2026 MRPA Women's Summit

About this event

MRPA Women’s Summit

Women Leading the Future of Parks & Recreation

Friday, November 13, 2026 Laurel Beltsville Senior Activity Center 7120 Contee Road, Laurel, MD 20707

Join us for the 2nd Annual MRPA Women’s Summit — a day of inspiration, professional growth, meaningful conversation, and connection for women in parks and recreation and beyond.

The future of parks and recreation is shaped 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, interactive sessions, peer-to-peer learning, wellness activities, and networking, attendees will leave with practical tools, new connections, and renewed inspiration to elevate themselves, support others, and help shape the future of our profession.

Keynote Speaker

Annie Frisoli, M.S., CFEE

Founder & CEO, Creating Community LLC

The Room Remembers (.1 CEU approved)

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 . Leadership isn't defined solely by the words we use; it's shaped by the presence we bring into every space.

Through stories, audience experiences, and practical reflection, Annie will challenge participants to examine how they show up in every room using her three-part framework:

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 meetings, conversations, presentations, and leadership opportunities.

Who Should Attend?

The MRPA Women’s Summit is designed for:

• Women at all levels of the parks and recreation profession

• Aspiring leaders and seasoned professionals

• Students and emerging professionals

• Supporters of women’s leadership and advancement in public service

What to Expect

• Inspiring Keynote Speaker

• Leadership & Empowerment Sessions

• Panel Discussions

• Networking Opportunities

• Networking Lunch

• Wellness Activities

• Vendor Marketplace

• Practical Resources & Takeaways

Attendee Registration

Early Bird Rates : Available through Thursday, October 22, 2026

MRPA Members: $65 Non-Members: $75

Regular Rates : Beginning Friday, October 23, 2026

MRPA Members: $75 Non-Members: $85

Student Registration

$50

Attendee registration includes access to Summit sessions and activities, lunch, wellness breaks, the Vendor Marketplace, and a Summit swag bag.

Lunch: Deli sandwiches will be served. Please indicate any dietary restrictions during registration.

Women's Summit Schedule/Agenda

Time Session

8:00 – 9:00 AM Registration, Breakfast & Networking – Connect with fellow attendees through Networking Bingo.

9:00 – 9:20 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks – MRPA leadership welcomes attendees, recognizes sponsors, and kicks off the Summit.

9:20 – 10:20 AM Opening Keynote: The Room Remembers – Annie Frisoli explores intentional leadership, presence, and lasting impact.

10:30 – 11:45 AM Courageous Conversations – Session I – Moderated table discussions on leadership challenges, workplace culture, wellness, and professional growth.

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM Networking Lunch: Women Who Inspire Us – Connect with colleagues and celebrate women who have made a difference.

12:45 – 1:35 PM Leadership Panel: Trailblazers – Women Leading the Future of Parks & Recreation – Hear insights and experiences from women leaders across the profession.

1:45 – 2:45 PM Courageous Conversations – Session II – Explore career advancement, leadership development, innovation, mentorship, and personal growth.

2:45 – 3:00 PM Closing Remarks: Leave the Room Better – Michele Potter leads a final reflection and the Stronger Together Commitment.

Throughout the Day: Enjoy networking opportunities, explore the Vendor Marketplace, and connect with professionals from across Maryland and beyond.

Agenda and speakers are subject to change.

Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities

Partner with the MRPA Women’s Summit

Put your organization in front of parks and recreation professionals while supporting an event dedicated to women’s leadership, professional growth, wellness, and connection.

Businesses, organizations, agencies, and community partners are invited to participate as sponsors, exhibitors, or in-kind partners.

Your support helps MRPA create an impactful Summit experience while providing your organization with valuable visibility and opportunities to connect with attendees.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Presenting Sponsor — $2,500

Exclusive — Only 1 Available

Become the premier partner of the 2026 MRPA Women’s Summit. The Presenting Sponsor receives the Summit’s highest level of visibility and recognition while demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting women in parks and recreation.

Empowerment Sponsor — $1,000

Multiple Opportunities Available

Support the advancement, leadership, and professional development of women in parks and recreation while gaining visibility for your organization.

Supporter Sponsor — $500

Multiple Opportunities Available

Support a day dedicated to connection, leadership, wellness, and professional growth for women throughout the parks and recreation profession.

In-Kind Sponsor

Multiple Opportunities Available

Enhance the Summit experience through an in-kind contribution of products, services, giveaways, food and beverage, wellness items, or other resources.

In-kind sponsorships are a great way to introduce your organization to Summit attendees while directly contributing to their event experience.

Exhibitor Opportunities

Join the Women’s Summit Vendor Marketplace

Showcase your organization, products, or services and connect directly with Women’s Summit attendees.

The Vendor Marketplace provides exhibitors with opportunities to build relationships, share resources, showcase products and services, and engage with parks and recreation professionals from across Maryland.

We welcome businesses and organizations representing:

• Health, wellness & self-care

• Professional development & leadership

• Recreation & fitness

• Apparel, accessories & gifts

• Beauty & personal care

• Financial wellness

• Community resources

• Women-owned and small businesses

• Products and services supporting parks and recreation professionals

Premium Women’s Summit Exhibitor — $250

Limited to 10 Exhibitors

Standard Women’s Summit Exhibitor — $150

Limited to 10 Exhibitors

Exhibitor space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Be Part of the 2026 MRPA Women’s Summit

Whether you attend, sponsor, exhibit, or contribute as an in-kind partner, we invite you to be part of a day dedicated to empowering women, strengthening connections, and advancing the future of parks and recreation.

Friday, November 13, 2026 Laurel Beltsville Senior Activity Center 7120 Contee Road, Laurel, MD 20707