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ARPA Conference and Energize Workshop

October 23 October 25

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Conference & Energizer Workshop in Lake Louise on October 23-25, and stay tuned for updates! Registration will open this summer in July.

Dates: October 23-25, 2025
Location: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

A note about our Price Increase

We would like to inform you that the conference price for this year’s event has increased due to the all-inclusive conference experience we offer. The conference registration includes: 7 meals from Thursday dinner to Saturday dinner, 44+ session options, 3 keynote speakers, an industry trade show, and several social and networking options.

We understand that price increases can be frustrating, but we believe that the value of this package far outweighs the additional cost. By including all meals, encompassing education options and offering a wide range of social and networking opportunities, we are creating an immersive experience that will enable attendees to fully engage with the conference material and their fellow attendees.

Furthermore, the increased price allows us to provide a high-quality experience that meets the needs of our attendees. We are committed to delivering the best possible conference, and this all-inclusive package is one way we are working to achieve that goal.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you at the conference. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We are excited to invite speakers, industry leaders, and community advocates to submit proposals for the 2025 ARPA Conference & Energize Workshop. This year, we are embracing the theme of Beyond the Backyard—exploring how recreation, parks, and tourism intersect to drive community vitality and growth.

Key Dates:

  • ‼️Submission Deadline: April 20, 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance: End of May
  • 🗓️Conference Dates: October 23-25, 2025

We look forward to receiving your proposals and curating a program that fosters learning, inspiration, and actionable change in community tourism. Submit your proposal today and be part of shaping the future of recreation, parks and community tourism in Alberta!

Presentation Formats:

We encourage diverse session formats to foster engagement and learning:

  • Workshops – Interactive, hands-on sessions.
  • Panel Discussions – Thought-provoking conversations with industry experts.
  • Case Study Presentations – Real-world examples of successful community tourism initiatives.
  • Poster Sessions – Research and project summaries presented visually.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Relevance: Presentations should align with the theme.
  • Practical Application: Sessions should provide attendees with actionable insights and tools.
  • Innovation: New ideas and approaches are highly encouraged.
  • Engagement: Presenters should foster discussion and interaction.

The 2025 ARPA Conference & Energize Workshop invites participants to step Beyond the Backyard and explore how recreation and parks can inspire local tourism, foster community pride, and strengthen connections to the places we call home.

Parks, trails, and recreational spaces are more than just places to visit—they are catalysts for exploration, connection, and well-being. This year’s conference highlights how recreation and parks professionals can create meaningful local experiences, from uncovering hidden gems and enhancing outdoor adventures to fostering cultural appreciation and environmental stewardship. Through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, sustainable development, and community engagement, we aim to spark new ideas and explore how local tourism can drive community vitality and growth.

Join us as we explore, engage, and celebrate the power of local tourism in shaping thriving, resilient communities. Together, let’s reimagine how recreation and parks can invite people to discover, appreciate, and invest in the incredible experiences waiting just beyond the backyard.

Thank you to our event sponsors! More sponsorship opportunities are coming soon.

We would also like to express our gratitude to our platinum sponsor, TBD Architecture + Urban Planning, and all of our event sponsors for their invaluable support in making this event possible. 

For questions related to sponsorship, contact Caleb Boorse at cboorse@arpaonline.ca


The 2024 ARPA Conference & Energize Workshop was held at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise again in the face of a list minute venue change caused by the tragic wildfires in Jasper. The theme last year was: “Community Connections” – emphasizing connection, inclusion, and innovation.

With keynotes Julie Angus sharing her inspiring journey of perseverance and innovation and Rose LeMay delivering a powerful address on equity and reconciliation in action, delegates left with actionable insights and renewed motivation.

Social programming stood out, with the Indigenous Round Dance and Artisan Market offering immersive cultural experiences. Networking events like the tradeshow and “Name That Tune” further enriched the delegate experience, fostering meaningful professional and personal connections.

Curious what the programming looked like? Click below to view the full 2024 schedule.


2023 ARPA Conference | Inspiring Creativity and Community

Curious what the programming looked like? Click below to view the full 2023 schedule.


Details

Start:
October 23
End:
October 25
Event Category:

Organizer

Caleb Boorse
Phone
780-415-1745 ext 105
Email
cboorse@arpaonline.ca

The Alberta Recreation & Parks Association would like to acknowledge the First Nations, the Métis, the Inuit and all of the people across Alberta who share a history and a deep connection with this land. We dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.