THURSDAY AT-A-GLANCE

7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Conference Registration Desk Open

8:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Pre-Conference Workshops
(Pre-registration required)

11:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Office Support Luncheon and Workshop
(Pre-registration required)

1:00 p.m. -4:30 p.m.
Pre-Conference Workshops
{Pre-registration required)

2:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m.
Grand Opening of Exhibit Hail
Visit more than 300 exhibitors and educational booths displaying the most recent products and services for the parks, recreation and conservation industry. Cash beverage stations will be available during the Grand (Opening, (badges are required)

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Professional Connection
Student and Professional Networking Opportunity (Pre-registration required)

6:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m.
University & Affiliate Hospitalities

9:00 p.m.- 12:00 a.m.
Thursday Evening Social with Deja Vu
Enjoy the music and dancing!

16
The Benefits of Parks and Recreation
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Columbus E/F
Price: $75
Presenter(s): John Crompton, Distinguished Professor, Texas A & M University
Chair: Rick Hanetho, Carol Stream Park District
The personal and economic benefits associated with parks and recreation will be discussed. In addition to the concept of repositioning, how to implement it will also be explained. Repositioning is the key to using benefits strategically to strengthen the case to elected officials and taxpayers for additional investments in the field. Benefits that accrue to the community, rather than those that accrue to service users, are central to this approach. Emphasis will be on the role of parks and recreation in enhancing property values, stimulating tourism in communities, recruiting businesses and affluent retirees, and other community issues to which parks and recreation make positive economic contributions.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Be able to use economic data and measured results to show how parks and recreation can affect the economic development of a community; (2) Understand and be able to convey the impact their programs, facilities and services can have on attracting new businesses and residents to their communities.

202
Sales Skills for Park and Recreation Pros
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Regency B Ballroom
Price: $75
Presenter(s): Jodi Rudick, Advisors Marketing
Chair: Mike Sletten, Oakbrook Park District
Everyone is selling something! Whether you are looking to land the perfect job, new customers, sponsors, donors, budget, staff or volunteers, your ability to uncover prospects, develop and deliver presentations, answer objections and "close the deal" can make or break your personal and professional success. Developed especially for park and recreation professionals, this introduction to sales will focus on techniques and methods necessary to build rapport, support and loyalty in today's competitive environment. You will learn to think on your feet, ask probing questions, gain confidence and handle rejections like a pro.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Quickly assess and understand at least five distinct buying styles, behaviors and prompts in order to meet "sales objectives" and expedite the decision-making process; (2) Overcome fear of rejection, stranger anxiety and sales phobias in order to generate greater buy-in and support of park and recreation programs, products and services; (3) Confidentiy use written, verbal and electronic communication tools to compile information and sell benefits, value, programs and products to key customers and prospects.

301
The E.C.S. (X) Factor: Delivering Exceptional Customer Service in Parks and Recreation
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Columbus G/H
Price: $65
Presenter(s): Steve Beck, President, Beck & Associates
Chair: Lisa Leone, Lisle Park District
Outstanding customer service is more than simply meeting your customer's needs; it is also creating an experience in which each customer feels exceptional during each interaction with you. In this informative workshop, Steve Beck, President of Beck and Associates, will teach you the secret of the E.C.S. (X) Factor and help you gain the knowledge you and your staff need to set the tone for every encounter with your customers. You will learn how you can make a positive difference on a daily basis with both your external and internal customers.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn their individual role in delivering exceptional customer service; (2) Identify steps to take to create outstanding customer service encounters in their agencies.

303
The 5-Step Approach to Critical Thinking for Effective Problem Solving
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Columbus I/J
Price: $65
Presenter(s): Jane Turrentine, Management Consultant
Chair: Nancy Aldrich, Arlington Heights Park District
If you think you can come to work and check your brain at the door, think again! In today's fast-paced, knowledge-based environment, critical thinking skills are crucial to solving problems effectively. Management Consultant Jane Turrentine will introduce you to the five steps of critical thinking and show you how emotions can cloud your ability to think logically. You will come away from this workshop able to fact find and evaluate any type of problem with an improved ability to reach effective solutions as objectively as possible.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Identify the five steps that facilitate critical thinking and decision-making; (2) Understand the role emotions play in impeding the decision-making process.

422
It's About Time: How to Take Control of Your Days -Your Schedule and Your Life
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Columbus K/L
Price: $75
Presenter(s): Bill Guertin, the 800-Pound Gorilla
Chair: Kelly LaMore, Bourbonnais Township Park District
So many people go through days that are unorganized, unplanned and frantic. Stop the madness! In this fun, information-packed session, you'll learn the fundamentals of taking control of your time and using it in ways that will help you achieve your most important personal and professional goals. You'll take away new techniques to eliminate clutter, prioritize tasks to streamline your workday and make procrastination a thing of the past. It's the roadmap you need to become a happier, more productive you!
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Recognize those things in their lives that are less significant and eat up a considerable amount of time and begin a plan to reduce or eliminate those things; (2) Identify and understand their individual life priorities and understand the correlation between priorities and activities. In addition attendees will take home several actionable ideas to reduce clutter, procrastination and wasted time.

501
Outstanding Camp Staff Training and Supervision
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Regency D Ballroom
Price: $75
Presenter(s): Michael Brandwein, Speaker, Educator and Author
Chair: Maureen Leonard, NISRA
The number one national best-selling author on camp leadership presents a wealth of orientation materials and methods you can use immediately to train staff to work with youth as well as exactiy what to say and do to lead, motivate and coach staff to be effective and responsible.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn nationally-acclaimed training techniques to teach superb skills and maximize staff learning, attention, retention and participation; (2) Learn practical methods to support and motivate staff, handle undesired staff behavior in confident and positive ways and coach staff to higher levels of performance to increase camp success.

602
Hands-On Approach to Sponsorship and Marketing Opportunities
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Comiskey
Price: $65
Presenter(s): Juliene Hefter, Deputy Director, Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association
Chair: Mark Pawlowski, Winfield Park District
Has your budget been cut or new projects been put on the shelf for some time in the future? Now is your chance to put that frustration to work for you and your community. No project is too small or too grand for this type of program! Participants will learn the nuts and bolts of designing and implementing an overall sponsorship and marketing program for your agency. You will leave this session with a handbook that includes all the information that you need to develop a program.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn how to develop and implement a sponsorship and marketing program for their community; (2) Leave this session feeling invigorated and energized regarding untapped financial opportunities within their communities.

807
Successful Internships
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Columbus A/B
Price: $75
Presenter(s): Gail Ito, Chicago State University; Nancy Niebur, Internship Coordinator, Illinois State University; JeffClark, Superintendent of Recreation, Batavia Park District
Chair: Nancy Niebur, Illinois State University
Be a part of the growing number of agencies becoming successful mentors to future park and recreation professionals. Discussions, activities and case studies will lead you through developing a successful internship program for your agency that benefits you, your agency and the intern.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Understand the competencies and standards of an accredited internship and common requirements of universities; (2) Develop supervisory techniques in working with students through understanding generational differences.

January/February 2007 - page C22

13
Creative Coaching Strategies
1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Columbus C/D
Price: $75
Presenter(s): Roy Ellis Moody, Professional Speaker, Roy Moody & Associates
Chair: Cheryl Keilson, Oswegoland Park District
Chances are, if you are a manager, supervisor or tea leader in most organizations today or aspire to be, coaching has become an integral part of your responsibilities. In Creative Coaching Strategies, you will learn how to develop an effective game plan for improving communication, trust and cooperation. The program teaches concepts that enhance the performance of individuals and teams. It will examine what it takes to be a great coach and then give tips and tools to help you put creative coaching into action. With over twenty years of experience speaking to park and recreation professionals, Roy Ellis Moody offers winning tips for creating high performance in today's changing environment.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Identify four key factors for successful team coaching; (2) Learn the encouragement/coaching skills that promote individual and team performance.

130
Why Ireland Never Invaded America
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Regency A Ballroom
Price: $75
Presenter(s): Conor Cunneen, Professional Speaker
Chair: Arnie Biondo, Carol Stream Park District
Goofy tide, great program! This compelling, thought-provoking presentation provides business and life lessons in a memorable, humorous and easy to implement manner. Acclaimed international speaker and award-winning humorist Conor Cunneen uses impish humor, mystical Irish imagery and, gosh, common sense to present a session that contains great fun and great lessons. The program will tell you the secrets of Restroom Marketing, what Willie Nelson can teach you about brands, why rock star Bono is one of the best marketers in the world, AND you will be able to relate it all to your park district, forest preserve, conservation and recreation agency work.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn the importance of establishing a clear and compelling vision to enhance your life personally and professionally; (2) Understand the importance of creating a brand experience either in your business or personal life, which is one of life's great lessons.

201
Mission IS Possible: Turning Customer Problems Into Opportunities
1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Regency B Ballroom
Price: $75
Presenter(s): Jodi Rudick, Advisors Marketing
Chair: Mike Sletten, Oakbrook Park District
Is the customer always right? Not exacdy, but the customer is the boss and must be treated like a valued guest. With the right skills and attitude, internal and external customer problems, disputes and complaints truly can be transformed into opportunities.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn the real reason why problems arise, what an angry customer really wants, what to do if a customer is irrational or abusive and nine simple steps to handle a customer who is miffed, irate, upset or just plain mad; (2) Learn how to handle the special needs of internal customers such as co-workers, bosses, other divisions and departments; win-win negotiation solutions for each and every problem; follow-up techniques to turn a disgruntled customer into your best ally; and what to do when you are at the end of your rope - it happens to the best of us!

304
The Roles of the Supervisor: Leader, Coach, Motivator and Magician
1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Columbus I/J
Price: $65
Presenter(s): Jane Turrentine, Management Consultant
Chair: Nancy Aldrich, Arlington Heights Park District
As a supervisor, you fulfill many roles in your organization. You are expected to lead, to inspire, to encourage and to make problems disappear! But with all you already have to do, how can you possibly perform all of these roles successfully? In this interactive and informative workshop, management consultant Jane Turrentine will lead you through an in-depth exploration of these roles and will offer valuable insight into how you can manage these sometimes competing roles successfully.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn the expectations agencies have of their supervisory staff; (2) Discover how to manage different roles and responsibilities effectively.

310
Conducting a Strategic Master Planning Session
1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Toronto
Price: $65
Presenter(s): Tom Kruse, Executive Director, Roselle Park District; Greg Miller, President, NinthEdge
Chair: Patrick Ryan, City of Chicago
Your organization cannot be all things to all people, right? So how does an organization determine the "right things" for which precious resources should be allocated? On a regular basis, board and staff need to come together in a well-planned "Strategic Planning Retreat" to affirm their organization's reason for existence and to accurately assess its capabilities and effectiveness in providing value to its constituents. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to plan an agenda for an in-house strategic planning retreat and how to develop a "strategic road map" that allows them to allocate resources and strategic initiatives to achieve specific priorities and goals.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn the components and processes of a strategic master plan; (2) Identify criteria for selecting a facilitator to conduct a strategic planning retreat for a client organization.

423
Marketing Secrets of the 8OO-Pound Gorilla: How to Double Your Program Sates and Spend Less Doing It
1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Columbus K/L
Price: $75
Presenter(s): Bill Guertin, the SOO-Pound Gorilla
Chair: Kelly LaMore, Bourbonnais Township Park District Ever wondered how the best media companies (radio, TV, newspapers) come up with ways to generate publicity and revenue? Listen and learn from a 25-year media marketing veteran who has been recognized by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) for his creativity in small market ideas! Bin Guertin will share some of the most closely guarded advertising and marketing secrets that some of the best companies in the world are using to generate higher response rates, greater market awareness and increased cash flow Bring all your "idea people" to this session for immediately useable, take-home-and-make-more-money information. It doesn't get any better than this!
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Write ads, flyers, and descriptions of agency program offerings using a targeted, sales-focused effort to increase enrollment. Attendees will identify several marketing techniques that major corporations use everyday and be able to see how their agency can ethically exploit these weapons for the benefit of the agency and their residents; (2) Fully understand what the media really wants and needs and have a proactive system to generate more positive press for their agency.

502
Developing Great Child Behavior and Life Skills
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Regency D Ballroom
Price: $75
Presenter(s): Michael Brandwein, Speaker, Educator and Author
Chair: Maureen Leonard, NISRA
Nationally acclaimed behavior and youth development expert demonstrates practical and specific skills to handle undesired behavior of young people of all ages while building positive life skills through recreation programs and leadership. The techniques that will be presented can be used successfully by camps and other youth programs.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn how to use positive communication and specific expectations to develop teamwork, responsibility, initiative and many other life skills in young people; (2) Learn how to "mean business" without being mean, while increasing credibility and trust and handling undesired behavior with greater confidence and skiU.

601
Tales from the Crypt
1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Columbus E/F
Price: $70
Presenter(s): Steven J. Klienman, General Counsel and Roy Jensen, Director of Risk Management Services, Park District Risk Management Agency
Chair: Mike Bacchio, Winfield Park District
You can run, but you cannot hide from the ghosts of the past! In this session, attendees will face true-life situations that came back to haunt park and recreation agencies and learn the lessons that others learned the hard way This session will focus on playground and aquatic safety and human resource management. It will provide attendees with invaluable resources necessary to protect the reputation of their agencies. Here's your chance to be a master of your legal destiny!
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn to minimize loss and liability by adopting prudent risk management measures, including playground and aquatic facicility inspections/audits, post-accident investigation guidelines and personnel policies/procedures; (2) Learn how to identify the five most common human resource issues facing public park and recreation agencies.

603
Developing and Presenting a Department Justification: Marketing and Promoting Your Department
1:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Location: Comiskey
Price: $65
Presenter(s): Juliene Hefter, Deputy Director, Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association
Chair: Allison Jacobs, Winfield Park District
With all the various budget cuts, it is time that park and recreation agencies prove their importance within their community. Let's create an unbelievable atmosphere of support and understanding about who and what we truly are! Learn what types of information must be presented to your board/commissions to have them understand how park and recreation affects the community as a whole and receive their support in return. In addition, Juliene will teach you how to market and promote your agency and programs within the community.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn proven techniques from planning and promoting your programs through brochures to advertising and television promotions; (2) Learn what information about an agency must be supplied to their board/commissions to gain their support.

1001
Summer Festival Food Vendor Sanitation
1:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Location: Columbus A/B
Price: $75
Presenter(s): Lea Samkas, Food Service Educational Seminars, Inc.
Chair: Lonette Hall, Dolton Park District
News headlines tell the story every day. Public concern about food safety has never been greater. Each highly publicized incident of food-borne illness deals a blow to the public's confidence in our industry. It is time to take action.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Learn to operate in compliance with the codes and guidelines for safe outdoor food handling procedures during summer festivals; (2) Learn about the recent changes in regulations of summer food handling procedures in accordance with the city of Chicago and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION for Students and Professionals

Thursday, January 25, 2007 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Columbus K/L, East Tower/Gold Level
Pre-registration is mandatory.

Students and professionals join us before the socials begin and get a head start on your networking weekend!

Students, you won't want to miss this great opportunity to network with professionals in the field. A relaxed, social atmosphere will provide an informal setting to inquire and talk with professionals in your area of interest.

Professionals, you were a student at one time with quite a few questions. These students are the future professionals in the field and you can help by sharing your knowledge and experience.

Everyone who attends will enjoy a light dinner and beverages. Students, get there to fill out your free raffle ticket for great prizes!

Special thanks to Kim Wascher of South Elgin, Village of Parks and Recreation Department and Mike Baiardo of the Morton Grove Park District for coordinating this year's Professional Connection.