Learn about the newest trends in community sports while networking with fellow athletics professionals from across the state. This is a three day workshop typically held in the fall.

The Carolina’s Conference, hosted biennially by both the North Carolina and South Carolina Recreation & Park Associations, brings together parks and recreation professionals from across both states for an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Attendees will benefit from diverse educational sessions designed to enhance their knowledge and skills, while also exploring innovative solutions, products, and services showcased by exhibitors. This event fosters meaningful networking among peers, creating a dynamic environment for collaboration and idea-sharing. Join us as we work together to advance the field of parks and recreation!

Join this four night virtual study group for professionals preparing to take the CPRP exam. Through live virtual sessions, get answers to questions, set a schedule for individual study, and review practice exams. Guest speakers and test taking strategies are included. Offered in the winter. The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is the national standard for all parks and recreation professionals. For more information visit NRPA.org. Past Workshop | February 11 & 25, March 4 & 18, 2025 | Virtually

This course is held in coordination with the National Recreation and Park Association. The CPSI certification aims to enable certified professionals to: identify hazards on playground equipment and the playground; rank the hazards according to injury potential; and utilize this knowledge to remove the hazards and establish a system of inspections and maintenance. Advanced reading and 10 hours of training will prepare you for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector. This is a three day course with the exam offered on day three. Traditionally offered February-March.

Exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of successful organizations. This interactive workshop equips participants with practical tools and strategies to enhance communication, build positive relationships, and handle challenging situations with confidence. Attendees will learn how to create memorable experiences for customers while fostering a culture of service excellence.

The Virtual Inclusion Workshop connects leaders and recreation professionals who work in and around inclusion. You can expect dynamic speakers, meaningful conversations, the opportunity to develop a supportive network, innovative program ideas, and resources to bring back to your community. Together, Building Inclusive Communities.

This virtual workshop series includes engaging sessions designed to explore key topics in the recreation industry! Each 30-minute session dives into trending issues, fosters professional growth, and expands industry awareness. With monthly sessions that stand alone, you can choose the topics that interest you most or attend the full series for a well-rounded learning experience.

Grow your skills and knowledge about park and facility maintenance. Get the lowdown on the latest trends, trades, and tips to maintain parks and facilities for long term community use. Connect with maintenance pros, swap stories and strategies, and meet vendors who can help maximize assets and streamline work. These workshops are typically held in the fall.

Dive into the latest marketing trends, tools, and insights from professionals both within and beyond the recreation industry! Discover new strategies to expand your reach, optimize your marketing efforts, and learn from real-world successes. Connect with industry experts, exchange ideas, and grow your network of colleagues who can support and inspire your marketing journey. This is the opportunity to level up your marketing game in just one day!

Experience and discuss a variety of outdoor and adventure programs and activities. While activities change depending on the specialties of the host location; hands on, interactive learning is the main focus. Discover different ways of managing adventure programming, or get first hand knowledge of what it takes to bring a new program to your community. This is a two day workshop typically held in late summer/early fall.

Are you looking to make your community's playgrounds safer? The National Recreation and Park Association's Playground Maintenance Course is a one day educational course that covers the following topics – an overview of playground safety standards and guidelines, playground owner responsibilities and maintenance discussions on playground equipment, surfacing and site items. Participants receive a certificate upon completion. This course is offered in two locations in the fall. Past Workshop | February 24, 2025 | Smithfield

This virtual workshop includes impactful sessions on how many forms of vendor technology are utilized in parks and recreation, and is complemented by a virtual exhibit hall where you can meet technology providers and vendors. Hear the buzz on the latest trends, as well as creative ways to utilize technology to streamline work. This workshop is a two day virtual experience, hosted by NCRPA in partnership with other organizations across the nation.

Designed for recreation professionals serving all ages—youth, teens, adults, seniors, and families—this workshop offers dynamic sessions and discussions on impactful programs and creative ideas that have seen success across North Carolina. Gain fresh insights, exchange best practices, and expand your network of colleagues to support and inspire your work in recreation programming. Past Workshop | March 25, 2025 | Greenville

Transform your community’s gatherings with innovative ideas and flawless execution in this special events workshop. Explore best practices for planning, promoting, and hosting memorable events that bring people together. From budget-friendly tips to risk management and creative programming, this session equips you with everything needed to enhance your event portfolio. Perfect for anyone looking to make their events stand out and strengthen community bonds.

Lead, Inspire, Grow. This one-day virtual workshop is designed to expand your perspective on supervision and leadership with insights from local and national experts. Explore key topics such as team building, discovering your leadership style, embracing diversity, and more. Whether you're new to leadership or looking to enhance your skills, this workshop empowers you to lead from any position. With no travel required and an affordable price, it’s a valuable investment in your professional growth.

This workshop will equip parks and recreation professionals with practical strategies and adaptive techniques to create inclusive, impactful programs. Through expert-led discussions and hands-on activities, attendees will learn how to design experiences that promote healing, independence, and community connection. Whether you're new to therapeutic recreation or looking to expand your skills, this session will provide valuable insights to make recreation accessible for all.