About The Conference /2023 Soaring to New Heights

The IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference holds the unique distinction of being the largest state park and recreation conference in the nation. The conference brings together thousands of professionals, Commissioners, and elected officials from around the state for three exciting days of quality educational programming, networking, and professional development. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us at the Hyatt Regency Chicago next January for this exceptional event!

Images courtesy of JHyde Photography © 2022

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Speaker: Brent Scarpo

Career Development Symposium January 26, 2023/3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

How to Defuse Anger and Calm People Downrged Situations in the Workplace

Break anger’s grip on your office Anger in the office is the enemy of productivity, teamwork, and creativity. Sometimes it’s obvious — a white-hot rage with tempers flaming. Other times it’s subtler — and potentially more damaging. That’s when defensiveness, cynicism and negativity creep into the workplace and take over. Before long, department morale plummets, enthusiasm is dampened, and teamwork breaks down. There are specific steps you can take and proven strategies you can follow to turn things around quickly. Find out how to recognize the early signs of anger — in yourself and others — and redirect the energy wasted on it to achieve positive outcomes such as improved teamwork, increased enthusiasm, and heightened creativity throughout the workplace.

Keynote Speaker – Shannon McKain January 28, 2023/9:00 am - 10:00 am

Four Square Leadership: Mindset, Styles and Connections for Success

All of us have the capacity to be leaders! We attend meetings, provide feedback, and set wheels in motion. Understanding your leadership style and how your leadership empowers those around you are the first steps to enabling your team to work effectively while fostering a strong agency culture.

In this session, Keynote Speaker Shannon McKain shares how every team member experiences four key styles of leadership and why mastering these four styles is so significant. Attendees will learn what makes a successful leader, how to strengthen their agency’s culture, and how to make connections with teammates across the board.

Venue /Hyatt Regency Chicago

Illinois Association of Park Districts
211 E. Monroe Street
Springfield, IL 62701-1186
Phone: 217-523-4554

IPRA Logo_Small

Illinois Park and Recreation Association
536 East Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525-6815
Phone: 708-588-2280