March 27-30, 2012, we invite you to join more than 2,000 of your colleagues as we "navigate the future of collegiate recreation" and move "from ideas to innovation." The NIRSA Annual Conference has become an enduring event because of the incomparable education and networking opportunities it offers!

The NIRSA Annual Conference Program and Host Committees, in conjunction with the NIRSA Foundation, are excited to offer the following slate of events and activities from March 27-30, 2012.

NIRSA Preconference workshops offer students and professionals the opportunity to engage in active learning centered on a specific topic. Whether you're looking to develop your leadership skills, or searching for ways to make your facility more inclusive, NIRSA's preconference workshops offer attendees the unique opportunity to engage with dedicated students professionals, committed to giving you the tools you need to be successful. A full listing of all preconference workshops is available here.

The 2012 NIRSA Host Committee is excited to offer conference attendees exciting trip opportunities that are unique to Tampa, FL. If you will be in Tampa on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, consider joining us for one of the exciting adventures on offer. Details about the individual trips are available here.

The NIRSA Foundation takes this once-a-year opportunity to engage members and host a variety of popular conference events whose proceeds help promote the wide range of Foundation Scholarships! The NIRSA Foundation Golf Tournament is entering its 18th year as a premier NIRSA Annual Conference event and the NIRSA Foundation Board is thrilled to bring one of the most popular events from 2011 NIRSA Annual Conference to Tampa Bay for 2012: the Community Service Project. Don't miss out on the additional NIRSA Foundation activities including the Mark Fletcher Fun Run/Walk on Bayshore Boulevard, T-shirt Competition & Apparel Sale and the Quilt Raffle.

When you participate in any of the NIRSA Foundation events, you're helping advance the future of recreational sports. Help us raise awareness by participating and contributing in Tampa!

The Conference Program Committee challenges you to attend the exceptional Keynote and Invited Speakers sessions designed to engage, inspire, and motivate you throughout the Conference.

More than 110 educational sessions and roundtables, covering topics ranging across 24 different tracks, will keep members engaged and connected.

Tampa is a city that takes its recreation seriously; the area is home to five professional sports franchises. And with the extensive range of outdoor activities, it's no wonder Tampa was ranked as the 5th best outdoor city in America by Forbes (2008). There is so much to do and see in Tampa; you might want to come a few days early, or stay a few days longer to check out some of the many local attractions.

NIRSA Socials are at the heart of many great networking opportunities available to conference attendees. Socials are a great place to get to know new colleagues who share a background connection or similar interests. The personal settings of these events provide unique opportunities for attendees to network and socialize in smaller groups. Join us for one of these great events!

For more information about the 2012 NIRSA Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo, please contact the NIRSA Director of Professional Development, Cheri Christenson.