Directors Exchange

NRPA Directors Exchange is an exclusive professional development opportunity for experienced park and recreation leaders. Each year, the program will explore the successes and impact of the host city’s park and recreation systems. Rather than a fixed curriculum, Directors Exchange is built around the strengths and innovations of the host city.

2027 Focus: Innovative Partnerships 

Our inaugural Directors Exchange will examine how strategic partnerships are strengthening services, expanding access and advancing community impact through: 

  • Site visits and field-based learning
  • Executive roundtables 
  • Peer-driven dialogue 
  • Strategic workshops 

Who Should Apply?
Directors School graduates, park and recreation and public agency leaders and executive team members who want to learn from their peers and expand their professional network of support.

Key Dates

  • Lottery applications open: October 19, 10 a.m. EDT 2026 and closes October 21 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Students to pay a non-refundable deposit of $200 upon acceptance to confirm intention to attend. 
  • Payment confirmation period begins (attendee submits payment and/or confirms intent to pay): January 2027
  • Payment receipt deadline: January 31, 2027. If final payment is not received by January 31, 2027, your place in Directors Exchange may be forfeited. 


Application and Registration Information

Interested in being notified when registration for the 2027 program goes live? Fill out the form linked below!

Add your name!

DATES
February 28-March 2, 2027
February 27-March 1, 2028

LOCATION
In 2027 and 2028, NRPA Directors Exchange will be at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, WI. 

COST
The cost to attend 2027 Directors Exchange will be $1,800. The cost covers tuition, hotel stay, food/beverage (one dinner is on your own) and fees. It does not cover attendee travel.

SCHEDULE
Directors Exchange will run from Sunday evening - Tuesday evening, with classes, field trips and networking opportunities.

APPLICATION DETAILS
Directors Exchange will welcome 40 participants in its inaugural year. Applications for Directors Exchange will be reviewed via a lottery system, which will open in late October 2026. Attendees will be notified of their acceptance status via email approximately 1 week after submitting their application.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Schedule at a Glance

Sunday. February 28

  • 5 p.m. Gather and Meet Your Cohort: Arrive, settle in and connect with fellow participants.
  • Welcome Celebration and Networking Event: Build connections with peers from across the country.

Monday, March 1

  • Mentor/Mentee Meet-Up: An optional opportunity to connect with mentees who are in attendance at Directors School.
  • World Cafe: Partnerships: A rotating table conversation where small groups explore partnership questions in depth.
  • Lightning Round Problem Solving: 20 slides, 20 seconds each. Participants present a real challenge they're facing and the room solves it together.
  • Hot Topic: Open-forum conversation on an issue chosen by participants.
  • Field Trip: Visit Milwaukee parks and recreation spaces to see innovative partnership models in action.
  • Dinner and Networking Event: Explore local attractions and connect with fellow Directors School and Directors Exchange attendees!

Tuesday, March 2

  • Field Trip: A second day of on-the-ground learning across Milwaukee.
  • Hot Topic: Open-forum conversation on an issue chosen by participants.
  • Leadership Speed Sessions: Short, engaging sessions led by attendees who are subject matter experts on leadership.
  • Partnership Workshop Game: An interactive, team-based challenge built around partnership scenarios. Apply what you’ve learned!
  • Dinner and Networking Event: Explore local attractions and connect with fellow Directors School and Directors Exchange  attendees

Networking Activities

Sunday, February 28 - Ready. Set. Challenge! 
Get ready to kick off the evening with some friendly competition! Teams will go head-to-head in a fast-paced series of Minute to Win It–style challenges.

Monday, March 1 – Game Night at The New Fashioned 
Join attendees at The New Fashioned, one of Milwaukee's liveliest spots for games and socializing.

Tuesday, March 2 – X-Golf at American Family Field
Head to the home of the Milwaukee Brewers. We've booked all of X-Golf at American Family Field from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., with a dinner buffet, golf simulators, rental clubs at every bay, and hole competitions like Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin, with prizes.