http://www.ilparksconference.com The Soaring to New Heights Conference, hosted by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, will be held January 24-26, 2008 in beautiful downtown Chicago at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The conference proudly features over 200 educational sessions, an exhibit hall where over 300 exhibitors showcase their latest and greatest products and services, and a variety of networking opportunities. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:48:21 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Suggestions are now being accepted for sessions at the 2009 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference. Download, complete and submit the suggestion form by February 29 for consideration - we'd love to hear your ideas! http://www.ilparksconference.com/2008/02/13/got-ideas/ The 2008 Soaring to New Heights Conference awards luncheon was a top-notch ceremony recognizing agencies and individuals who have truly advanced the field of parks and recreation this past year. Watch the complete video of the luncheon below. Don't forget to nominate deserving individuals and agencies for next year's Conference. ... http://www.ilparksconference.com/2008/02/07/watch-the-awards-luncheon-video/ On behalf of the IAPD and IPRA we would like to thank the following sponsors of the 2008 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference: IPDLAF+/PFM Groupfor sponsoring the Name Badge Holders Volleyball Professionals for sponsoring the Thursday Night Social W-T Engineering, Inc. for sponsoring the Saturday Breakfast in the Exhibit ... http://www.ilparksconference.com/2008/02/05/thank-you-to-our-sponsors/ A very special thanks goes out to the Hoffman Estates Park District and the Schaumburg Park District, the host agencies for the 2008 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference, who provided all of the volunteers for registration and the closing event at The Field Museum! ... http://www.ilparksconference.com/2008/02/05/thanks-to-our-host-agencies/ Acclaimed author of “Last Child in the Woods” and seven other books, Richard Louv, honored park and recreation professionals in IL as the keynote speaker at this year’s 2008 IAPD/IPRA Soaring To New Heights Conference. Louv has some amazing ideas - and fears - about our generation and generations ... http://www.ilparksconference.com/2008/01/30/richard-louv-keynote-inspiring-for-all/ Friday of Conference, leaders in the field of parks and recreation were recognized at the annual All-Conference Awards Luncheon. It is important to remember and give thanks to those who dedicate so much of their professional and personal lives to enriching the lives of others through parks and recreation. The ... http://www.ilparksconference.com/2008/01/28/leaders-recognized-at-awards-luncheon/ Nancy Niebur of the Illinois State University talks about how important it is for students to network and realize the value of the professional of parks and recreation. http://www.ilparksconference.com/2008/01/25/becoming-an-advocate-for-our-profession/ LeeAnn Franklin of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District and co-author of the IPRA Guide To Internships Manual talks about the importance of arming our interns with the tools to develop and grow into the future professionals we want working for us. http://www.ilparksconference.com/2008/01/25/interns-are-the-furture-get-them-ready/ Jodi Rudick of ADvisors Marketing and speaker at the Conference sat down for an impromptu discussion with a few young professionals before her session to talk about networking. http://www.ilparksconference.com/2008/01/25/networking-takes-center-stage-for-many/ Kirk Conville of BAGGO, Inc. shows his appreciation to Conference attendees and explains how important his exhibition experience and partnership with park district has been for his company. http://www.ilparksconference.com/2008/01/25/exhibitors-make-the-most-of-conference/