ARPA Conference and Energize Workshop
October 23 – October 25
Registration is NOW OPEN!
We’re thrilled to announce that registration is now officially open for the 2025 ARPA Annual Conference & Energize Workshop – Alberta’s premier gathering of recreation and parks professionals, leaders, and changemakers.
Dates: October 23-25, 2025
Location: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
*Early bird rates close on August 31st, 2025, after which regular rates will apply. Secure your discounted rate today! 🎉
| 2025 Pricing | Early Bird Rates (End August 31st) | Regular Rates (End October 14th) |
|---|---|---|
| Members | $895.00 | $995.00 |
| Non members | $1095.00 | $1,195.00 |
| Students | $545.00 | $595.00 |
Accessibility
ARPA is committed to hosting an event that reflects the diversity of our province and the communities we serve. If you require any accommodations to support your participation, please let us know during registration or contact us directly and we will ensure your experience is comfortable and meaningful!
Book Your Accommodations!
Special conference rates are available at the following locations. Room blocks at both hotels are available until September 21, 2025, or until sold out. Book early to secure your stay!
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Reserve your stay via the reservation portal, or call 1-800-230-8988 or 1-800-441-1414. Mention you’re attending the ARPA Conference to access the group rate. *Please note that new this year, there is a 2 night minimum stay required when booking at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Lake Louise Inn
Book your room via the reservation portal, or call 403-522-3791 and mention “Alberta Recreation and Parks Association – October 2025” for the group rate.
Conference Theme: Beyond the Backyard
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.
Explore the Conference Program
From exciting keynotes to panel discussions and special events, the conference program offers something for everyone! Plan ahead and stay organized and engaged throughout the event by downloading the ARPA Conference App to access your schedule, session info, speaker bios, venue maps, and live updates.
Get to Know the Keynotes!
Thursday Keynote: Doug Griffiths
Doug Griffiths, author of 13 Ways to Kill Your Community, will kick off Thursday evening with a fresh take on leadership, growth, and what it truly means to build resilient communities.
Friday Keynote: Waneek Horn-Miller
Waneek Horn-Miller, Olympian and Indigenous rights advocate, will take the stage Friday morning to share her remarkable journey from adversity to activism, and how we can all be champions of change.
Sponsorship & Trade Show
Thank you to our event sponsors! We are excited to launch our trade show and sponsorship opportunities are now available!
Why Sponsor?
- Connect with Key Decision-Makers
- Maximize Brand Exposure
- Gain a Competitive Edge
- Tailored Sponsorship Packages
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
Call for Presentations Is Closed
Thank you to everyone who submitted a presentation proposal! Our call for presentations is closed. Those who were selected to present have already been contacted.
Moments from past conferences
2024 ARPA Conference | Community 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.