Conference Countdown
The Power of Connection: Inspiring Recreation Professionals
“Engage, Collaborate, Elevate Recreation.”
Join us November 14-17 for the 2026 Annual Conference at the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, Illinois!
The 45th REC Net National Conference will bring it all together! Get ready for powerful networking, engaging educational sessions, an exciting job fair, well-deserved awards, and unforgettable memories that will last for years to come.
This annual membership conference is where professional development, recruitment, applied research, vendor showcases, brand promotion, annual awards, social engagement, and networking truly come to life. It’s the best four days and four nights of the year for recreation and experience industry professionals to connect, grow, and be inspired.
To get a better sense of the experience, take a look at past conference programs.
Keynote Speaker: Hoan Do
We are delighted to welcome Hoan Do as our keynote speaker. He is an award-winning resilience speaker, author, and American Ninja Warrior City Finalist known for his message of Unshakable Resilience.
Student Incentive Program
Support for student groups recruiting their peers to attend the national conference.
- Students who bring 5 students from their college or university to the conference receive $25 back each.
- Students who bring 10 students from their college or university to the conference receive $50 back each.
- Students who bring 15 or more students from their college or university to the conference will be entered into a drawing for a $200 resort credit!
First Time Professional Member Promotion
Support for new professional members attending the national conference and beginning their REC Net experience.
- First-time professional members receive $100 off conference registration
- Discount applies to early bird, standard, or late registration
- Contact info@rec-network.org for details and approval support!
National Conference FAQ
Find quick answers to all your conference questions in our FAQ section!
Calling all Vendors/Exhibitors!
Exhibit your business and connect directly with key decision-makers and gain significant brand exposure among a highly engaged audience of professionals.
Calling all Educators and Students!
There are many opportunities for Educators and Students at our annual National Conference!
Sample Conference Program
Interested in the conference schedule? Want to learn more about the educational sessions? Click to see a sample from the 2025 conference program.
Conference Registration Fees
Emerging Professional Registration Fees:
- Includes 2 lunches & 1 dinner.
Educator and Faculty Registration Fees:
- Research Symposium One Day Rate
- Includes 1 lunch
- Early Bird
- Includes 2 lunches & 1 dinner
- Standard Rate
- Includes 2 lunches & 1 dinner.
- Late Rate
- Includes 2 lunches & 1 dinner.
Professional Registration Fees:
- Early Bird
- Includes 2 lunches & 1 dinner.
- Standard Rate
- Includes 2 lunches & 1 dinner.
- Late Rate
- Includes 2 lunches & 1 dinner.
Vendor/Exhibitor Registration Fee
- Early Bird
- Includes 2 lunches & 1 dinner.
- Standard Rate
- Includes 2 lunches & 1 dinner.
- Late Rate
- Includes 2 lunches & 1 dinner.