2026 AARFP Conference & Trade Show

2026 Annual AARFP Conference & Trade Show

No matter where you are in your recreation career, this is where you will find your people. Regardless of if you are starting out, seasoned or somewhere in between. The AARFP Conference and Trade Show isn’t just another event, it’s a conference where you will be welcomed, supported and equipped to take your next step forward in your career. Join 200+ recreation professionals from across Alberta and beyond for learning, connection, and fun.

Why Attend?

Connection & Networking

Build meaningful relationships with people and organizations who understand your challenges.

Skills and Trends

Stay ahead with tools, technical know-how, and real-world solutions.

Leadership Development

Grow your confidence and bring back strategies that work.

Inspiration and Innovation

Get fresh perspective from speakers and innovative solutions across the industry.

Certificate of Completion

Obtain a certificate that you can provide employers and demonstrate the

Education sessions tailored for every role

With sessions in Arena, Aquatics, Building Maintenance, Leadership, Programming and Parks and Sport Fields.

These sessions are designed to help recreation professionals make better decisions, reduce risk, improve operations, and lead with confidence. We have also had specific sessions to provide tools and resources to assist in the issues of ageing facilities. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro, there’s a session that meets you where you are and helps you level up.

Trade Show

AARFP Trade Show: See what’s new. Talk to the experts. Bring solutions home.

Meet industry experts and explore products, services, and technology that can save time, reduce risk, and improve how your facility runs. Plus it’s one of the best networking moments of the week. Your conference ticket includes this great opportunity or you can purchase the trade show only ticket.

Who Should Join?

Facility operators, leads, supervisors, and managers
Directors and decision-makers
Custodians, technicians, and maintenance teams
Programmers
Arena professionals
Parks and Sport Field professionals
Aquatic professionals: life guards, operators, managers
Building maintenance professionals
Anyone wanting practical skills, leadership growth AND real industry connections

If you are a recreation professional, register NOW and develop the skills and connections to expand your career and support your community.

Wondering How To Register?

Step One:
Become an AARFP member by clicking here and picking which membership suits you the most. Then follow the prompts and fill out the information. OR call us and we will help you.

Step Two:
Once your are a member, login in to your membership portal and click on the Conference Icon which is right beside your name. Follow the steps and you are registered!

We Have Two Amazing Keynotes!

Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith is the founder of Not Alone Co., a company that facilitates conversations around PTSD, trauma and mental health.

Tyler is also a survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, an accident that made national headlines as one of the most horrific tragedies in recent Canadian history. He’s turned adversity into advocacy, using his platform to destigmatize mental health and spread a message of hope on the national stage, including as the winner of the Amazing Race Canada.

Carrie Anton

Carrie Anton is a gold medalist, needs consultant, trainer, and technician with 20 years of experience in the assistive technology and accessibility industry.

Carrie Anton engages in projects that promote access to information and opportunity for people with disabilities, in sports, learning, and the digital age. Her 25 years of hands-on experience as a specialist, trainer, and technician, along with her influential consulting on policies, procedures, and accessibility standards, have made her a trailblazer in universal design.

Pricing

Conference Registration Fees *You must be a member to register for conference	Early Bird (Ends on March 12, 2026)	Regular (Starts on March 13, 2026)	Late Fee (Starts on April 1, 2026)
Full Conference Ticket	695+GST	820+GST	925+GST
One Day Only – Monday	255+GST	280+GST	310+GST
Trade Show Only	80+GST	80+GST	80+GST
Banquet Only	127.5+GST	127.5+GST	127.5+GST
One Day Only – Tuesday	255+GST	280+GST	310+GST

Hotel Information

Host Hotel: Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre Grande Prairie

As an attendee of the AARFP Conference and Trade Show, you get special rates at the host hotel. You can make the reservation online or by calling them at (780) 532-5221 and mentioning that you are attending the AARFP Conference.