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82nd Vermont Conference on Parks, Trails, & Recreation
October 8th & 9th, 2025 The Vermont Recreation and Parks Association (VRPA) and the Vermont Trails & Greenways Council (VTGC) are excited to host the 82nd Vermont Conference on Parks, Trails, and Recreation, Vermont's premier networking and skill-building event. We anticipate this year's conference could attract up to 200 volunteers and professional leaders, administrative staff, fundraisers, program directors, and field staff who manage municipal programs and facilities, run summer camps and pool programs, build and maintain trails, and improve access to recreation throughout Vermont. THURSDAY THEME: 'Opening Access to Recreation' In part thanks to the VOREC Community Grant Program, Thursday will have an Accessibility & Inclusivity theme, with one-third of the workshops dedicated to expanding access to recreation, parks, and trails for people of all abilities. There are many new and evolving programs doing important work to increase peoples' access to municipal recreation programs and Vermont's outdoor recreation resources. On Thursday, we will be celebrating and sharing this work. This two-day conference boasts over 27 educational sessions, networking events, an awards luncheon, and an exhibit hall. This is a don't miss annual event for parks and recreation professionals and service providers alike! |
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| 2025 Keynote Speaker: Lex Gillette is a globally recognized Paralympic track and field athlete for Team USA. Competing primarily in the long jump, Lex has amassed five Paralympic medals, four world championships, and he is the current world record holder in the event. He is the only totally blind athlete on the planet to eclipse the 22-foot barrier in the long jump. Robbed of his sight during childhood, Lex Gillette, with the aid of his mother, was determined not to fall victim to a world consumed by darkness. His athletic talents have been featured by ESPN, Sports Illustrated, USA Today Sports, and People Magazine. He is a 2015 inductee in the ADN Hall of Fame. Lex is a sought-after inspirational keynote speaker who empowers his audiences to gaze beyond the horizon and see more than what is in front of their eyes. There is no need for sight when you have a vision. ® That is the very phrase that has propelled Lex into a world of infinite opportunity. It is not our eyes that ultimately determine success in life. It is our ability to see a vision and do everything in our power to turn it into reality. During Lex's presentation, you will laugh, you will cry, you will be inspired, and you will learn how to become a better version of yourself. With every stage that he graces, Lex is determined to do for his audience, what was done for him. That is, to Teach ... People ... To ... See. 2025 Conference schedule available soon! |
Thank you Landscape Structures for the Keynote Speaker Scholarship! |
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Exhibitor Information
| Join us again October 8th & 9th to connect with over 35+ Vendors from across the region and over 140 attendees from across the state of Vermont and surrounding areas. |
2025 Silent Auction (Online!)
Bidding for the 2025 Silent Auction will start in August. Contact us if you would like to donate items to the Silent Auction! | A portion of Silent Auction proceeds support Conference Scholarships! |
Just a tiny sampling of what is normally available!
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2025 Conference Scholarship Application
Scholarships are available for up to 50% of either the one-day or two-day conference registration fee, through proceeds from the Silent Auction. To be considered for a conference scholarship, submit the scholarship application form, completed and signed, with your conference registration.
Priority will be given to applications received by Sept. 1 from VRPA members and first-time conference attendees.
Scholarship awards will be announced prior to the early registration deadline in September.
2025 Conference Sponsors
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