Discover the magic of NIRSA 2025 in Orlando

Get ready to experience an unforgettable journey of professional growth, to make (or strengthen) meaningful connections, and participate in exciting new opportunities at NIRSA 2025!

This year’s conference, hosted outside sunny Orlando, Florida, promises a vibrant mix of learning, networking, and fun. With attendee feedback shaping our program, this conference is all about meeting your needs and creating opportunities for you to grow and thrive in your work.

Convince your boss: NIRSA 2025 is worth the investment

NIRSA understands that making the case to attend a conference involves showing its value—both for you and your institution.

Below are a few potential points to help you convince your supervisor; you can focus on:

The direct impact on how you will do your job

With extended 90-minute roundtable discussions and new two-hour workshops, NIRSA 2025 offers deeper dives into the topics that matter most campus recreation professionals across the career spectrum. NIRSA sessions are tailored to provide actionable takeaways attendees can implement immediately upon returning to your workplace. What is the pain point for your role? Explore the schedule to see how many sessions are connected to your topic and find out who will be presenting on those topics—namedropping the leading researchers and practitioners who will be attending from your boss’s alma mater never hurts.

The ROI for your institution

Each session, workshop, and networking opportunity is designed to empower you with new strategies, innovative ideas, and a refreshed perspective—all of which will directly benefit your department and your campus community.

The easy access to influencers and thought leaders in campus rec

NIRSA is committed to pursuing a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone who attends our events. We’ve taken 2024 attendee feedback onboard and plan to separate the awards celebrations from the opening session; by creating a standalone awards reception, we hope to create more time for celebrating accomplishments and connecting with peers. Throughout the conference, from the socials to the session hallways, you’ll build stronger networks and collaborations that can positively impact your department.

The dedicated learning tracks for students and directors

Whether you’re just dipping your first toe into the campus recreation career pool, or your comfortable swimming in the deep end of the pool where departmental directors are navigating trickier waters, this year’s conference offers students and directors enhanced learning tracks that have been redesigned into focused, two-day formats. Directors and students, two key cohorts in NIRSA’s membership, will have access at NIRSA 2025 to more specialized content designed to meet their unique career stages and goals.

The preconference workshops and experiences

Take advantage of unique preconference workshops and opportunities to learn and explore beyond the traditional session room experience. These workshops and local excursions allow you to deepen your expertise, discover Orlando’s vibrant culture, or a combination of the two through facility tours.

The purpose behind your proposed schedule

Check out the highlights and tips from our “Convince Your Boss” page for resources that will help you make your case for support. The key is to say more than just your intention to attend sessions and explore the conference hall. Tell your boss which sessions you plan to attend and which exhibitors you plan to make connections with. Who are you hoping to learn from and why? Highlight:

• Educational sessions: Choose from nearly 100 sessions spread across diverse tracks, including wellbeing, facilities, intramurals, and leadership.
• Networking breaks: Build connections during scheduled breaks, receptions, and informal meetups—perfect for exchanging ideas and best practices.
• Expo Hall: Explore the latest products, services, and technologies in campus recreation and connect with industry vendors.

Pro Tip: Review the schedule in advance and prioritize sessions that align with your goals. Consider attending with a colleague and splitting up sessions to cover more ground. The exhibitor list is also live for the 2025 Campus Rec and Wellness Expo. More than 100 companies have already secured booth space.

Here are a few reasons why you won’t want to miss your shot to be at NIRSA 2025

It isn’t easy to put together a detailed proposal when the outcome is uncertain, and budget cycles continue to be tight. But here are a few reasons for you to persist and take the time to make the case for your professional development. You deserve it!

Member-centric and feedback-driven program for 2025

NIRSA has always valued the feedback we receive from attendees after conferences and other learning events. But in 2025, we are really taking risks and making changes to ensure NIRSA 2025 aligns with the needs of today’s campus recreation professionals. From longer roundtables to more in-depth workshops, this year’s conference is built to maximize your experience. Your voice continues to guide our planning, making this year’s event more impactful and relevant than ever.

NIRSA celebrates 75 years in 2025

NIRSA is excited to celebrate 75 years of NIRSA in 2025! Celebrations have already start online and will continue throughout the year. In-person celebrations are planned to happen at the NIRSA Conference in Orlando. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get your hands on some commemorative Association keepsakes.

Florida is the perfect backdrop to recharge and grow

When you’re not attending sessions or connecting with peers, Orlando offers a wealth of attractions to explore. Everything you need will be easily within reach at the Gaylord Palms, but the area is also known for its world-renowned theme parks, diverse dining scene, and sunny weather, this city is the ultimate destination to unwind and recharge. Whether you’re visiting Disney or Universal, strolling through downtown Orlando, or enjoying its vibrant arts scene, there’s something for everyone.

Don’t miss out—Register today!

Join us in Orlando for an unforgettable experience that will inspire and energize you. Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, connect with fellow professionals, support the future of campus recreation, celebrate a milestone in our profession, or simply enjoy the magic of Orlando, NIRSA 2025 is the place to be. Do the work to secure your spot today and start planning your journey to professional growth and personal discovery!