Rick Saucedo looks, acts, and sounds so much like Elvis Presley that delegates at the IPRA/IAPD State Conference will feel they're really in the great man's presence. Saucedo puts on a sizzling show at the Closing Conference Celebration Saturday, November 19 accompanied by the Fabulous Ambassadors.

LIFE. BE IN IT '83
Your conference highlights

By Lydia Lombardo
IPRA Membership Services Director

Following on the heels of Illinois' successful 1983 LIFE. BE IN IT. campaign, this year's Park and Recreation Conference at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, November 17-20, embraces the theme as its motto. For even though LIFE. BE IN IT, has been with us for several years, its impact and philosophy increase in strength and parallel the growth of the leisure movement itself.

That strength will be apparent to park and recreation professionals and commissioners as they attend the excellent workshops and educational sessions slated for the three-day meeting. And, the delegates themselves reflect the leisure movement's vigor because they are continuously striving to learn more to serve others better.

As in the past, the educational sessions will be led by experts from parks and recreation, business, management, finance, and human relations fields. Sessions explore such contemporary topics as "The Day Care Dilemma," "Reducing Energy Consumption," "Passive Solar and Wind Energy Strategies," "Current Trends ofJCAH,"and "Governmental Accounting Update."

In addition, delegates will once again be able to see over 120 exhibits and demonstrations from vendors who serve the field. The exhibit area also features entertainment; and at the Saturday lunch hour, a modestly priced "munch and mingle" sandwich bar will be set up for delegates' convenience.

But no conference, especially one hosted by the recreation people, is complete without well-planned social functions. Leading off is the grand opening exhibit party on Thursday afternoon, where Denby, the walking, talking robot greets delegates in his language of the future. A complimentary drink and vendor giveaways always make this an exciting "first place" to meet at the conference. Later, on Thursday evening, the conference opening social gives old friends and colleagues, and new delegates too, a longer opportunity to socialize and enjoy the music of today and yesterday presented by "Kicks" and "Jade." Comfortable shoes and clothing, and a willingness to have fun, are all that's required.

The All-Conference Friday Luncheon combines the best of conference worlds, for as delegates enjoy a fine Hyatt meal and talk with lunch neighbors, they will also receive a skills and energy boost from Michael Brandwein, the keynoter, who addresses "The Importance of Being Specific." Brandwein will be remembered by many-delegates who attended his workshops at the Mid-Year Forum and at last year's annual conference. A dynamic young attorney and professional leadership training consultant, Brandwein has 15 year's experience as a recreation leader, supervisor and director. He excels in welding important concepts into practical tools in an intriguing style, reflected by his speech's subtitle, "Yoda meets Julia Child."

Friday evening's social repeats the successful student Casino night where delegates can win "thousands" of dollars and a chance to bid on unusual prizes.

Capping off the conference, Saturday's closing celebration is packed with entertainment. Two bands will be on hand: Soft Touch plays light instrumental music during dinner; and after dinner. Rick Saucedo and the Fabulous Ambassadors explode on the scene when Saucedo performs his famous "Elvis" imitation, backed by the Ambassador's impeccably authentic music from the 50s and 60s.

Other conference highlights again include a complete spouses' program Thursday, Friday, and Saturday featuring a money seminar, a holiday craft demonstration, an armchair orchid safari, a holiday stress workshop, and a trip to Northbrook Court and the Botanical Gardens.

An insightful secretarial workshop on Thursday from Noon to 4:15 p.m. tackles the problems of interpersonal communication and active listening and explores the secretary/manager team approach.

Delegate workshops convene on Thursday morning and afternoon, a change from past conferences. Eight sessions are offered with expanded time slots to allow for awarding CEU points.

The second annual agency showcase offers park and recreation agencies an opportunity to present and share outstanding publications and programs. Eight categories may be entered: Single Brochures, Brochure Series, Special Events, Special Facility Brochures, Gift Catalogs, Newsletters, Logo and Logo Series. Marketing and public relations experts will award "best of show" ribbons in all categories.

Special entertainment events will permeate the conference and center around the 2nd floor lobby and the exhibit area. Look for Denby, the robot, the Triton Troupes, Big Bird and Oscar, the Berkley Players, a WIU rappeling demonstration, and Zip, Zap and Birdie.

Finally, if reading about the conference is exhilarating, delegates can expect the actual experience to be extra stimulating and active. No, the Illinois Park and Recreation Conference is not for the faint of heart; but the delegates, leisure specialists and commissioners, are known for containing that extra fling and endurance. They know how to enjoy a conference as well as how to live life and be in it.

Illinois Parks and Recreation   20   September/October 1983