N FL Education Meeting - 030926

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

Tentative Education Schedule:

8:30 – 9:00 AM: Check-In

9:00 – 10:00
Youth Sports Processes and Procedures That Work: From Registration to Game Day
Lee Gilmore – Athletics Supervisor, PCB Parks and Recreation
Strong youth sports programs rely on more than participation numbers—they depend on clear, consistent, and well-communicated processes. From registration and team formation to coach communication and game-day operations, ineffective procedures can lead to confusion, complaints, and staff burnout. This session will explore practical youth sports processes and procedures that improve efficiency, enhance participant experience, and reduce operational risk. Attendees will learn how to streamline registration, establish clear policies, improve communication with parents and coaches, and create repeatable systems that work season after season. The session will focus on real-world solutions that can be adapted for agencies of all sizes.

10:00 – 11:00
The Steps to Building a Sustainable Community Event
Kylie Savage-Coffey – Facilities & Special Events Coordinator, PCB Parks and Recreation
Great community events don’t happen by accident—they grow through planning, partnerships, evaluation, and refinement. This session walks parks and recreation professionals through the full lifecycle of a community event, from the initial idea to becoming a beloved annual tradition. Attendees will learn practical steps for vetting ideas, securing internal and external buy-in, planning logistics, managing risk, marketing effectively, and using post-event data to improve year after year. Real-world examples from community events will highlight what works, what doesn’t, and how to scale events sustainably—especially in communities balancing residents, visitors, and limited resources.

11:00 – 11:15 Break

11:15 – 12:15
CVBs as Community Assets: Elevating Life & Tourism
Patrick Stewart – VP of Special Events, Visit Panama City Beach
CVBs are more than tourism promoters—they’re shared community assets. This session explores how Parks & Recreation and CVBs can collaborate to enhance resident amenities, elevate visitor experiences, and maximize resources. Attendees will learn practical strategies to build partnerships, leverage funding, and create events and spaces that serve the entire community.

12:15 – 1:00 Lunch

1:00 – 2:00
More Than ChatGPT: How Can AI Help Rec Departments Deliver Exceptional Experiences?
Wyeth West – Head of City Partnerships, Rec Technologies
AI is everywhere—but how can parks & rec actually use it? Join Rec Technologies to explore practical AI applications beyond ChatGPT or Canva, featuring insights from OpenAI and real case studies. Learn how AI can boost efficiency, inclusion, and personalization—no software engineering degree required.

2:00 – 3:00
Sustainable Coastal Park Maintenance Made Practical
Dr. Kesia Blenn, CPRE - Parks, Culture and Recreation Coordinator with Panama City Parks, Culture, and Recreation
Dr. Jessica Graham – Executive Director, St. Andrews & St. Joseph Bay Estuary Program, FSU Panama City
Florida coastal parks face increasing environmental, staffing, and maintenance pressures. This session presents a practical, science-based partnership between parks professionals and estuary experts to create an easy-to-use coastal maintenance handbook that protects sensitive habitats, reduces maintenance burden, and improves cross-department coordination through clear, actionable guidance.

3:00 – 3:15 Break

3:15 – 4:15
Sick Lawns Start with Us: The Unintended Consequences of Poor Cultural Practices
Julie McConnell - Regional Specialized Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Washington County
This session explores how common missteps in landscape management, such as improper irrigation, mowing, and fertilization can set the stage for both abiotic stress and pest or disease outbreaks. 
1 FDACS CEU for pesticide and fertilizer applicators is approved in landscape and turf categories.

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.