In this episode of Beyond the Park Bench: A PRPS Leadership Podcast, Tyler sits down with Matt and Ally, co-chairs of the 2026 PRPS Annual Conference, to discuss everything that goes into planning Pennsylvania’s largest gathering of parks and recreation professionals.

Taking place March 24–27, 2026 at Spooky Nook Sports in Manheim, PA, the PRPS Annual Conference & Expo brings together professionals from across the state for education, networking, and inspiration. Matt and Ally share a behind-the-scenes look at the months of planning, collaboration, and volunteer leadership required to make the conference possible each year.

They also talk about the importance of professional involvement, how volunteering with PRPS can help you grow as a leader, and practical ways professionals at any stage of their career can get more engaged with the organization.

Whether you’re preparing to attend your first PRPS conference or you’ve been attending for decades, this episode offers helpful insight into what makes the conference such a valuable experience for the parks and recreation profession.

Key Topics Discussed

✅ The planning process behind the 2026 PRPS Annual Conference & Expo

✅ How Matt and Ally balance their professional roles with PRPS volunteer leadership

✅ Ways parks and recreation professionals can get involved with PRPS committees and leadership opportunities

✅ Highlights and things to look forward to at the 2026 conference at Spooky Nook

✅ Advice for first-time attendees and seasoned professionals attending the conference