NIRSA 2006: what a whirlwind

Keynote Speaker Dr. Janet Lapp at the Opening General Session

Welcome Social at Jillian's

Career Opportunities Center

T-Shirt Exchange at the Expo

Mirum Washington White (left) presents the Distinguished Leadership Award to Stan Shingles at the People of Color Social

NIRSA Bowling Party at Executive Strike & Spare

One of more than 140 educational sessions

Hypnotist Tom DeLuca (right) listens as Stanley Hall defends his friend, the apple during Theme Night

Honor Award Banquet

In between tornado warnings, more than 2100 attendees network, attend sessions, shop the Expo, and get their thrills in Louisville

Undeterred by two tornado warnings the week of the Annual Conference (one the Sunday before, when staff were setting up, and another Friday night), more than 2100 attendees enjoyed five days of the best that recreational sports has to offer. Louisville, Kentucky played wonderful host to inspiring speakers, informative educational sessions, the Recreational Sports Expo, countless networking opportunities, job interviews, socials, elections, awards, and so much more.

Here are just a few of the highlights; you can read more elsewhere in this issue of the Know. And if it's more photos you're wanting, NIRSA has worked out a special arrangement with the conference photographer. Attendees can view and purchase photos taken during the 2006 NIRSA Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo in Louisville. Re-live the fun, or see the events you missed!

Huge thanks to Host Committee Chair Dale Ramsay, CRSS, University of Louisville; Program Committee Chair Tamra Garstka, CRSS, Arizona State University; and everyone who helped make this event such an incredible success!

What you're saying

Some of the comments we've received from members that make it all worthwhile:

"Thank you so very much. At my institution, I feel as though I am the only one with a passion for recreation. After attending the Conference, I am even more excited in pursuing a job in my love: recreation. I loved the atmosphere, the experience, and most of all the NIRSA family."

"I made some great connections, learned some new information and marketing techniques, and had a blast. This conference made me want to become a professional member of the organization and pursue recreation as a career!"

"NIRSA is an outstanding opportunity for our young staff to discover what other universities are doing, to network, and enhance their skill and knowledge level."

"Louisville was a fine choice, the conference went smoothly, the Career Opportunities Center was great and invited speakers were very good. I had a GREAT week."

"I loved every minute of this year's conference. Everyone was so friendly and informative. I feel like I've known a lot of people for a lot longer than I actually have! The city of Louisville was very open to having us there and I very much appreciated them for that."

NIRSA Know is a service of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association
NIRSA National Center: 4185 SW Research Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97333-1067
tel: 541-766-8211 • fax: 541-766-8284 • email: nirsa@nirsa.org