Registration Is Open!
The 44th Annual DRPS Conference is set for February 26 and 27, 2026. The Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center is the venue; consider staying overnight and joining us for the evening social.
This year’s theme is Rooted in Values, Growing Together! Recognizing that we share a common goal, we aim to get back to basics and renew our commitment to our values. Conference attendees will gain a deeper understanding of essential topics like partnerships, funding strategies, and connecting with the community. Join us in building connections in our professional community!
Day 1 kicks off with keynote speaker Autumn Saxton-Ross (bio below) while Day 2 kicks off with a morning address by Director of the City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation Department Melody Phillips.
Keep scrolling to read about the planned sessions.
Conference Archive
Keynote Speaker: Autumn Saxton-Ross
Sessions - Check Back Regularly For Updates
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Maintenance
Day 1 topics include: Moving the Needle: Go Digital for Playground Safety and Maintenance with Eddie LaRocque (playground safety credits available); Delaware’s Forest Health: Pests Attacking and Pests Threatening with William Seybold; Choosing Native Plants for Park Plantings with Leah Brooks (pesticide credits available)
Day 2 topics include: TBA
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Management
Day 1 topics include: More Than ChatGPT: How Can AI Help Rec Departments Deliver Exceptional Experiences with Wyeth West and a speed roundtable session. More TBA
Day 2 topics include: Corporate “Cause” Partnerships: Creating Win/Win Relationships Through Play and Recreation with Victoria Babb and more TBA.
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Programming
Day 1 topics include: Ensuring Access for All: Building Inclusive Play and Recreation Spaces panel discussion; How Delaware Parks Can Reach Their Community… Without Spending a Dollar on Ads with Nick Rendo; and more TBA.
Day 2 topics include: Reimagining Tradition: Embracing New, Curated Events in Your Event Portfolio with Ashley Bush and more TBA.