Regional Meetings

We are delighted to announce that KRPA is offering free Regional Member Meetings again in 2026. Sponsored by Cunningham Recreation, these sessions are a fantastic opportunity for our members to enhance their skills and knowledge in key areas of parks and recreation leadership. Please reserve your spot by registering to the date and location that best fits your schedule.

2026 Dates:

March 24, 2026: KRPA Regional Meeting (Hutchison)
March 25, 2026: KRPA Regional Meeting (Garden City)
April 9, 2026: KRPA Regional Meeting (Lawrence)

Program Details

• Earn 0.3 CEUs: Enhance your professional development and take part in discussions, networking opportunities, and statewide knowledge sharing.
• Preliminary Schedule: 9:00am-3:00pm

  9:00 – 9:15 AM Welcome

  9:15 – 10:15 AM Session I: Building Your Ultimate AI Toolkit
  Speaker: Beth Z, Nerdy Best Friend
  AI is everywhere, but not all tools are worth your time—Beth Z breaks it down into the essential categories and tools that actually work. You’ll explore real examples, try a few tools, and leave with a practical, no-fuss AI toolkit to boost your productivity.
  

  10:15 – 10:30 AM Break

  10:30 – 10:45 AM Relationship Building

  10:45 – 11:45 AM Session II: Tech & AI in Action Across Kansas
  Speakers: KRPA Members
  See how agencies across Kansas are using technology and AI in real, practical ways—from marketing and communication to operations and planning. You’ll hear quick examples, explore key takeaways from a statewide survey, and walk away with ideas you can actually try.
  

  11:45 AM – 12:15 PM Lunch

  12:15 – 1:00 PM Session III: Data Storytelling: Collecting and Interpreting Data for Parks and Recreation Departments
  Speaker: Cunningham Recreation
  Data collection is essential for modern parks and recreation departments to demonstrate impact, improve services, secure funding, and guide strategic decision-making.   This session is an introduction to exploring practical and scalable method for gathering meaningful data – from participation and demographic information to community impact and return on investment. We are living in a data centric world, easy and affordable opportunities for collecting and interpreting data are at your fingertips.

  1:00 – 1:15 PM Break

  1:15 – 2:00 PM Session IV: Hosting Impactful Field Trips for Local Leaders
  Speakers: KRPA Staff
  Learn how to plan and lead a field day that showcases your impact and builds support with elected officials and community leaders. You’ll walk through key steps and start outlining your own event with guidance and ideas you can put into action.
  

  2:00 – 3:00 PM Regional Discussions

  (3:00 – 3:30 PM Micro-Certification Participant Session)

Thank you to our sponsor!

Questions?