IPRA Annual Conference & Expo
Indiana Park and Recreation Association Annual Conference & Expo 2025
When: November 11-13, 2025
Where: Horizon Convention Center, Muncie, Indiana
Join us for the Indiana Park and Recreation Association Annual Conference & Expo, the premier event for professionals dedicated to parks, recreation, and community development. This three-day gathering will bring together industry leaders, experts, and advocates to share insights, explore innovative solutions, and celebrate the transformative impact of parks and recreation across Indiana.
Attendees will enjoy dynamic keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities designed to inspire and equip professionals with the tools needed to create thriving communities. The Expo Hall will feature the latest products, services, and technologies shaping the future of recreation and public spaces.
Whether you're a parks director, recreation professional, landscape architect, or community leader, this event is your opportunity to connect, learn, and advance the field. Don't miss out on engaging discussions, cutting-edge solutions, and a chance to connect with peers who share your passion for enhancing Indiana’s quality of life.
Mark your calendar and be part of the future of parks and recreation!
Join us for our Keynote Speaker: Scott Hutcheson, Purdue University
The Power of Kindness: A Leadership Strategy for Park and Recreation Professionals
Parks and recreation professionals are on the front lines of community engagement, creating spaces for people to connect, recharge, and thrive. Yet, their work often comes with a challenge—navigating interactions with the public when kindness isn't always reciprocated. How do you maintain warmth, even in the face of frustration? How can kindness be a leadership strategy rather than just a personal virtue?
In this keynote, we’ll explore the science and strategy of kindness as a powerful leadership tool. Drawing on insights from behavioral science, leadership biodynamics, and the enduring wisdom of Mr. Rogers, we’ll unpack why kindness isn’t weakness—it’s a form of strength that builds trust, reduces conflict, and enhances community engagement. We’ll explore:
The Biology of Warmth: How warmth signals safety and builds cooperation.
The Reciprocity Effect: How small acts of kindness create ripple effects in behavior.
Navigating Tough Interactions: Techniques for staying warm when faced with hostility or indifference.
Kindness as Influence: Why kindness, when paired with competence and gravitas, strengthens leadership presence.
Park and recreation professionals don’t just manage spaces—they shape experiences. This session will provide practical strategies for making kindness an intentional leadership strategy, allowing you to lead with warmth, even in the most challenging moments.
Exhibit Hall
Expo Hall – The Hub of Innovation & Connection
Step into the heart of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association Annual Conference & Expo—the vibrant Expo Hall at the Horizon Convention Center. Designed to inspire and engage, this dynamic space will feature 100+ exhibit booths showcasing the latest innovations, services, and products transforming the world of parks and recreation.
From groundbreaking technology to essential equipment, attendees will explore solutions that enhance efficiency, programming, and community impact. Engage directly with leading vendors, discover hands-on demonstrations, and gather insights to elevate your organization’s offerings.
Beyond exhibits, the Expo Hall will be a center for interactive educational sessions led by industry experts, offering actionable strategies and fresh perspectives on trending topics. Whether it's innovative park design, sustainability practices, or community engagement techniques, these sessions provide invaluable learning opportunities right at the heart of the action.
Networking is at the core of the Expo experience. Take advantage of dedicated networking activities, meet like-minded professionals, and foster meaningful connections that drive collaboration and progress. Whether through scheduled meet-ups, informal discussions, or interactive lounges, this space is designed to bring together park and recreation leaders, decision-makers, and visionaries.
Join us in the Expo Hall for an immersive experience where innovation meets inspiration.
