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Registration for the 2026 CONNECTIONS Conference & Expo is Open!

Join thousands of parks and recreation professionals, leaders, and innovators from across California at CONNECTIONS 2026: CPRS Conference & Expo. This four-day event is a hub of learning, inspiration, and industry networking, designed to empower professionals at every stage of their career.

Register for CONNECTIONS 2026

March 10 - 13, 2026

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With over 1,873 attendees, 238 exhibitors, 148 volunteers, and 86 breakout sessions, Connections 2025 in Sacramento set new benchmarks for engagement and participation for the California Park & Recreation Society. Attendees include parks and recreation professionals from all roles, including planners, program managers, directors, and agency leaders. They come together to share insights, cultivate partnerships, and celebrate the important work they do for their communities.

Future Conference Dates and Locations

March 10 - 13, 2026

Long Beach Convention Center

March 1 - 5, 2027

SAFE Credit Union Convention Center

March 7 - 10, 2028

Long Beach Convention Center

Pre-Conference Intensives and Events

At a Glance

Join us for CONNECTIONS 2026, where industry leaders, innovators, and professionals come together for three days of learning, networking, and discovery. Get a quick look at the schedule, explore the Expo Hall, and plan your stay!

Register here

Schedule at a glance 

COMING SOON

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Expo Hall

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Hotels

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Wednesday Keynote Speaker

Annie Frisoli, MS, CFEE, National Keynote Speaker, Author & Culture Strategist

The Leadership Adventure: Blazing Trails & Building Legacies

Leadership is an adventure - unpredictable, challenging, and filled with opportunities to leave a lasting impact. In this bold, interactive keynote, CPRS members will explore where they are on their leadership journey and rediscover how they inspire others by leading with purpose, empowering their teams, and shaping future generations. Through dynamic stories and practical insights, this session invites participants to embrace growth and commit to building a legacy that lasts.

Thursday Keynote Speaker

Dr. Matt, Clinical Psychologist, Author & Co-Founder of the Neurodiversity

I'm in the Business of Hope: How to Keep Believing

Life.  Is.  HARD!  As a psychologist, I often say I am in the “business of hope.”  But what is hope?  And how do we have it authentically when it feels like the world is increasingly chaotic, unfair, and cruel?  This talk will focus on what hope truly is from a psychological standpoint and explore how to apply it meaningfully to our lives.  I also will talk about the importance of hope from a employment perspective.  We will also identify potential barriers towards having hope and workshop solutions to overcome those challenges.

Closing Keynote Speaker:

Priya Sodha, CEO of Innergem & Leadership Trainer in Confidence, Resilience & Growth

The Heartbeat of Recreation: Nourishing Ourselves to Continue Inspiring Communities

As we close out this week of learning, connection, and growth, we pause to honor the true heartbeat of recreation—you. This session is a celebration of the care, creativity, and community spirit you bring to your work every day. Together, we’ll reflect on the profound purpose of recreation and the lives you impact, while also recharging your own sense of energy and wellbeing. Leave this closing keynote not only celebrated, but re-inspired—ready to carry forward your knowledge, purpose, and passion with renewed energy.