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Conference 2027 Logo Final

 

2027 MPRA Conference & Expo

February 16-19, 2027

Margaritaville Resort,
Osage Beach, MO

Rise Up at the 2027 MPRA Conference & Expo! This year’s theme is a call for growth, leadership, and moving parks and recreation forward. Come together with professionals from across Missouri to gain fresh perspectives, discover new ideas, and be inspired to take your work to the next level. With powerful speakers, engaging educational sessions, meaningful connections, and exciting opportunities to learn and collaborate, the 2027 MPRA Conference & Expo will challenge you to rise up, make an impact, and shape the future of our profession.

IMPORTANT DATES

Hotel Room Block Opens: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - Book Early!
Exhibitor Registration Open to MPRA Members Only:
Monday, November 2, 2026
Exhibitor Registration Open to Everyone: Monday, November 16, 2026

 

Delegate Registration Opens: Monday, November 2, 2026
Early Bird Rates End: Wednesday, January 13, 2027
Meal Ticket Deadline (only Registrations without tickets available): Wednesday, January 27, 2027

DELEGATES

Attention parks and recreation professionals! We’re thrilled to invite you to a week of education, networking, and fun at the 2027 MPRA Conference and Expo. With an incredible lineup of speakers and a schedule packed with exciting events and meetups, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Join us and be part of an inspiring experience that’s just around the corner!

IMPORTANT DATES

Delegate Registration Opens:
Monday, November 2, 2026
Early Bird Rates End:
Wednesday, January 13, 2027
Meal Ticket Deadline (only Registrations without tickets available):
Wednesday, January 27, 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICING:    Member     Non-Member

Full Delegate                       $415                  $465
Full Education                    $290                 $340
Tuesday Only                    $135                  $185
Wednesday Only                 $160                 $210
Thursday Only                   $160                 $210
Retiree                                   $160                 $210
Expo Only                                $40                    $50

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Headshot

SCOTT WELLE

While the rest of the competition is playing not to lose, Scott teaches people to play to win. We ALL have the capacity to “raise our game,” and Scott Welle has spent more than 20 years helping people do this, personally and professionally. Scott’s 10 best selling books, articles, videos, podcasts and online programs inspire hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. He has a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology and regularly consults with top performing executives, sales professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as elite athletes, all with one commongoal: to OUTPERFORM. Fox 9 in Minneapolis-St Paul has called him a “Motivational Expert.” and he was named the 2021 Midwest Motivational Speaker of the Year. For “fun” (and because he’s a little crazy!), Scott has completed over 30 marathons, 5 Ironman triathlons, a 100-mile ultra marathon, and serves others by showing them how to tap into the mindset of challenging their self-limiting beliefs and aspiring to Outperform every day.

HOTEL INFORMATION

 Hotel Room Block is OPEN - Book Now!

Margaritaville Lake Resort
494 Tan Tar A Drive, Osage Beach, MO 65065

Reservation Phone: 1-800-826-8272
Deadline: Monday, January 18, 2027

Guest Room Rate*: $134.00++
Additional Room Options:
One-Bedroom Suite - 194.00++
Two-Bedroom Suite - $289.00++

Early bookings will have access to a limited number of rooms in Anchorage and Edgewater Buildings (closest to the meeting space).

If you need special accommodations in your sleeping room, please book early to receive one of the limited number of accessible rooms.

Sleeping rooms come with the following services:
In-room wireless, high-speed internet service; local 1-800 telephone calls; coffee service in guest rooms; refrigerator in guest rooms; Jolly Mon Indoor Waterpark discount; Use of Fins Up! Fitness Center; use of swimming pools and indoor hot tub; and use of outdoor tennis and basketball courts.
Check-In Time: 4:00 PM**
Check-Out Time: 11:00 AM
*All reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. Any room(s) not canceled 72 hours in advance of arrival will be billed to the party guaranteeing the reservation. 
​**Early check-in and/or late check-outs cannot be guaranteed. Hotel will be able to arrange for luggage storage for those arriving early or for those planning a late departure. 

EXHIBITORS

 

CLICK HERE to view more details on how to exhibit at the 2027 MPRA Conference & Expo.

STUDENTS & ROOM HOSTS

The MPRA Annual Conference & Expo offers students a fantastic opportunity to hone their public speaking skills, connect with potential employers, and network with peers from across the state.

IMPORTANT DATES

Student Registration Opens  . . . . . October 1, 2026
Deadline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 27, 2027
(No meal tickets will be available after this deadline)

AWARDS & CITATIONS

The MPRA Awards Committee has spent the better part of a year scouring pages of award codes to provide a wider range of offerings for our deserving MPRA members. Under the "Award Nomination Forms," take a closer look at each award category and browse through the new award codes, which include the qualifications for each award. Let's recognize those who are deserving of an award.

IMPORTANT DATES

Awards and Hall of Fame Nominations Open . . . . . August 3, 2026
Award Nomination Deadline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  November 13, 2026
Hall of Fame Nominations Deadline . . . . . . . . . . . November 13, 2026