MRPA Women's Summit

Women Leading The Future of Parks and Recreation

Event Details

Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Location: Laurel Beltsville Senior Activity Center (7120 Contee Rd, Laurel, MD 20707)

Join us for the 2nd Annual MRPA Women’s Summit — a day of empowerment, inspiration, and connection for women working in the parks and recreation field and beyond. Through dynamic speakers, interactive workshops, and powerful networking, this event will celebrate and support the leadership, resilience, and innovation of women across the industry.

The future of Parks and Recreation is built by women who lead with courage, authenticity, resilience, and purpose. This year's summit celebrates the power of connection, collaboration, and intentional leadership. Through inspiring speakers, meaningful conversations, and peer-to-peer learning, attendees will leave equipped to elevate themselves, support others, and shape the future of our profession.

Keynote Speaker: Annie Frisoli – M.S., CFEE

Founder & CEO Creating Community LLC

TITLE: The Room Remembers - A keynote on intentional leadership, presence, and lasting impact. Most leaders spend time preparing what they are going to say, but the best leaders also prepare how they are going to show up. Because leadership isn't solely defined by the words you use. It's shaped by the presence you bring into every space.

Through stories, audience experiences, and practical reflection, Annie challenges leaders to intentionally examine how they show up in every room through her three-part framework of BRING. SERVE. LEAVE.

• BRING: What are you bringing into the room?
• SERVE: What does this room need from you?
• LEAVE: What will remain because you were here?

Attendees will leave with inspiring insights and a practical framework they can immediately apply to every meeting, conversation, presentation, and leadership opportunity. Because leadership isn't measured by how much attention we command, but by the experiences we create and the people who leave stronger because we showed up with intention.

Who Should Attend

• Women in all levels of the parks & recreation field
• Aspiring leaders and seasoned professionals
• Supporters of women’s advancement in public service
• Students and emerging professionals

Summit Features

• Keynote Speaker
• Leadership & Empowerment Workshops
• Panel Discussions
• Networking Lunch
• Wellness Activities
• Vendor Marketplace
• Takeaway Resources & Tools

Why Attend

• Gain practical tools for personal and professional growth
• Engage in meaningful dialogue around equity, leadership, and wellness
• Build your network of inspiring women and allies in the field
• Be part of MRPA history as we launch this annual experience

Registration Information

Early Bird Registration:

• Opens Monday, September 21st
• Regular rate begins Friday, October 23rd

MRPA Member Rate:

• $65 (Early Bird)
• $75 (Regular Rate)

Non-Member Rate:

• $75 (Early Bird)
• $85 (Regular Rate)

Student Rate: $50

Your registration includes access to all sessions, lunch, swag bag, and wellness breaks.