When and where is the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference?

The 2026 NRPA Annual Conference takes place September 29 to October 1, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The exhibit hall is open September 29–30.

Who should attend the NRPA Annual Conference?

The conference is designed for park and recreation professionals, including agency directors, municipal officials, recreation staff, educators, students, and companies serving the parks and recreation field. It is the largest annual gathering of the park and recreation community.

How do I register for the conference?

Registration is open through the official conference website and includes both in-person and virtual options. Early bird pricing is available for a limited time, and volunteers who help with sessions and events may be eligible for a registration discount. For assistance, contact MCI at nrpa@jade.mcievents.com or 972.349.5902.

How much does an exhibit booth cost?

Standard exhibit rates start at $3,415 per 10x10 booth for 1–5 booths, dropping to $3,315 for 6–9 booths and $3,215 for 10 or more booths. A reduced NGO/NPO rate of $2,910 per 10x10 is available, and each booth includes staff and guest passes plus one Full Conference Education Pass.

What are my options for hotels and getting to the venue?

NRPA offers official hotel blocks in Center City Philadelphia with negotiated rates, and complimentary shuttle service runs between block hotels and the convention center during the conference. The venue is located directly above SEPTA's Jefferson Station and is easily reached from Philadelphia International Airport via SEPTA's Airport Line in about 20 minutes.

NRPA Annual Conference 2026 – Philadelphia, PA | Trade Show Event Directory

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NRPA Annual Conference 2026 – Philadelphia, PA | Trade Show Event Directory | Trade Show Directory

Attendance

According to figures published by the organizer, the NRPA Annual Conference draws 8,000+ attendees, and features 40+ topics, 200+ sessions, 450+ speakers, and 500+ exhibitors. The audience is composed of park and recreation professionals, including agency leaders, municipal officials, recreation personnel, educators, students, and suppliers serving the field.

Booth Pricing

Exhibit space is priced per 10x10 booth, with standard rates as published by the organizer:

1–5 booths: $3,415 per 10x10
6–9 booths: $3,315 per 10x10
10+ booths: $3,215 per 10x10
NGO/NPO rate (Non-Governmental Organization or Not-for-Profit): $2,910 per 10x10

Upgrades and additional fees:

1 corner: $325; 2 corner: $650; Island (4 corners): $1,300; Premium Exhibit Area: $725

Each 10x10 booth includes 5 booth staff personnel passes and 2 guest passes, and every exhibitor — regardless of size — receives 1 Full Conference Education Pass. Booths do not come with carpet, tables, chairs, electrical, WiFi or lead retrieval; these can be rented from the third-party provider, or exhibitors may bring their own flooring, tables and chairs.

Registration

Registration for the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference is open and can be completed through the official conference website. This year's conference promises influential keynote speakers, inspiring education sessions and a fun-filled exhibit hall. Early bird pricing is available for a limited time, so registering early is encouraged.

Pass options include full conference in-person registration and a Virtual Conference option, which offers on-demand access to speed sessions and select education sessions to earn CEUs through the conference app.

Volunteers who help with education sessions and conference events in Philadelphia are eligible for a discount on registration, though opportunities are limited. For registration questions or assistance, attendees can contact MCI by email at nrpa@jade.mcievents.com or by phone at 972.349.5902, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT.

History

The NRPA Annual Conference is organized by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). For more than 50 years, it has been the premier annual meeting of the park and recreation community. The event rotates among major U.S. cities each year; recent editions have been held in cities such as Dallas, Atlanta and Orlando, with the 2026 conference taking place in Philadelphia. Upcoming editions include 2026 in Philadelphia (September 29 to October 1) and 2027 (September 28–30).