Skills Development Webinar Series - 2021

Skills Development Webinar Series - 2021
The Skills Development Webinar Series provides park district professionals with access to monthly professional development opportunities from the comfort of their home or office. Register as an individual or an agency and gain access to 11 webinars, one per month February thru December, that showcase nationally-known speakers and industry leaders. This unique program is designed to meet the needs of park and recreation professionals by providing subscribers with the option to participate in live webinars or on-demand recordings. Space is limited, and participants must designate Wednesday or Thursday at the time of registration. The 2021 faculty is full of all-stars and timely topics, so team up with your colleagues and come join us for some high-quality and interactive learning!

To Register: Login to your IPRA account, then select "Register Myself". If you are not an IPRA member, first create an account, login, then register for the program. Early-Bird deadline is January 31, 2021, and the regular deadline is Friday, October 29, 2021.

Fee:       IPRA Member            IPRA Non-Member       
Nov 30, 2020 -  Jan 31, 2021                  $250                 $350  
Feb 1, 2021 - Oct 29, 2021                  $275                 $375  

Cancellations: Cancellations received on or before January 31, 2021 are eligible for a full refund less a $25 administrative fee. No refunds will be available for cancellations received after January 31, 2021. 

How to Watch: Webinars are delivered via Zoom. Attendees can participate in the webinars from a computer, laptop, or any smart device. Logins may be used from one computer for individuals or multiple devices for group participation. Sessions are regularly held on the 2nd Wednesday and 3rd Thursday of each month (subject to change). All times listed at CENTRAL STANDARD TIME. Though not required, attendees are encouraged to sign up for a free Zoom account and download the platform prior to participating in the webinars: https://zoom.us/meetings. 

Transcription Services: Live transcriptions are available to participants via Otter.ai at no additional charge. Instructions will be provided to those indicating at registration they require the service to participate. 

What You Get: A webinar schedule and CEU instructions will be emailed to participants 7-10 business days after registration. Webinar recordings and corresponding hand-outs (if any) will be made available monthly. Registration includes a monthly login link for live webinars and access to previously-recorded webinars (2021 only).

Recordings: Instructions on how to access 2021 recordings will be provided 7-10 business days after registration.

CEUs: Series approved for a total of 1.1 CEUs, or 0.1 per month. Continuing Education Units are for certifications such as CPRE, CPRP, and CTRS. Instructions on how to obtain CEUs will be provided 7-10 business days after registration.

Questions: CLICK HERE to view the Webinar Series homepage, or contact IPRA Education Director Duane Smith at [email protected]. 

Program

   

Wednesday, 10 February 2021

Description
Just BREATHE: Learning from the Past 4 the Future
Although leading our organizations in “good times” seems to be a distant memory, we all hope to emerge and embrace a new normal soon. As we continue to evolve and plan for that future, we need to stop, reflect on our past successes and creativity, BREATHE, and prepare for how we will succeed moving forward. If we learn to take the necessary steps to “BREATHE” on a daily basis, we will be better prepared to re-evaluate the needs of our constituents while taking care of ourselves and our staff as we plan for that brighter future.
Time
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
10:15 AM

Thursday, 18 February 2021

Description
Just BREATHE: Learning from the Past 4 the Future
Although leading our organizations in “good times” seems to be a distant memory, we all hope to emerge and embrace a new normal soon. As we continue to evolve and plan for that future, we need to stop, reflect on our past successes and creativity, BREATHE, and prepare for how we will succeed moving forward. If we learn to take the necessary steps to “BREATHE” on a daily basis, we will be better prepared to re-evaluate the needs of our constituents while taking care of ourselves and our staff as we plan for that brighter future.
Time
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Description
Marketing and Branding Lessons from the Pandemic
The proliferation of social media has accelerated on account on the pandemic. Traditional marketing channels have been replaced to a larger extent with nations around the world experiencing lockdowns. What does this translate into for marketeers? Does this impact marketing and branding communications? How does a brand relate to consumers in times of a pandemic and what are some of the strategies they can utilize to drive back consumer footfall? Join us for this insightful webinar as we explore new paradigms of marketing and draw from best practices and new-age marketing strategies from brands around the world.
Time
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
10:15 AM

Thursday, 18 March 2021

Description
Marketing and Branding Lessons from the Pandemic
The proliferation of social media has accelerated on account on the pandemic. Traditional marketing channels have been replaced to a larger extent with nations around the world experiencing lockdowns. What does this translate into for marketeers? Does this impact marketing and branding communications? How does a brand relate to consumers in times of a pandemic and what are some of the strategies they can utilize to drive back consumer footfall? Join us for this insightful webinar as we explore new paradigms of marketing and draw from best practices and new-age marketing strategies from brands around the world.
Time
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM

Wednesday, 14 April 2021

Description
Equity and Inclusion - Beyond the Talk and Into Action
Diversity initiatives have taken on new meaning in a renewed era of civil rights, protests, and social unrest.  Park and recreation agencies are in a unique position to be an active part of the solution by cultivating an agency environment that leads and sets positive examples for the community. This session will offer a safe and honest space to explore concepts such as equity, inclusion, systemic racism, and other hot and heavy topics, and how to take these conversations back to your agency in a safe and productive manner.
Time
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
10:15 AM

Thursday, 15 April 2021

Description
Equity and Inclusion - Beyond the Talk and Into Action
Diversity initiatives have taken on new meaning in a renewed era of civil rights, protests, and social unrest.  Park and recreation agencies are in a unique position to be an active part of the solution by cultivating an agency environment that leads and sets positive examples for the community. This session will offer a safe and honest space to explore concepts such as equity, inclusion, systemic racism, and other hot and heavy topics, and how to take these conversations back to your agency in a safe and productive manner.
Time
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM

Wednesday, 12 May 2021

Description
Breaking Barriers - History and Future of the Glass Ceiling
In parks and recreation and industries around the world, there continues to be challenges and barriers for women and minorities aspiring to reach the upper echelon of leadership positions. This timely session will cover the history of the glass ceiling and review examples so professionals can better recognize barriers and assist each other in these situations. We will share ideas for a future with no ceiling and bright skies above, and how to manage without gender bias.
Time
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
10:15 AM

Thursday, 20 May 2021

Description
Breaking Barriers - History and Future of the Glass Ceiling
In parks and recreation and industries around the world, there continues to be challenges and barriers for women and minorities aspiring to reach the upper echelon of leadership positions. This timely session will cover the history of the glass ceiling and review examples so professionals can better recognize barriers and assist each other in these situations. We will share ideas for a future with no ceiling and bright skies above, and how to manage without gender bias.
Time
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM

Wednesday, 09 June 2021

Description
Shifts in Parks and Recreation
Change has taken on a new meaning over the past 15 months. More than ever parks and recreation agencies have both the responsibility and opportunity to become an essential part of the community support team. Community centers have been repurposed into everything from cool zones and food pantries into academic sites and evacuation centers. Park and recreation professionals, too, are filling in gaps to become an extension of families, schools, health care and so much more. This session you will force you to reflect on how your agency has kept up with the industry shifts and its impact on your community.
Time
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
10:15 AM

Thursday, 17 June 2021

Description
Shifts in Parks and Recreation
Change has taken on a new meaning over the past 15 months. More than ever parks and recreation agencies have both the responsibility and opportunity to become an essential part of the community support team. Community centers have been repurposed into everything from cool zones and food pantries into academic sites and evacuation centers. Park and recreation professionals, too, are filling in gaps to become an extension of families, schools, health care and so much more. This session you will force you to reflect on how your agency has kept up with the industry shifts and its impact on your community.
Time
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM

Wednesday, 14 July 2021

Description
Customer Service Transformation - Case History in Action
Imagine just having finished creating the largest customized leadership and customer service training program for a parks and recreation agency in the world, and then adapting in the middle of a pandemic to convert it to an on-line training program….NOT AN EASY TASK! Nikki Ginger and Neelay Bhatt will walk you through this process that took place at the Chicago Park District, the on-going education, and the vision for the future of organizational culture.
Time
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
10:15 AM

Thursday, 15 July 2021

Description
Customer Service Transformation - Case History in Action
Imagine just having finished creating the largest customized leadership and customer service training program for a parks and recreation agency in the world, and then adapting in the middle of a pandemic to convert it to an on-line training program….NOT AN EASY TASK! Nikki Ginger and Neelay Bhatt will walk you through this process that took place at the Chicago Park District, the on-going education, and the vision for the future of organizational culture.
Time
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM

Wednesday, 11 August 2021

Description
Special Event by Design
Experience design is the process of intentionally designing programs and events to delight participants and meet your organization's goals. In this engaging and thought-provoking session, special events guru Annie Frisoli will break down the stages of an experience, discuss strategies to enhance your programs and events, and assist in building a sense of community.
Time
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
10:15 AM

Thursday, 19 August 2021

Description
Special Event by Design
Experience design is the process of intentionally designing programs and events to delight participants and meet your organization's goals. In this engaging and thought-provoking session, special events guru Annie Frisoli will break down the stages of an experience, discuss strategies to enhance your programs and events, and assist in building a sense of community.
Time
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM

Wednesday, 08 September 2021

Description
Stop the Drama! Start Team Success
Every workplace experiences some form of drama. And leaders know that it not only hurts productivity, but affects retention, quality, and morale across the organization. In this session, Dean will introduce you to the key roles that are filled whenever we experience drama and most importantly - what you can do to prevent it.
Time
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
10:15 AM

Thursday, 16 September 2021

Description
Stop the Drama! Start Team Success
Every workplace experiences some form of drama. And leaders know that it not only hurts productivity, but affects retention, quality, and morale across the organization. In this session, Dean will introduce you to the key roles that are filled whenever we experience drama and most importantly - what you can do to prevent it.
Time
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM

Wednesday, 13 October 2021

Description
Poking the Bear Within
It is inevitable for every team to have “soft spots” that could use some improvement. In this session, Marie Knight will indulge us with her leadership expertise and identify the indicators of an unhealthy team environment, along with the tools needed for the path to recovery.  It is important to have the ability to recognize the early signs of distress so they can be transformed into opportunities for positive change and future success.
Time
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
10:15 AM

Thursday, 14 October 2021

Description
Poking the Bear Within
It is inevitable for every team to have “soft spots” that could use some improvement. In this session, Marie Knight will indulge us with her leadership expertise and identify the indicators of an unhealthy team environment, along with the tools needed for the path to recovery.  It is important to have the ability to recognize the early signs of distress so they can be transformed into opportunities for positive change and future success.
Time
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM

Wednesday, 10 November 2021

Description
Connecting Your Core Values to Your Career in Parks and Rec
Do you love your career in parks and recreation, but struggle to articulate why? It should be no surprise that our decisions are driven by our core values, but many people have not taken the time to identify what their true core values are. André Pichly will provide you with an opportunity to participate in a values clarification exercise that can help you understand what drives some of your decision making, help you articulate the value of parks and recreation, and be able to find your voice for why you chose parks and recreation for your career.
Time
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
10:15 AM

Thursday, 18 November 2021

Description
Connecting Your Core Values to Your Career and Parks and Rec
Do you love your career in parks and recreation, but struggle to articulate why? It should be no surprise that our decisions are driven by our core values, but many people have not taken the time to identify what their true core values are. André Pichly will provide you with an opportunity to participate in a values clarification exercise that can help you understand what drives some of your decision making, help you articulate the value of parks and recreation, and be able to find your voice for why you chose parks and recreation for your career.
Time
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM

Wednesday, 08 December 2021

Description
Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2022
We wrap up our webinar series with the extremely popular and timely Trends session. Richard Dolesh and Brendan Daley will cover up to the minute issues such as impacts of new technology on parks and rec, the growing focus on health and health equity, the profound implications of climate change to parks and recreation, new rec programming trends, and some blue-sky thinking about the future of parks and recreation. You will not want to miss this thought-provoking, mind-expanding session.
Time
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
10:15 AM

Thursday, 16 December 2021

Description
Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2022
We wrap up our webinar series with the extremely popular and timely Trends session. Richard Dolesh and Brendan Daley will cover up to the minute issues such as impacts of new technology on parks and rec, the growing focus on health and health equity, the profound implications of climate change to parks and recreation, new rec programming trends, and some blue-sky thinking about the future of parks and recreation. You will not want to miss this thought-provoking, mind-expanding session.
Time
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM

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