Heads up, Leslie Knope: More than 7,000 park and recreation professionals, citizen advocates, and industry suppliers are headed to New Orleans next week for education sessions, networking opportunities, and the industry’s largest tradeshow.

Organization: National Recreation and Park Association

Conference: 2017 NRPA Annual Conference

Venue: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

City: New Orleans

Following the golf tournament and preconference workshops on Monday, NRPA 2017 will begin on Tuesday morning with an opening general session featuring Matt Iseman. The host of American Ninja Warrior, physician, and comedian will discuss the role that parks and recreation play in shaping the lives of people of all ethnicities, ages, and abilities. Also worth noting:

Community focus. Each year, NRPA conducts a complete park makeover in partnership with equipment manufacturers and community organizations in the host city. The 2017 Parks Build Community project will reimagine Lafitte Greenway, a designated parkway that will connect underserved communities to sports fields, playgrounds, water features, and numerous gathering spots.

Challenge accepted. The NRPA Student Recreation Challenge 2.0 is an opportunity for students to compete in a series of challenges throughout New Orleans. Teams of three will travel to multiple destinations in the city and be challenged both physically and mentally in a competition that will test their endurance, navigation skills, and use of technology.

Innovative education. NRPA will feature all different types of learning. Among them: 20-minute Speed Sessions, Mobile Workshops (which combine traditional classroom learning with time outside in the field), and Offsite Institutes, where attendees will tour New Orleans landmarks.

Head to Facebook, Twitter (#NRPAConference), Instagram, or NRPA’s Open Space blog for more details.

(Sam Edwards/OJO Images/Getty Images Plus)