2027 AARFP Conference & Trade Show

Where Recreation Professionals Come Together!

Save the date, book your hotel and get ready to connect, learn and be inspired at the 2027 AARFP Conference & Trade Show!

Whether you work in arenas, aquatics, parks, facility operations, maintenance, or recreation leadership, this is the event to attend! Each year, the AARFP Annual Conference and Trade Show brings together approximately 300 recreation and facility professionals from Alberta and beyond to share knowledge, tackle industry challenges, discover innovative ideas/solutions and build long-lasting connections. With engaging educational sessions, an industry-focused trade show, networking opportunities and unforgettable experiences, the AARFP Conference is where recreation professionals come to grow.

From April 4–7, 2027, we’re heading to the iconic WinSport in Calgary, home to Canada Olympic Park and a legacy venue of the 1988 Winter Olympics. With a location this legendary, we are embracing an 80s-inspired conference with an Olympic twist! Expect nostalgic throwbacks, Olympic-inspired fun, exciting opportunities to connect, and memorable experiences that celebrate the people who make recreation happen.
The recreation industry is evolving, and staying ahead of the game has never been more important. Our educational program is designed to deliver practical knowledge, fresh perspectives, and innovative strategies that recreation professionals can bring back to their facilities and communities.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the sessions coming your way:

From Access to Belonging: Practical Tools (5As and BDJJ) for Inclusive Recreation — Discover approaches to creating more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive recreation experiences.
Small Communities, Big Challenges — Explore the unique realities of recreation in smaller communities and share ideas for doing more with limited resources.
Beyond Recreation: When Facilities Become Lifelines — Discover the vital role recreation facilities play in supporting communities beyond everyday programs and services.
Operating Aquatic Facilities for the Future — Explore emerging trends, operational considerations, and innovative approaches shaping the future of aquatic facilities.

And that’s just the beginning! More educational sessions, industry experts, and exciting opportunities to learn are on the way.

Save the date NOW and get ready for registration to open in December!

Become a Speaker

Do you have a great success story? Learned something the hard way? Found a better way to operate, maintain or manage a facility? Have expertise in arenas, aquatics, parks, building maintenance, leadership or recreation management? Then we are interested in your presentation! We are especially interested in sessions that:

Deliver real-world solutions (not theory for theory’s sake)
Share lessons learned which includes successes and failures
Encourage interaction, discussion, and engagement
Reflect emerging trends and future-focused thinking
Leave attendees with tools, strategies, or ideas they can apply right away

This is Conference is the perfect opportunity to share your expertise with Alberta’s recreation community. You don’t have to be a professional speaker. But you do need real-world solutions, knowledge, experience and a story worth sharing.

Your experience could be someone else’s next great idea. The deadline is November 15, 2026.

Book Your Hotel Early!

Our conference hotel blocks are limited, and rooms are already being booked. If you’re planning to join us in Calgary, we strongly encourage you to reserve your accommodations early to take advantage of our special conference rates.

We’ve secured two great hotel options:

Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary West
A convenient option close to WinSport with a special conference rate available for attendees.

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Suites Calgary West

Another great nearby option with a special AARFP conference room block.

Shuttle buses will be available between the conference hotels and WinSport, making it easy to get to and from the action.