IAPD / IPRA SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS 2026

The IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference holds the unique distinction of being the largest state park and recreation conference in the nation. The conference brings together thousands of professionals, commissioners, and elected officials from around the state for three exciting days of quality educational programming, networking, and professional development. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us at the Hyatt Regency Chicago next January for this exceptional event!

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Conference Registration Open

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29
8:00 am – 5:00 pm Conference Registration Open
8:00 am – 5:00 pm Quiet Room
9:45 am – 11:00 am Opening Keynote with Joe Fingerhut (0.1 CEUs)
11:00 am – 5:00 pm Grand Opening of the Exhibit Hall
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Exhibit Hall Dedicated Hour
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Speed Sessions (0.05 CEUs)
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Conference Workshops (0.15 CEUs)*
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm General Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Conference Workshops (0.15 CEUs)*
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm General Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Exhibit Hall Dedicated Hour
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm IPRA Section Meetings
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Professional Connection
6:00 pm – 7:15 pm IPRA Conference Kick-Off: Tailgate!
9:00 pm – 11:30 pm Welcome Social featuring The Breakfast Club FRIDAY,

JANUARY 30
7:00 am – 5:00 pm Conference Registration Open
7:00 am – 7:45 am WERQ Dance Fitness
8:00 am – 5:00 pm Quiet Room
8:30 am – 9:30 am Conference Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
8:30 am – 4:00 pm Agency Showcase
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open
10:00 am – 11:00 am General Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Exhibit Hall Dedicated Hours
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm All-Conference Awards Luncheon*
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Speed Sessions (0.05 CEUs)
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Conference Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Dessert in the Exhibit Hall*
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm General Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm IPRA Annual Business Meeting
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Commissioners’ Reception
9:30 pm – 11:00 pm Leadership Reception**

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
7:00 am – 7:45 am Core & More Fitness Class
7:45 am – 11:00 am Conference Registration Open
8:00 am – 3:00 pm Quiet Room
9:00 am – 10:15 am Closing Keynote with Jan McInnis (0.1 CEUs)
10:45 am – 11:45 am General Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm General Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm General Sessions (0.1 CEUs)
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm IAPD Annual Business Meeting
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Closing Social at House of Blues with No Turn On Red*

*Ticketed Event ** By Invitation Only