2026 Master Class Schedule
START TIME 9 AM PT | 10 AM MT | 11 AM CT | 12 PM ET (90 minutes) CEUs: 0.1 CEUs are available Pre-registration required
Upcoming
September 17, 2026 Ethical and Inclusive Recreation Programming: Research, Practice, and Community Impact
As communities become increasingly diverse, recreation professionals are challenged to ensure that programs and services are intentionally designed to be accessible, equitable, and culturally responsive to the needs of all residents. This master class synthesizes current research and applied practice in ethical and inclusive recreation programming, emphasizing the importance of expanding meaningful recreation opportunities for historically underserved populations, including people with disabilities, rural residents, and individuals and families with low incomes. Participants will explore evidence-informed insights related to access, participation, and social inclusion, while examining the ethical obligations of recreation providers to identify and address systemic barriers that limit engagement. This master class will highlight how recreation services can advance health, well-being, community cohesion, and overall quality of life when programs are intentionally designed to be inclusive and equitable. Through focused exploration of research findings, practical applications, and emerging best practices, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how inclusive recreation can serve as a catalyst for community development and foster more equitable opportunities and outcomes for all.
Registration Link
Advance Reading View Event Flyer
November 19, 2026 Religion and Culture in Parks and Recreation Details TBD soon
2026 Archive
January 22, 2026 Adapting Language, Preserving Values (Not Recorded) Facilitator Guide Action Planning Worksheet
February 19, 2026 From Evidence to Impact: Advancing Health and Well-being with Recreation and Sport Link to Recording Facilitator Guide Reading (additional resources)
April 30, 2026 Beyond the Green: Funding Parks While Protecting Communities Link to Recording Facilitator Guide Advanced Reading Case Study Voting YES More Than
May 21, 2026 Leveraging National Partnerships for Local Impact: Maximizing Municipal Goals with USTA
Link to Recording View Flier Presentation Facilitator Guides USTA Contacts
July 16, 2026 Creating Community Through Play: Modern Engagement Strategies to Listen, Connect, and Foster Belonging
Link to Recording Facilitator Guides Action Planning Worksheet
Conversations That Matter: Master Classes
Conversations That Matter: Master Classes 2026 Conversations That Matter is expanding and is rebranded in 2026 as part of the Academy’s strategic plan, APEX Ascent, to elevate professional dialogue across the field. The program brings together practitioners, educators, and industry professionals for structured, facilitated conversations that address timely and relevant issues. Designed as intensive, high-impact learning experiences, these sessions move beyond information sharing to foster deeper engagement, meaningful exchange, and practical insight participants can apply immediately.
The Conversations That Matter Master Classes hosted by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), provide an engaging platform for leaders, practitioners, and emerging professionals to explore critical issues shaping the future of parks and recreation. Each 90-minute session is designed as a practical and interactive class where participants not only learn from subject matter experts, but also engage in structured dialogue, small-group collaboration, and action planning.
This series of Conversations That Matter: Master Classes focuses on timely, thought-provoking topics that inspire innovative solutions, challenge assumptions, and foster meaningful connections. Participants leave with actionable strategies they can immediately apply in their professional roles and within their agencies to create greater impact in their communities.
The Conversations That Matter Master Classes are hosted by the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in grateful partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
Conversations That Matter: Master Class Guiding Principles:
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Background: Conversations That Matter The Academy’s Conversations That Matter program series has provided a national platform for the past five years to explore issues critical to the advancement of the parks, recreation, and conservation profession. These facilitated discussions have been designed to spark open, honest, and sometimes challenging dialogue that encourages participants to re-examine conventional practices and explore new perspectives. Each conversation has been grounded in mutual respect, inclusivity, and a safe space for sharing ideas. No judgements.
Since its launch in 2021, Conversations That Matter has become a signature Academy program:
The Academy recognizes a need for shared knowledge and experience among experienced professionals within parks, recreation, and conservation, and therefore we have revitalized the program for 2026.