1. Click the “Login” tab above.

If this is your first time accessing the system, click the "New user, Click Here" link below the Email and Password fields.

Returning users can log in using the information used to set up your account.

2. Add or edit your basic contact information and click “Save”.

The tabs to “edit your profile” and “submit your presentation” are now visible.

3. Click on the Submission Tab to submit the details of your presentation(s).

Use the "+Add New" link to start the submission process or add an additional submission.

Application deadline is Wednesday, October 31, 2018. Speakers will be notified by December 18, 2018.

SPEAKER QUALIFICATIONS

• Speakers should demonstrate knowledge of, and experience in, a specialty topic in one of the topic streams. A combination of education (certificates, designations) and work experience in a relevant position is desirable.
• Speakers should have subject matter expertise on their session topic and prior public speaking experience.
• Speakers must specify on the application any persons they wish to have approved as co-presenters.

TOPIC STREAMS

Aquatics
• Everything you want to know about outdoor pools – from an operational perspective and a lifeguard perspective.
• Lifeguarding past, present, future. What has changed?
• New technologies in pool mechanical system, including filtration and control equipment.

Arena
• Control Equipment.

Building Maintenance
• 4-cylinder engine session: lawnmowers and bigger pieces of equipment.
• General maintenance, custodial care and the financial and environmental, benefits of taking proper care of a facility and equipment.
• Hands-on sessions for Building Maintenance needs.
      - Wall-based repairs: drywall, minor framing, hanging shelves or other wall mounts.
      - Plumbing processes, sink repair, changing a toilet, valve replacement/repairs.
     -  Maintaining Ice resurfacing equipment.

Customer Service
• Active living and quality of life.
• Age-friendly (Seniors) programs and services: engaging and retaining them in our recreation facilities.
• Health and social benefits of recreation.
• How recreation strengthens communities.
• How recreation supports youth.

Lifestyle/Health
• Mental health or mental health in the workplace.
• Positive benefits of recreation and physical literacy on quality of life, mental health, connected communities etc.
• Providing exceptional customer service.
• Recreation and aging adults (independence/health).
• Recreation and mental health.
• Recreation and the environment.

Parks
• Ball diamond maintenance.
• Operating campgrounds.

Leadership/Supervisory
• Developing in-service training skills for leaders (aquatics, fitness, operations, etc).
• Having that difficult conversation.
• Managing teams, how to make staff schedules, motivating and retaining staff.
• Leadership course at the foreman level.

General/HR
• Brochure designs, program descriptions, layout trends, and best practices.
• Cannabis and understanding in the workplace. What is our plan to manage marijuana?
• How to operate concessions in recreation facilities.
• Incident investigation process, risk management evaluation examples to bring back to work to apply. Include from a legal perspective.
• Integrated pest management. Pesticides: what’s new in the industry?
• Invasive pests: aquatic and land-based mammals, plants and insects what’s here and more importantly, what’s coming!
• Marketing opportunities for facilities.
• New trends, software, apps (i.e. Staff Schedule Software, HR Software with holiday process etc. and Asset Management Software).
• Programming: the latest and greatest trends for all demographics.
• Scheduling and technology.
• Small town/small budget concerns.
• Successful revenue-generating special events, programs, and services.
• Supervisory/Leadership sessions: succession planning and staff retention/recruitment.
• Time management strategies.
• Understanding diversity and inclusion in the workplace, both staff and patrons.

Speakers should discuss their chosen topic in relation to one or more of the following:
• New research and best practices.
• Innovative new technologies.
• New methods for training, motivation, program design, implementation, and maintenance.

AARFP accepts presentations directed at all audience levels of experience. We have an ongoing need for new and challenging content for the experienced professionals. This is defined as someone with a designation and at least several years in a related position.

PRESENTATION FORMAT

A one-hour session, (including time for Q&A). If additional time is required, it must be in one (1) hour blocks.
Electronic slide presentations are still most commonly used, but other presentation methods are strongly encouraged in engaging the audience. Props, quizzes, appropriate humor, videos, and group exercises, are welcome.

SPEAKER EXPENSE POLICY

AARFP will pay reasonable travel expenses (economy airfare, mileage) for non-local speakers. Expenses must be estimated at the time of application. Speakers will not be reimbursed for expenses not previously agreed upon.

• Free registration to the conference.
• One-night’s hotel accommodations for non-local speakers. Additional accommodations will be considered pending the number of presentations involved and/or travel time required to facilitate conference commitments.
• Parking for local speakers on request.
• We will work hard to accommodate speakers’ food allergies, medical conditions or other special considerations as identified speakers who require some type of assistance must discuss their requirements at the time of hiring.

Note: AARFP does not purchase speaker books or DVDs, but will consider their sale during the conference. Books should be motivational or personal experience. A book sale agreement must be completed when the speaker is hired.
For first time users, after you save your profile, the “Submissions” tab will be available to submit the details of your presentation(s) for consideration.