SCHEDULE:

8:30 AM – Registration Begins

9:00 AM-10:15 AM – Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders: Building the Talent Pipeline for Kansas Parks & Recreation

Speakers: Dr. Jeff Noble, Dr. Wonyoung Kim, Dr. Mark Vermillion, & Dr. Clay Stoldt, Department of Sport & Leadership Studies at Wichita State University

The future of Kansas parks and recreation depends on cultivating the next generation of professionals. This session will explore strategies for introducing students to the field, guiding them toward meaningful careers, and strengthening the pipeline of talent across the state. Discussion will focus on effective approaches for recruiting and engaging volunteers, interns, and future professionals, as well as ways agencies can support staff development at all levels. Participants will leave with practical ideas to help their organizations build a stronger workforce for tomorrow.

10:15 AM -11:30 AM- TBD Session

11:30 AM -12:15 PM Networking Lunch

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Breakout Sessions

Wellness & Sports Branches

Kids Tri

Speakers: Katy Renner, Josh Wolf. Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

Discover how to plan and host a youth triathlon that inspires participation, builds community, and supports long-term athlete development. This session covers key elements of event design—from age-appropriate swim, bike, and run distances to safety, volunteer coordination, and creating a fun, inclusive atmosphere. Learn best practices for engaging families, promoting teamwork, and turning first-time racers into lifelong triathlon enthusiasts. Whether you're organizing your first event or looking to enhance an existing race, you’ll leave with practical tips and inspiration to make your youth triathlon a success.

Youth Services Branch:

No Sarcasm Zone: Effective Communication with School-Age Kids

Speakers: Jamie Tyler, CFLE, Professional Development Specialist - KCCTP

Sarcasm can be confusing, or even hurtful, for school-age children. In this training, participants will explore why sarcasm often misses the mark and how it can impact trust and emotional safety. They’ll learn how to replace common sarcastic phrases with clear, respectful communication. Practical strategies and real-life examples will help participants build more supportive and positive interactions. This course is appropriate for all early childhood care and educational professionals working with school-age children in center-based or family child care settings.

KDHE Hours: Yes. Participants will be contacted after registration. 

1:40 PM - 2:40 PM Breakout Sessions

Wellness

On-Boarding Group Fitness Instructors and Personal Trainers. 

Speakers: Frank Cortez and Colton Waters. Haysville and Rosehill Recreation.

Create a checklist of do's and don't(s) for hiring and training your Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors. Feel better knowing you can empower your trainers and instructors with the knowledge of running a successful session or class from start to finish. From the prep prior to, managing the session or class, and follow up, following consistent standards can lead to better client experience and retention. 

Sports Branch

How to Start & Run an Adult Kickball League

Speakers: Sports Branch

Looking to add a low-cost, high-energy program to your adult recreation offerings? This hands-on session will equip Parks & Recreation staff with the tools to successfully launch and manage an adult kickball league or tournament in your community.

We’ll cover:, Official kickball rules and game structure, Field layout and equipment needs, League setup & scheduling, Best practices for supervision, safety, and keeping play fun but organized.  After the overview, we'll split into teams for a demo game so you can experience the flow of play, the custom kickball rules, and how to teach the basics to your participants. Whether you're looking to start a full league or offer a one-day tournament, this session will leave you with a ready-to-use playbook for bringing adults together through fun, inclusive recreation.

Youth Services Branch:

Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis: Supporting Children and Families

Presenter: Christopher Engler, MA, BCBA, LBA-Kansas OASIS Training Program, Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training, University of Kansas Medical Center

This training will introduce the basics of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to enhance childcare providers' understanding of this discipline and its practitioners. Childcare providers will learn how to incorporate ABA-based strategies and collaborate with practitioners in their setting.

KDHE approved for (TBD)