon registration.
Commercial Vendor Workshop Attendance
The Kansas Recreation and Parks Association (KRPA) values the contributions and engagement of our commercial partners. To maintain a professional environment that supports both educational and networking opportunities for our members and sponsors, KRPA has established the following policy regarding commercial vendors attending workshops and events:
Policy Overview: Commercial vendors may not register or participate as general workshop attendees unless they are sponsoring the specific event in question. This policy ensures that the presence of commercial entities at KRPA events is aligned with their purpose of networking and building relationships within a professional context, while respecting the intent of these events as learning opportunities for non-commercial attendees.
Commercial Vendor Definition: According to the KRPA bylaws Commercial Vendor is defined as: Individuals, organizations, companies, or business firms selling products or services to recreation, park, conservation, and leisure service agencies.
Exclusions: Commercial vendors may register and participate in these certification programs as general attendees. These courses are designed to provide specialized training and a certification from the National Recreation and Park Association. We understand the need of vendors may have to receive these certifications.
Government affairs advisor and KRPA Lobbyist, Steve Kearney will brief KRPA members on the upcoming legislative landscape, priority issues affecting parks and recreation, and practical steps to stay engaged. Come ready with questions and leave with clear talking points for your community and stakeholders.
Parks and recreation professionals often struggle with time management. This session offers practical tips and tools to improve efficiency and productivity, both individually and within teams.
Additional Course Information:
Speaker: Marisa Hoff, CPRP, is a partner at The Empower Group, is a distinguished speaker with a B.S. in Psychology and master’s in education, emphasizing Educational Leadership. With extensive expertise in leadership, employee engagement, marketing, and operations, Marisa has been a featured speaker at major international conferences since 2015. She has recently spoken at many state parks & recreation conferences including Utah, Arizona, and Montana as well as speaking at NRPA. Formerly the General Manager of an award-winning Southern California health club, she played a pivotal role in its success. As a Partner, Marisa imparts valuable insights to individuals and businesses for success and growth, blending her professional and personal passions.
This session is for the little guys. We will discuss six points of how to succeed BIG in a small municipality. You will hear ideas, and bring your ideas to share as well.
Speaker: Issa Thornell is the Parks and Recreation Director for the Village of Biscayne Park located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. With over 25 years in Parks and Recreation, Director Thornell takes great pride in advocating for the importance of Parks and Recreation and the undeniable role it plays in community’s large and small.
KRPA Annual Conference and Trade Show
January 27-29, 2026
Hotel Topeka at the City Center
1717 SW Topeka Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66612
Early Bird Cut off date: January 5, 2026
Vendor Registration:
Commercial companies and their employees must register as a vendor at this link:
Vendor Registration
Vendor Conference Session Attendance Policy
Vendor representatives are welcome to engage with attendees during the designated trade show hours. However, attendance at conference educational sessions is not permitted for vendor representatives unless a Conference Attendee Registration Package has been purchased. If you wish to attend the sessions, please ensure you register as a Vendor and Conference Attendee to gain full access to all educational programming. Vendor representatives found attending sessions without proper registration will be asked to leave and directed to the exhibit hall.
Students:
Student members may attend the Student Summit and conference sessions at no charge IF they pre-register. Students can join KRPA for $15 when registering online for the conference.
NOTE: The student registration does not include lunches or evening socials. Students can purchase tickets in advance for the meals and socials for an extra fee.
Refunds: Conference Attendees cancellations received by December 31st are entitled to a 100% refund for those that paid by check, and 96% for those paid by credit card. Cancellations received between January 1 - 9 will receive a 70% refund if paid by check, and a 66% refund if paid by credit card. No refunds will be given after January 9th.
Registration Fees: Attendee fees must be paid by January 23, 2026
2026 KRPA
Conference and Trade Show
Tuesday, January 27- Thursday, January 29
Trade Show - Tuesday, January 27 - 11:00am - 3:00pm
This registration site is for Sponsors and Exhibitors only.
Important: All booth representatives will need to review and sign the 2026 KRPA Conference and Trade Show Terms and Conditions. You can email the completed form to jamie@krpa.org.
2026 Vendor - KRPA Conference and Trade Show Terms and Conditions.pdf
We have several sponsorship opportunities available to fit all your needs, you can review them in our sponsor document.
$900 General Conference Sponsor:
Show your commitment to parks and recreation by sponsoring the largest gathering of professionals in Kansas. This package provides excellent brand visibility and networking opportunities.
Benefits include:
A printed list of conference attendees for personalized outreach.
KRPA membership
8x8 Booth (Pipe and Drape, 2 Lunch Tickets, 1 6' draped table, 2 chairs)
$700 Booth Only
Includes:
Cancellation Policy
All requests for cancellation must be in writing. Requests received by December 1, 2025 will receive full refunds (minus a 4% credit card processing fee if applicable). Requests received between December 2-5, 2025 will receive refunds less a $200 per booth cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made after December 5, 2025.
Questions: Email Jamie Reed or call (785) 235-6533
KRPA Student Poster Presentation Challenge
Deadline: December 12, 2026
Showcase your creativity and professional skills by developing an original program or event concept for the KRPA Student Poster Presentation Challenge. This hands-on project lets you apply what you’ve learned in class, connect with parks and recreation professionals from across Kansas, and compete for scholarship prizes.
Students will pay their KRPA Student Membership fee ($15) at the time of this registration, which will be reimbursed upon completion of their poster presentation at the KRPA Conference.
If you are interested in learning more, please sign up for our informational webinar on December 3, 2025 at 1:00PM. Sign up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/G-HbJYVKT2OoO8ZdwAg25w
Stepping into a leadership role at a young age presents unique opportunities—and challenges. This session is designed for emerging leaders looking to build their confidence, credibility, and influence in the workplace. Whether you're new to leadership or aspiring to step into a higher role, this session will equip you with the tools needed to thrive as a young leader and make a lasting impact.
Speaker: Devon Poulos has over a decade of experience in the recreation field, having worked with local YMCA organizations and county-level government agencies. Since joining the City of North Port in November 2018, he has held several key roles, including Recreation Program Coordinator, Head Lifeguard, Assistant Aquatics Supervisor, and Aquatics Manager. Devon has earned multiple professional certifications, including the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) in 2019, Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) in 2022, and Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) in 2023. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Devon completed The Emerging Leaders Institute in 2021 and graduated from the Abrahams Jones Academy for Leadership Excellence in 2023. He played a vital role in helping the City of North Port achieve its initial CAPRA accreditation in 2019 and contributed to the successful reaccreditation in 2024.
The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Course is a 2-day training program designed to meet the needs of those working in public and semi-public recreational pool or water park facilities. The AFO Course offers unique discussions on risk management and pool management as well as training in proper water chemistry, water chemistry challenges and solutions.
The current Aquatic Facility Operators Manual will be sent to each full course registrant prior to the course.
Upon successful completion of the AFO Course and 50 question open book exam, participants will be certified for 5 years by the National Certification Board in coordination with the National Recreation and Park Association. Who Should Attend: Aquatic Directors, Recreation Directors, Water Park Directors, Pool Managers, Aquatic Supervisors, Resort/Hotel/Motel Staff, and any staff member responsible for the operation, maintenance and management of an aquatic facility.
Location: TBA
Check-in begins at 7:45 A.M
Managing challenging situations in youth sports is key to ensuring a positive experience. This interactive session teaches effective communication, crucial conversations, and strategies for handling difficult people, helping create a better environment for coaches, athletes, and parents. Attendees will gain valuable skills to manage the athletic triangle successfully.
Speaker: Chris Stevenson, an accomplished speaker with a global footprint, has presented dynamic sessions in over a dozen countries and over half of the 50 states. As a former Power Ranger stuntman and founder of The Empower Group, Chris draws from 20 years of experience owning and operating successful health clubs, consistently achieving industry-leading net promoter scores. His expertise lies in leadership, communication, employee engagement, and customer service, making him a sought-after authority in various industries, such as parks and recreation, fitness business, indoor rock climbing, and more. Beyond his business acumen, Chris has served as a board and committee member and published author, contributing to his holistic perspective on industry dynamics. Chris has the unique ability to connect with people instantaneously and to present applicable lectures that resonate with every audience.
Individuals taking the CPSI Classroom Course will gain practical, hands-on training on how to apply the ASTM standards and the CPSC guidelines to playground environments. Course participants will learn how to identify hazards on public playgrounds and playground equipment, how to rank hazards according to injury potential and how to apply that knowledge and establish a playground safety program.
The CPSI course materials that must be read in advance will be mailed to the course registrants 4 weeks prior to the course. Course materials are not provided to those that register for the CPSI Exam only.
This session is designed to assist recreation professionals increase community engagement through programs tailored to their community. We will walk through a sample program evaluation that will demonstrate ways to determine if a program is a good fit for a community and organization. Understanding the specific needs of our community alongside an agency’s vision will help foster community connection and contributes to the overall well-being of residents.
Speaker: LaToya L. Artis is a Recreation Manager with the City of Ocala responsible for the oversite of indoor programing for youth, adults, seniors, therapeutic recreation, outreach, and the departments transportation. LaToya fell in love with recreation 29 years ago as a recreation summer camp counselor in Linden, NJ during her college years. In 1999, LaToya graduated with her BS degree in Physical and Health education with a minor in Sports Management from Methodist College. After working for five years in the local school system, LaToya decided to seek employment working from home to raise her three children. In 2015, started working with Fayetteville Cumberland Parks and Recreation as Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor. LaToya oved to Florida in 2019 and started working with Ocala Recreation and Parks as Therapeutic and Senior Recreation Supervisor, quickly into her current position as Recreation Manager. LaToya is a line dance instructor and certified Xtreme Hip Hop Aerobics instructor.
Speaker: Formerly in education and childcare, Jacob Baker fell in love with recreation in 2012 for what he thought was a temporary job at a municipal aquatic center. He has worked in every area of recreation including aquatics, athletics, community events and outreach. Currently, Jacob is a Recreation Manager for the City of Ocala supervising the operations of the Mary Sue Rich Community Center. As someone who’s directly benefitted from a culturally rich and multifaceted background, he’s aware of the challenges and opportunities faced by parks and recreation professionals as well as our clients.
The National Recreation and Park Association's Playground Maintenance Course is a one-day (6.25 hour) educational course that covers the following topics – an overview of playground safety standards and guidelines, playground owner responsibilities and maintenance discussions on playground equipment, surfacing and site items. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the Playground Maintenance Course.
Location: McLean and 27th St IB, Wichita, KS 67217
Instructor: Brian Anderson
Costs: $175 (Member), $205 (Non-member)
Who should Enroll? Professionals who should take the course include maintenance staff, recreation staff, university seniors and any individuals who are responsible for playgrounds.
Eligibility: Course participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Dr Lawrence, KS 66049
This class covers Florida landscaping basics with a focus on prevention, and cultural controls of plant problems. Topics include water quality, plant selection, proper planting depth, pruning, turf maintenance, and more. The class will also introduce a new landscaping book with side-by-side English and Spanish information to those in attendance. THIS SESSION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AFTER THE LIVE VIEWING.
Speaker: Hannah Eason, UF/IFAS Extension Agent of Commercial Horticulture in Orange County, provides education to support a vibrant green industry and a sustainable food system. Her trainings and partnerships promote environmental stewardship through integrated pest management and urban farming education, with an emphasis on hydroponics. Through strategic scientific communication, Hannah aims to cultivate beautiful, sustainable landscapes across Central Florida. With over 10 years of experience as a professional horticulturist, including 5 years with UF/IFAS Extension, she holds a BS in Landscape and Nursery Horticulture and earned her MS in Agroecology from UF in Summer 2021.
Speaker: Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, DPM, is the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Agent with UF/IFAS Extension in Seminole County. She joined Extension in 2020, working locally with farmers, farm workers, and licensed pesticide applicators to enhance the sustainability of their operations. Dr. Pinkerton specializes in integrated pest management, pesticide use, and best management practices for farm and landscape maintenance. She is a graduate of the University of Florida’s Doctor of Plant Medicine program, which provided extensive interdisciplinary and hands-on training in plant science and diagnostics. She also holds a master’s degree in entomology, with research focused on invasive species in Florida and educating youth on plant biosecurity topics.
Online Check-in begins at 7:45 A.M
Additional Course Information: TBD
