With more than 4,500 park and recreation professionals, students, elected officials and supporters attending the Soaring To New Heights Conference, one of the best things you can do for yourself is network. You never know who you’ll meet at conference who could someday really help you out in a pinch. Bring plenty of business cards and a willingness to talk with others just like you.

One of the great benefits of working in the field of parks and recreation is our willingness to share ideas with one another. The more people you know the more you’ll learn.

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to network with your fellow commissioners, professionals and colleagues from across the state in the newly designed Conference Café. The networking lounge is located on the lower level in the Northeast Exhibit Hall.

Cyber Café
You won’t want to miss the new and improved Cyber Café! Keeping up with technology, Cyber Café is back. You will be able to check your e-mail, navigate park and recreation agency Web sites and learn more about your state associations’ sites.

Hours Available:
Thursday, January 28 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Friday, January 29 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, January 30 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Special thanks to Sikich LLP, proud sponsor of the Cyber Café.

Silent Auction
The Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation, in conjunction with the IPRA College and University Relations Committee, once again will conduct the Silent Auction located in the Conference Café. Conference delegates will have the opportunity to bid on such items as weekend get-a-ways, tickets to sporting events and golf packages. The auction is an easy way to purchase valuable services and products for yourself and your agency. Proceeds from the auction will support student scholarships in Illinois.

Agency Showcase and Student Poster Presentations will also be included in the Conference Café.

Here are just a few of the ways you can meet new people and network:

Thursday Evening Social
Kick off the 2010 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference with a night of dancing to The Hat Guys. Catch up with old friends and meet some new ones at this great event. This is not a ticketed event – all are welcome!Sponsored by:

Saturday Evening SocialYou won’t want to miss the Saturday Evening Social – the closing event of the 2010 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference! Join us on Saturday in the International Ballroom at the Hilton from 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm for an evening of laughs with comedian Jim Gossett. Delegates who have registered for the Full Conference Package receive dinner and drinks. Due to the nature of the evening’s entertainment, this is an adult-only event. Delegates may purchase extra tickets for the event at Conference Registration.