REC Net Conference FAQ

Q: What exactly is the REC Net National Conference?

A: The REC Net National Conference is a great place for emerging professionals, professionals, educators, vendors and others in this amazing field to come together in a variety of environments to meet and learn about the wonderful world of recreation. You will have the opportunity to go to a variety of informational sessions to learn about different topics that can be useful to this field as well as social events to network with and meet a variety of people from all over the recreation world.

Q: Where is the conference this year?

A: This year’s REC Net National Conference is at Galena, Illinois.

Q: What if I’m not currently a member or need to renew my membership?

A: You will need to become a member or renew your membership before registering and attending the conference. There are five different membership categories that are created to fit the status of our members so be sure to choose the one that best identifies with your background.

Q: What is the address and process for shipping items prior to the conference?

A: Please ensure all packages are labeled with the following address and do not arrive more than 3 business days in advance.

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa

444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena, IL 61036

REC Net 2026 National Conference/Vendor Name

Attention: Receiving Department

CCS: Penny Schwark

Friday, November 14, 2025 - Tuesday, November 17, 2025

*Please share any tracking numbers once available. Members can email info@rec-network.org directly with tracking information and questions.

Q: Is there a dress code for the conference?

A: Saturday Dress Code – Day: Casual; Night: Casual 

Sunday Dress Code - Day: Business Casual; Night: Casual/Theme Dress Encouraged

This year’s Sunday evening event theme is…COMING SOON! Look for more communications via e-mail and social media for ideas prior to the conference.

Monday Dress Code - Day: Business Casual; Night: Semi Formal

Tuesday Dress Code - Day: Business Casual

Q: Where is Galena, IL located?

A: "Galena, Illinois, is a historic, hilly town located in the extreme northwest corner of the state, nestled along the Mississippi River near the Iowa border (specifically near Dubuque) and Wisconsin. Known for its 19th-century architecture, it sits in the scenic Driftless Area, far from the flat prairies of central Illinois."

The resort is located at 444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena IL, 61036

Q: What time zone is Galena, IL located within?

A: The resort is located in the Central Time Zone.

Q: What are the suggested travel dates to and from conference?

A: It is suggested to Friday afternoon or mid-day on Saturday as the conference kicks off Saturday night. Conference continues through the early afternoon of Tuesday, so it is best to plan to depart either late Tuesday or Wednesday.

Q: How do I get to Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa?

A:  The closest airports near Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa:

• Quad Cities International Airport (MLI – Moline, IL) ~70 miles
• Dane County Regional Airport ~115 miles (smaller but has commercial service, American Airlines, Delta, and United)
• Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) ~150 miles

Q: How do I get from the airport to the resort?

A: There are several rental car companies available for booking conveniently located at the airport. Rental car is the best way to go for transportation. We suggest that you book car rentals well in advance. If you are interested in carpooling with other attendees, please contact us at info@rec-network.org. We will link you to other attendees with similar travel itineraries looking to share costs.  

Ground Transportation:
Shuttle services, rental cars, and ride shares are available at each airport. Driving through the scenic Driftless Area makes the journey part of the experience, with Eagle Ridge Resort located just 6 miles outside downtown Galena.

Q: What is the weather like in Galena, IL in November?

A: Temperatures average in the low 50’s to mid 30’s. Wear layers and dress for the weather.  Your adventure awaits! 

Q: What type of room accommodation is there?

A: TO MAKE ROOM RESERVATIONS: REC Net’s room block allows you to enjoy and reference Eagle Ridge Resort at 800.892.2269 our group name, '2026 Rec Net Annual Conference'.

If calling, please mention '2026 Rec Net Annual Conference' or our block code 69D35P for the discount and book in our group block!

The cutoff date for room reservations is Thursday, October 16, 2026

You may check in as early as 4:00 pm and must check out by 11:00 am

Lodging Tax

A lodging tax of 11% will be added to all Inn rooms/units per night.

RESERVATION GUARANTEE AND CANCEL POLICY
The guaranteed fees (last night’s lodging, tax and resort amenity fee) will be forfeited if accommodations are
cancelled less than 7 days prior to arrival. You have from now until 7 days prior to arrival to cancel with a $35 cancellation fee. The guaranteed fees (last night’s lodging, tax and resort amenity fee) placed on your credit
card at the time of reservation will be forfeited if accommodations are canceled less than 7 days prior to arrival.

RESORT AMENITY FEE
A resort amenity fee will be added to all Inn rooms/units per night.

The services fee includes:

• Wireless high speed internet access in the conference center, hotel rooms, and all units throughout the resort, in-room coffee; daily newspaper available in the lobby; guest services available to assist with dining reservations and recommendations, flower orders, etc.; incoming/outgoing faxes.
• Business/Computer center; daily Galena Shopping Shuttle; use of indoor pool and towels, sauna and steam room, fitness center; complimentary access to all winter activities when bringing own equipment.
• Preferred access to restaurants and The Stonedrift Spa; property transportation.

Room Block Descriptions: 

Main Lodge & Courtyard

• Queen/Queen Courtyard
• Queen/Queen Main Lodge
• King Main Lodge

$169 per night - no resort fee

Images of Courtyard Rooms Here: www.eagleridge.com/galena-courtyard-rooms

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Villas

Room decor will vary from villa to villa.

• One Bedroom Villa $199+ $40 Resort per night resort fee
• Two Bedroom Villa $249 +$50 per night resort fee
• Three Bedroom Villa $299 +$55 per night resort fee

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Three Bedroom Distinctive Home $359 +$55 per night resort fee

INCLUDE WHAT THE TAX PERCENTAGE IS

Q: What should I do once I arrive at the resort?

A: Once you get to Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, it's best to first check-in at the Front Desk with the resort. Your room may be ready early, but it is not guaranteed until after 4:00pm. If your room is not available when you arrive, the Front Desk team can store your luggage until check-in is available. Then, stop by our registration desk in the lobby, and pick up your conference welcome bag. Other hours of the registration desk will be Sunday & Monday 8am-5pm and Tuesday 8am-12pm? It’s very important to sign in, you’ll get your name tag and all of the information about what is going on at this year’s national conference!

Q: What different events are there to network with the professionals and other students?

A: We have a variety of different socials throughout the short time that we are at the conference! The evening socials this year will include the Welcome Saturday evening, the REC Net’s Theme Night on Sunday evening, and the annual Andy Holdnak Awards Gala & Auction Monday evening.

Q: What opportunities do I have as a person seeking employment or an internship how do I have to meet with members in regard to recruitment?

A: Make the most of your time at conference and seek to ask about opportunities when it feels right! This year, REC Net will host a Job Fair, day Sunday. Anyone hiring for their business are encouraged to sign up for a table at the career fair (small additional fee) to promote available opportunities with their organization.

Please note, there will not be a designated time slot for interviews. If you wish to get to know someone or hiring personnel more, please reach out and schedule time one on one - you can do this during or after conference.

*Have more questions about Conference that are not listed above? Reach out to us at info@rec-network.org!

Why should I attend REC Net/what is the value? 

Click link: https://rec-network.org/why-rec-net/