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  • 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show Education Session Proposal

  • Thank you for your interest in presenting at the 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show, taking place February 2-5, 2027, in Traverse City, Michigan.

    We invite thought leaders, innovators, practitioners, and industry professionals to share ideas, tools, and experiences that support parks, recreation, and conservation professionals across Michigan and beyond. 

    Session proposals will be accepted through September 20, 2026. Speaker selections and notifications (chosen or not chosen) will be sent by October 15, 2026.

    We are seeking proposals that:

    • Explore innovative ideas and forward-thinking strategies
    • Address emerging challenges and opportunities in parks and recreation
    • Inspire collaboration, creativity, leadership, and professional growth
    • Deliver practical takeaways attendees can apply immediately
    • Support continuing education and professional development
    • Aligns with the mParks Professional Development & Career Pathway

    SESSION LENGTH & FOCUS

    We are currently seeking presentations for:

    • 1-hour breakout sessions
    • 2-hour workshops or extended learning sessions
    • Keynote presentations
    • Interactive and facilitated learning experiences

    Sessions should be educational, engaging, and interactive in nature. Proposals that include audience participation, case studies, discussion, and practical application are strongly encouraged. 

    Sales presentations or promotional sessions for products and services will not be accepted. 

    Please ensure your proposal is complete and all requested supporting documentation is submitted at the time of applciation. Incomplete submissions or missing documentation may result in delays in the review process or prevent your program proposal from being considered.

  • Section 1: Lead Speaker Contact Information

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  • Lead Speaker Materials

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  • 1. Are you a mParks member?*
  • 2. Which best describes your organization?*

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  • Section 2: Session Information

  • 5. Length of Session*
  • 7. Which mParks Pillar does the session align with? View mParks Pillars Here*
  • 8. Primary skill-based learning (check all that apply):
  • 9. Primary Focus Area*
  • 10. Session Format*
  • 11. Which Career Pathway would benefit most from this session?*
  • 12. Which Career group would benefit most from this session?*
  • 13. What Collaboratives (organizational structures, community roles, or professional interests to foster connection, collaboration, and peer learning) would benefit this session?

  • Section 3: Additional Presenter Information

    Incomplete submissions or missing documentation may result in delays or prevent processing of program proposal.
  • Is presenter 2 an mParks member?
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  • Is presenter 3 an mParks member?
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  • Is presenter 4 an mParks member?
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  • Is presenter 5 an mParks member?
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  • Is presenter 6 an mParks member?
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  • Section 4: Learning Outcomes & Educational Value

    Submission forms are reviewed by the Certification Advisory Team to assure the session meets requirements for awarding continuing education credit (CEUs). Educational sessions may be monitored for compliance with continuing education standards.

  • Please provide three learning outcomes written using observable and measurable terminology describing what participants will be able to demonstrate after participating in the session.

    LEARNING OUTCOMES MUST BEGIN WITH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TERMS.

    ACCEPTABLE TERMS are:  count, define, describe, identify, list, name, outline, quote, recall, reproduce, state, write, discuss, give examples, predict, summarize

    UNACCEPTABLE TERMS are:  know, understand, appreciate, acknowledge, grasp, improve, learn, enhance

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  • Section 5: Introduction & Speaker Preferences

  • 21. How would you like to be introduced before the session?
  • 23. Have you presented this session previously?*

  • Section 6: Audio / Visual & Equipment Needs

  • Each presentation room will be equipped with:

    • PC - compatible laptop;
    • Projector and screen; and
    • Projector remote

    Speakers are asked to bring their presentation on a USB flash drive to use with the provided computer.

    Please note: If you plan to use a Mac laptop, you must bring your own adapter to connect to the projector.

  • 24. Please indicate any additional AV or room set up requests: (While we will do our best to accommodate all requests, additional equipment requests cannot be guaranteed)

  • Section 7: Compensation & Expense Considerations

  • Compensation may be available for subject matter experts presenting specialized content, based on available resources and at the discretion of mParks.

    Presenters who are not mParks members, are not employed in the parks and recreation profession, and do not serve on a Michigan parks and recreation board may be eligible for a complimentary one-day conference pass. Requests for complimentary full-conference registration will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Director of Education & Training and the Executive Director.

    Presenters are encouraged to attend educational sessions on the day they are presenting. Please note that meals are not included with presenter registration unless specifically indicated.

     

  • 26. Please indicate any additional expense considerations:

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  • Section 8: Terms & Conditions

    By submitting this proposal, I acknowledge and agree to the following:
  • 28. I understand that my session must be educational in nature and may not include promotional marketing or sales of products or services.*
  • 29. To the best of my knowledge, my presentation does not violate any proprietary, copyright, trademark, or privacy rights of others and contains nothing unlawful or misleading.*
  • 30. I confirm that this presentation is my own original work or that I have obtained all necessary permissions or licenses for any included materials.*
  • 31. I understand that submission of a proposal does not guarantee acceptance into the conference program.*
  • 32. I understand that speaker selections and notifications will be distributed by October 15, 2026.*
  • 33. Other than approved compensation agreements, I agree to participate in promotional efforts related to the conference session, including the conference mobile-app, marketing emails, social media posts, conference website listings, and printed materials.*

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Copyright Compliance

    Speakers may use AI tools to support presentation development; however, all submitted content must be original, accurate, and comply with applicable copyright, licensing, and intellectual property laws. Speakers are responsible for securing appropriate permissions and attribution for all materials used.

  • 34. By submitting a proposal, speakers affirm that their content is accurate, ethical, or compliant with all applicable laws and professional standards.

  • Final Submission

  • Thank you for taking the time to submit a proposal for the 2027 mParks Conference & Trade Show. 

    All proposals will be carefully reviewed. Selected presenters will receive additional information in December regarding:

    • Presentation guidelines
    • AV and technology details
    • Handout and slide deadlines
    • Final scheduling and room assignments
    • Mobile App 

    If your proposal is selected, you will also have the opportunity to confirm presenter information and provide any updates regarding scheduling preferences or co-presenters.

     

    Questions?

    Please contact:
    Shelby Eva, CMP
    Director of Education & Training
    mParks
    (517) 485-9888
    seva@mparks.org

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