

March 1 - 4, 2022

University Plaza Hotel
& Convention Center
Springfield, MO
BACK FOR 2022!
MPRA Webinar Series
MPRA is offering an opportunity to virtually attend live educational sessions presented at the annual conference as a webinar series beginning April 28 through June 23, 2022.
First time attending conference? Check out our first timers page!
2022 CONFERENCE SPONSORS
DELEGATES
If you are part of the parks and recreation industry we want to invite you to join us for a week packed with educational sessions, networking, and fun!
The 2022 MPRA Conference and Expo is just around the corner, and we are so excited for you to see what’s in store. We’ve brought together a unique and inspiring group of speakers, and our schedule is full of engaging events and meetups.
Don’t miss out!
Delegate Registration Opens . . . . . November 15, 2021
Early Bird Rates End . . . . . . . . . . . January 14, 2022
Delegate Late Fee Starts . . . . . . . . February 4, 2022
IMPORTANT DATES for Delegates


2022 KEYNOTE
Chad Pregracke | Living Lands & Waters
Chad Pregracke is the internationally named 2013 CNN Hero of the Year, founder and president of Living Lands & Waters; a nonprofit river cleanup organization, author, and professional public speaker. He is proof one person can make a difference.
Best known for starting out as a young man in East Moline, Illinois wanting a cleaner waterway, Chad has become the champion for the Mississippi River. Growing up on its banks, he worked as a commercial shell diver during his early years, experiencing the river from the bottom up. Sometimes spending 10 hours a day in the depths and current of the pitch-black waters, he crawled nearly 150 miles of the river bottom over six years. Chad saw its beauty and was frustrated by the neglect. At the age of 17, he decided to clean it up. Twenty-three years later, Chad and his Living Lands & Waters crew have organized and led over 1200 community cleanups on 23 rivers in 21 states and removed over 11 million pounds of garbage. Chad had an idea that evolved into a movement that has helped to restore one of America’s greatest icons, the Mississippi River.
Join us for Chad’s keynote presentation at the 2022 MPRA Conference and Expo, as Chad takes us out on one of the world’s greatest rivers – a journey filled with endless challenges and gripping adventures. His presentation is sure to be motivating, captivating, genuine, and refreshingly spontaneous.
Chad has been recognized by former President, George W. Bush as a national “Point of Light.” He received a standing ovation at the Kennedy Center from all four living former U.S. Presidents for his inspirational message on dreaming big, taking action, persevering, leading, and collaborating. He has been the keynote speaker for college graduations, business conferences and events, classrooms, nonprofit organizations, and more. Named “America’s Hardest Working Person” by Mitchum, Chad’s enthusiasm, sense of humor and passion amplifies his story and entertains audiences. Ultimately, his message inspires people to believe they can make a difference.

This is your chance to showcase your business to parks and recreation professionals including representatives of nearly every municipal and county parks and recreation department in the state.
Additionally, administrative personnel from all levels of public, therapeutic, and commercial recreation will be present. Reserving your booth early will give you an advantage in choosing just the right space to maximize your exposure to delegates.
Exhibitor Registration Opens (Members Only) . . . . . November 1, 2021
Exhibitor Registration Opens For All . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 15, 2021
Early Bird Rates End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 9, 2022
EXHIBITORS


IMPORTANT DATES for Exhibitors
The expo hall is sold out at this time, please email sarah@mopark.org if you are interested in space.
The MPRA Annual Conference & Expo is a great place for students to practice public speaking, meet future employers, and network with other students from around the state.

STUDENTS
IMPORTANT DATES for Students
Student Registration Opens . . . . . November 15, 2021
Early Bird Rates End . . . . . . . . . . . January 9, 2022
Student Late Fee Starts . . . . . . . . February 4, 2022


University Plaza Hotel
& Convention Center
333 S John Q Hammons Pkwy
Springfield, MO 65806
Room Rate . . . . . . . . . . .$112.00
Group Code . . . . . . . . . . MPRA
Room Block Closes . . . . January 29, 2022

HOTEL INFO

Extra Rooms Can Be Booked At:
TRU by Hilton
(417)249-1400 | 517 E Elm St, Springfield MO 65806
Group Rate: $137.00++ | Booking Link
* make sure to search our event dates and check the box for accessible rooms.
Hotel Vandivort
(417) 832-1515 | 305 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806
25% off all available room types, March 1-4 | Booking Link
Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven
(417)866-1963 | 203 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65802
Group Rate: $79.99++ | Call for reservations
Thinking about exploring Springfield before or after the MPRA Conference & Expo? Check out these resources:



IMPORTANT DATES
Award Nominations Open . . . . . October 1, 2021
Award Nomination Deadline . . . December 3, 2021
AWARDS & CITATIONS
