Who should attend?
The NYSRPS Annual Conference is designed for a wide range of professionals, partners, and leaders who are passionate about parks, recreation, and community wellness. Whether you are looking to grow in your role, expand your network, or bring fresh ideas back to your organization, this conference offers something for you.
No matter your role, the NYSRPS Annual Conference is an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the future of parks and recreation in New York State.
"We’re thrilled to invite you to the 2026 NYSRPS Annual Conference—Good Neighbors, Great Parks, highlighting the legacy of Olmsted parks in the “City of Good Neighbors.”
With 50 education sessions, a large exhibit hall, off-site socials and tours, awards ceremony, day trip to Niagara Falls, and more, we are building a conference you won’t want to miss!"
-Nicole Ruberto, 2026 Co-Chair
"It has been 19 years since the NYSRPS Conference was last in Buffalo, and so much has changed during that time (the Bills are good, for one). We’re excited to showcase the incredible momentum happening across Western New York while sharing the region’s rich history, tailgate culture, chicken wings, blue cheese, and all things 716.
Whether you’re reconnecting with longtime colleagues or making new connections, we can’t wait to welcome you to Buffalo this November!"
-Naomi Sosnowski, 2026 Co-Chair
Submit a Conference Session
Our Annual Conference is built upon the foundation of an excellent quality program. To meet the educational needs of our conference attendees, we would like to create diverse and relevant education sessions within our schedule.
We are seeking dynamic and engaging speakers who will inspire and inform our diverse audience of professionals within the field of parks and recreation. As a leader in your field, your insights could greatly benefit our attendees and contribute to the overall success of the conference.
Annual NYS Recreation and Park Awards
The New York State Recreation and Park Society (NYSRPS) Annual Awards celebrate the outstanding individuals, organizations, and initiatives that are making a meaningful impact in parks, recreation, and community services across New York State.
These awards recognize excellence, innovation, leadership, and dedication within our field—highlighting those who go above and beyond to enhance quality of life, create inclusive opportunities, and strengthen communities through parks and recreation.
Take the time to recognize the people and programs that are shaping the future of parks and recreation in New York State. Your nomination helps tell the story of the incredible work happening in our communities every day.
Congratulations to our 2025 Winners!
Schedule at a Glance
Tuesday, 11/3
Check-in & Registration Opens
NYSRPS Board Meeting
NYSRPS & Conference 101
Offsite Tour
Opening Keynote
Bills Mafia Networking Social
Wednesday, 11/4
Breakfast
Educational Sessions
Educational Sessions
Tunnel Entrance Experience & First Down Huddle
Exhibitor Showcase and Lunch
Educational Sessions
Educational Sessions
Happy Hour with Exhibitors
Table Smash Tailgate Networking Social
Thursday, 11/5
Breakfast
Educational Sessions
Educational Speed Sessions
Exhibitor Showcase Time
Lunch
Educational Sessions
Educational Sessions
Awards VIP Happy Hour
Awards Dinner
The Allen MVP Networking Social
Friday, 11/6
Closing
Offsite Trip - Optional
Meet Our Conference Committee
Behind every successful NYSRPS Annual Conference is a dedicated team of professionals who bring the experience to life. Our Conference Committee is made up of passionate parks and recreation leaders from across New York State who volunteer their time, expertise, and creativity to design an event that is engaging, relevant, and impactful.
The strength of the NYSRPS Conference comes directly from the insight and leadership of this committee. Their diverse perspectives—from municipalities of all sizes, therapeutic recreation, programming, operations, and administration—ensure that the conference delivers meaningful content and valuable connections for all attendees.
From the conference theme to curating educational sessions, coordinating logistics, and enhancing the attendee experience, this group works year-round to ensure the conference reflects the evolving needs of our profession.
Co-Chairs
- Naomi Sosnowski, Town of Amherst Youth & Recreation
- Nicole Ruberto, Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry
Program Committee:
- *Jasmine Edwards, LaGuardia Community College
- Taylor Jeromos, NRPA
- Michele Holmes, Town of Amherst
- Tom Venniro, Town of Parma
- Kim O’Brien, Town of Bedford
Vendor Committee:
- *Ryan Rockefeller, Town of Parma
- Lucas Prunch, Parkitects
- Andrew Britton, CHA Solutions
- Emily Lauri, Suffolk County
Sponsorship Committee:
- *Nicole Caviola, Town of Lewisboro
- Tyronza Murray, Town of North Hempstead
Communications/ Marketing Committee:
- *Elizabeth Graczyk
Events Committee:
- *Sydney Steele, Town of Periton
- Pam Schuner, Parkitects
- Jacie Schmid, Village of Hamburg
- Sam McAdams, Gametime MRC Rec
Information Onsite Support Committee:
- *Stacie Paris, Town of Gates
- Josh Haeick, Village of Hamburg
- Mike Jeswald, Niagara University
Awards Committee:
- *Joseph Stout, Westchester Parks Foundation
- Emily Lauri, Suffolk County
- Marcy Simpson, Town of Amherst
- Elaine Ferguson, Town of Manlius
- Pam Grundman, Town of Henrietta
- Dylan Ruckstuhl, Town of New Castle
- Luke Friscoe, Student Representative
Future Professionals Committee:
- *Sam Arone, Village of Tarrytown
- Kristin Trezza, Town of Pleasantville
Retired Professionals Committee:
- *Donna Esperito
- Marty Denecke
- Sia Tofano, City of White Plains
*- Committee Chair
