Know Before You GoAttendee InformationWelcome to the 2026 WRPA Conference & Tradeshow! Please review the information below detailing the event schedule, site location, parking, and more. If you have any questions about this information, please feel free to contact the WPRA Office at [email protected] or by calling 206-361-8869.
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| Registration Desk Hours The registration desk is located on the third floor. |
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| Tuesday, April 21 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday, April 22 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday, April 23 | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday, April 24 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM |
Schedule & Presentation Materials
The full schedule is available on the WRPA website and on the app. Speaker presentations will be available after the event. Please be on the lookout for the post-event email that will have a link to the finalized resource page.
View Schedule
Conference Socials & Attendee Experiences
"Parks and Pints" Tours
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 21 | 12:30 PM - 4:15 PM
(Must be pre-registered)
Get a taste of the chaos Pierce County’s parks and recreation professionals bring on the “Parks and Pints” Tours. Choose from two tour options to experience a half-day excursion that showcases world-class parks in Tacoma and greater Pierce County and ends at one of the area's craft breweries, 7 Seas.
Tour Details
Tours leave from the Greater Tacoma Convention Center; both tours will meet at the final destination at 7 Seas. Guests can also choose to ride the shuttle back to the Convention Center at the end of the tour.
Light refreshments will be provided, including a beer flight or non-alcoholic beverage and Hors d-oveuvre at 7 Seas.
Golf Tournament
- WRPA Annual Golf Tournament (Must be pre-registered)
Date & Time: April 21, 2026 | TEE Times starting at 11:00 AM (Please show up 1 hour before Tee Time)
Location: Meadow Park Golf Course
Socials
Social Events (limited shuttle service will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday, starting at 5:30 PM in front of the Marriott)
- Tuesday Sponsored Social: WRPA Kickoff Social at E9 Brewery (Sponsored by Kaizen and Romtec)
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 21 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: E9 Brewery - 2506 Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402
Shuttle service will run throughout the evening, with pickup starting at 5:30 PM from 1538 Commerce St (in front of the Marriott Downtown) with continuous service to and from E9 Brewery. Rideshare and nearby street parking are also available. All WRPA members and conference goers are welcome. We’ll see you Tuesday night at E9 Brewery! Capacity: 12 – Every 15 minutes
- Wednesday Sponsored Social: The Road to Recreation (Sponsored by Great Western Recreation)
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 22 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: LeMay – America’s Car Museum | 2702 East D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421
Transportation: Conference shuttles will run between the conference hotel(s) and the museum throughout the evening. Shuttle schedules and pickup locations will be provided closer to the event. Come experience a night of chrome, music, and connection as we celebrate the parks and recreation professionals who keep Washington’s communities thriving. Capacity: 25 – Every 15 minutes
Parking: Free on-site parking is available at the museum.
Public Transit: The museum is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Tacoma Dome Station, a major regional transit hub served by Amtrak, Sounder commuter rail, light rail, and multiple bus routes.
- Thursday Night Social: Whisky, Boots & Big Ideas (Sponsored by Northwest Playground)
Date & Time: Thursday, April 23 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Steel Creek | 1114 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
Dress Code (optional but encouraged): Western casual—boots, denim, flannel, hats, or your favorite urban cowboy look. No boots? No problem. Comfort counts.
CEU Tracking
Through national certification, you join thousands of people who are committed to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice in the delivery of park and recreation programs.
WRPA partners with the NRPA headquarters to coordinate certifications for industry professionals. Certifications include Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification, Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Certification, and more.
At the 2026 Conference, attendees can come to the registration desk and request a CE Tracking Sheet to mark their attendance of certain sessions.
Learn More About Tracking
Exhibit Hall
Be sure to take the time to participate in our Tradeshow activities during the breaks throughout the Conference. Make deeper connections with the sponsors and exhibitors by inviting them to join you for socials and other activities.
Exhibit Hours
| Date | Time | Location |
| Tuesday, April 21, 2026 |
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Move-In |
| Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM | Move-In |
| 7:30 AM – 10:15 AM | Quiet Hours (Welcome Breakfast & Keynote) | |
| 10:15 AM – 3:30 AM | Tradeshow Hours | |
| 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM | Morning Tradeshow Break | |
| 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM | Lunch with Exhibitors | |
| 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM | Afternoon Tradeshow Break | |
| Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 10:15 AM - 1:30 PM | Tradeshow Hours |
| 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM |
Morning Tradeshow Break | |
| 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
Lunch with Exhibitors | |
| 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Exhibitor Move-Out |
See Booth List
Exhibitors Information
Current exhibitors, please visit the Exhibitor Resources webpage for exhibit hall details
Exhibitor Resources Page
Exhibitor Engagement Program
PASSPORT STAMPS
Attendees will receive a passport booklet at conference check-in and can collect stamps by visiting exhibit booths throughout the event. Once your passport is complete, you’ll be entered into the grand prize drawing, which will take place during Thursday’s lunch.
TRIVIA & PRIZE TICKETS
Each exhibit booth will feature a trivia question for attendees to answer. Visit booths, test your knowledge, and earn prize tickets for correct answers. Prize drawings will be held during lunch on both Wednesday and Thursday.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
