Central FL Education Meeting - 062526

Get ready for a full day of innovative ideas, creative programming, and interactive learning designed to inspire your community programming and recreation efforts! From activating underused spaces and creating engaging programs for active adults to exploring the future of indoor recreation and community marketing strategies, this experience is packed with practical takeaways, fresh perspectives, and exciting discussions you can bring back to your organization.

This will be an active day that includes walking tours and a trolley ride, so be sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring your sneakers! Space is limited and expected to fill quickly — register ASAP to secure your spot!

If you need a form to register, contact blaire@frpa.org.

Tentative Education Schedule:

8:00 – 8:30 AM: Check-In

8:30 – 9:30 AM
Activating Lake/Retention Areas for Recreation Programming
Mike Burleson - Recreation Area Manager
Nadia Whittaker - Recreation Area Manager
Do you have large water bodies that go largely unused? This session will give you a variety of examples of how you can program your water retention areas. Dragon Boats, Kayaks, and RC Boats offer a variety of recreation options from large to small areas. 

9:45 - 10:45 AM
Programming for a 50+ Population
Jack Doty - Recreation Manager - Sports
Chris Iannello -Recreation Facilities Manager II
As our population’s age increases, demand for programming for adults 50+ is growing. Programming is more than card and board games or a pickleball tournament. Today’s adult population wants to live an active life, daily. Beach Tennis, Street Hockey, and more! This session will introduce you to a variety of programs designed for an aging population. 

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Future of Indoor Recreation: Game Rooms
Tracy Whitten - Recreation Facilities Manager
Dakotah Garcia - Recreation Area Supervisor
Indoor recreation is undergoing a major transformation as game rooms evolve from simple entertainment spaces into fully immersive, multi-functional environments. Advances in technology, changing lifestyle trends, and increasing demand for at home leisure experiences are reshaping what modern game rooms look like—and how people use them.

12:00 - 1:15 PM: Lunch

1:15 – 2:15 PM
Engage, Promote, Repeat: A Marketing Playbook 
John B Rohan - Executive Director of Parks and Recreation
Victoria Blackstock - Executive Director of Creative and Brand
Participants will learn about the variety of communication platforms, creative designs, and engaging advertising used by The Villages team to increase the engagement and create amazing experiences for your communities.  This Q&A format offers the opportunity to share insight and best practices across the organization.

2:30 - 3:30 PM
Planning a Variety of Special Programs for your Community
Joel McKenna - Recreation Manager
Melanie Sarakinis - Recreation Manager
Planning a variety of special programs for your community is an essential step in building connection, engagement, and a sense of belonging. By offering a diverse mix of educational, recreational, and social programs, community leaders can create meaningful experiences that strengthen relationships and enhance overall quality of life. With clear goals, creative ideas, and effective coordination, special programs can become a vibrant and enduring part of community life.

FRPA will provide certificate of completion of the approved amount of CEUs following events, in person or virtual. It is the professional's responsibility to maintain these records for any appropriate certifications. We ask that if you are ill that you do not attend FRPA functions in person.