Page 22 - Illinois Association of Park Districts Benefits of Membership 2017 - 2018

Education
IAPD strives to offer members cutting edge and innovative programs at the grassroots and statewide level. We are dedicated to improving educational programming while finding new ways to educate our members.
The association has an annual state conference, a legislative conference, legal symposium and commissioner seminars. It also offers a variety of seminars, workshops and webinars pertaining to issues affecting park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies.
IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference – January 18-20, 2018
The annual conference is an excellent opportunity to network, visit the expansive exhibit hall and participate in a number of educational sessions. The Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association host the state conference every January, attracting more than 4,300 board members, professionals, students and vendors. The IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference is designed to help staff and board members meet the
challenges they face every day back in their communities.
IAPD Legislative Conference – Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The IAPD Legislative Conference is designed to provide commissioners, directors and professionals with firsthand, up-to-date information on the association's Legislative Advocacy Program and all pending legislation affecting IAPD’s membership. State legislators, state administrative officials and other recognized authorities present the latest techniques and materials to assist commissioners and directors with the tools they need to successfully meet
and talk with legislators and be more effective in the legislative arena.
The evening prior to the Legislative Conference, IAPD offers a valuable legislative networking opportunity at its Legislative Reception. This provides board members and professionals a chance to speak one-on-one with legislators in a casual atmosphere.
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