🎓 Save the Date: CPRS Recreation Therapy Institute
at the Long Beach California Convention Center
Join us on March 10, 2026, at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA, for the RT Institute! This one-day event brings together recreation therapy professionals, students, and community partners for networking, education, and professional development opportunities.
2026 Rates & Registration
CPRS Members
Regular Registration (November 13, 2025 – January 21, 2026): $235
Late & On-Site Registration (January 22 – March 10, 2026): $255
Non-Members
Regular Registration (November 13, 2025 – January 21, 2026): $285
Late & On-Site Registration (January 22 – March 10, 2026): $305
CPRS Student Members
Regular Registration (November 13, 2025 – January 21, 2026): $60
Late & On-Site Registration (January 22 – March 10, 2026): $65
CEU Cost
Members: $20
Non-Members: $40
How to Register:
1. Visit the CONNECTIONS registration page at:
https://online.cprs.org/CalParks/Public_Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=C26&WebsiteKey=22b363d5-d713-4ddc-ade6-cd8d81cd4821
2. On the right, sign in (follow the forgot password prompts if necessary).
a. If you seek assistance logging in to our account, contact CPRS HQ at
Y3BycyB8IGNwcnMgISBvcmc= or (916) 665-2777.
3. If only attending the RT Institute and no other elements of CONNECTIONS 2026: CPRS Conference & Expo, under the "Registration Options" select "Intensives and Tickets only" for $0.
4. Answer any questions posed and click the "save responses" button.
5. Scroll further down to the "Program" items. Under "Tuesday, March 10, 2026" you can click the "Add" button for both
a. Continuing Education Units (Covers Entire Conference), and
b. Recreation Therapy "RT" Institute
6. Click the "Proceed to Checkout" button and follow the payment prompts on the following screen.
Schedule
Recreation Therapy Institute Schedule at Long Beach Convention Center on March 10th from 6:45 am-6:15 pm
6:45 am – 7:45 am | Morning Mingle
Coffee Networking at Starbucks 11 The Paseo, Long Beach, CA 90802
Join us for networking over complimentary coffee and pastries, followed by a guided walk to the RT Institute.
8:00 am – 9:30 am | Opening Session, Awards, Scholarships, and Installation
0.15 CEU Hours
We Hold the Keys: Unlocking Our Power to Lead, Advocate, and Advance.
Presenter: Brent Wolfe, Ph.D., LRT, CTRS, FDRT
9:45 am – 10:45 am | Sessions
0.1 CEU Hours (Choose 1 of 2)
Bridging the Gap: The Impact of Community-Based Therapeutic Recreation for Adults with Developmental Disabilities.
Presenters: Angela Lightner, MS, CTRS & Taylor Askil, CTRS
Music Therapy for Stress Management and Burnout Prevention
Presenter: Ami Kunimura, Ph.D., MT-BC
11:00 am – 12:30 pm | Sessions
0.15 CEU Hours (Choose 1 of 2)
Inclusion: What Does It Really Mean?
Presenter: Patti LaPlace, MPA, RTC
Movement Matters: Adapting Physical Activity for Diverse Populations in Recreation Therapy.
Presenter: Sharmayne B. Whitehead, MS, CTRS
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm | Lunch included off-site
1:45 pm – 3:15 pm | Sessions
0.15 CEU Hours (Choose 1 of 2)
Finding the Key Together: Using Escape Rooms to Unlock Growth.
Presenter: Nancy Nisbett, Ed.D., CTRS, RTC, FDRT
Recreation Therapy as a Related Service in Public Schools: What every RT needs to know! Presenters: Kathryn Hoar, RTC, CTRS & Jennifer Mayer, RTC, CTRS
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm | Sessions
0.15 CEU Hours (Choose 1 of 2)
Conjunction Box or Integrated Circuit? Extending Our Reach to Caregivers
Presenter: Veda E. Ward, PhD, CPRP
Direct to Consumer Series: Navigating Your Service Agreement & Closing the DEAL!!
Presenter: Myisha Jones, CTRS
5:15 pm – 6:15 pm | Closing Session
0.1 CEU Hour
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Reigniting the Flame
Presenter: Tamica Clement Moore (Baylor), MS, CTRS
Also check out other Business events in Long Beach, Exhibitions in Long Beach, Conferences in Long Beach.
