More than 3,500 individuals attended the 1993 Illinois Park & Recreation Conference, making it the highest attended and most successful event in history. The conference was held in downtown Chicago for the first time, January 7-10, at the Hyatt Regency.

Participants had the opportunity to attend their choice of 21 educational sessions, including revenue development, facility management, customer services, legislative updates, staff motivation, grants and funding opportunities, marketing, program development, passing referendums, and a wide range of other topics. The sessions were designed to appeal to all levels of staff, elected commissioners and board members.

A major highlight of the conference was the 240-booth exhibit hall. The Chicago Park District reconstructed Grant Park in the exhibit area, complete with gardens, trees and a replica of Buckingham Fountain.

Conference delegates were treated to the motivational entertainment of Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago during the All Conference Luncheon on Friday. IAPD and IPRA members were recognized for their services and contributions during the annual Award Luncheon on Saturday. A visit to Shedd Aquarium/Oceanarium and the Field Museum of Natural History closed the event during "A Taste of Chicago" evening.

The conference also featured a silent auction, an agency showcase, the Commissioner's Boardwalk, a student/professional breakfast, IAPD and IPRA annual meetings, past presidents breakfast, secretarial workshops, and Chicago bus tours.

Following is a pictorial of happenings during the 1993 State Conference.

Conference participants gather in "Grant Park," reproduced by
the Chicago Park District in the Exhibit Hall of the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
More than 3,500 individuals attended this year's conference.

Bruce Larson, Urbana Park District, received the Allan A. Weissburg "Commissioner of the Year" Award.

Thomas Donnelley, Friends of Ryerson Woods, received IPRA's "Distinguished Service to Leisure" Award.

Homewood-Flossmoor Commissioner Kay Schebler was recipient of the IAPD President's Award.

Past Presidents of IAPD and IPRA gather during the annual Past Presidents Breakfast.

IAPD Executive Director Ted Flickinger, Olympia Fields District Director Mary Colmar, Senator Aldo DeAngelis and IAPD General Counsel Peter Murphy meet after Senator DeAngelis received the "Legislator of the Year " Award from IAPD.

Winnetka Park District Director Dan Newport, right, was recipient of IPRA's "Bob Artz Distinguished Service Award. " Pictured with Dun are Ron Dodd, Joliet Park District; Terry Scliwartz, Arlington Heights Park District; and Sandra Whitmore, Northbrook Park District.