From large-group presentations to hands-on outdoor experiences, Greater & Greener offers a variety of session formats that allow participants to engage with content in different ways and connect with fellow park professionals.
Educational Sessions
Traditional conference-style learning with a moderator, speakers, and audience Q&A
Panels
Panels explore complex topics from multiple perspectives, featuring a moderator and 2-3 speakers. Panels include presentations and moderated discussion, followed by interactive audience Q&A in breakouts with speakers.
Sunday Seminar
The Sunday Seminar is an extended, in-depth panel discussion that delves deeper into a single topic than typical conference panels. The seminar features a moderator and 3-4 speakers, moderated discussion, and audience Q&A. Space is limited. The Sunday Seminar is a ticketed event and is not included in the base registration.
Skill-Building Workshop
Skill-Building Workshops are an extended (3-hour) session featuring presentations from 3 panelists, moderated discussion, audience Q&A, and interactive small group discussion breakouts. It is an opportunity to dig deep into a topic and learn from your peers. Space is limited. The Skill-Building Workshop is a ticketed event and is not included in the base registration.
Panels, Sunday Seminar, and Skill-Building Workshop sessions are typically approved for continuing education units (CEUs). More details will be available when the conference schedule is released in early 2026.
Peer Conversations
Interactive discussions and hands-on learning
Peer Conversations are facilitated group discussions (up to 45 people) where participants share ideas, challenges, perspectives, and advice. A discussion leader moderates the conversation, assisted by 1-3 facilitators who guide smaller group conversations. The conversations share a focus that can be:
Topically-based, such as biodiversity, youth programming, safety, etc., or
Cohort-based, such as by professional roles (e.g., public agencies, nonprofits, philanthropies, design consultants, community organizations, issue advocates), or by identity (e.g., practitioners of color, women practitioners).
In addition to their more intimate size, some Peer Conversations are limited to specific practitioners and require verification of eligibility. Signing up for those sessions will automatically add you to a waitlist, allowing planners to confirm your eligibility. Check session descriptions for requirements before signing up; you will be notified when admitted, giving you time to make other plans.
Peer Conversations are not eligible for CEUs.
Hands-On Outdoor Learning
Exploration and learning in Austin’s parks and green spaces
Mobile Workshops
Mobile Workshops are small-group educational, behind-the-scenes learning opportunities. They provide you a chance to see innovation throughout Austin’s parks system and meet the key local leaders who make it happen. Mobile workshops typically last around 2 hours, plus travel time. Sign up early, as spaces are limited.
Mobile Workshops are typically eligible for CEUs.
Weekend Tours
Weekend Tours are adventurous activities showcasing Austin’s parks and landmarks. They are typically half- or full-day excursions, and many include some level of physical activity.
Weekend Tours are not included in the base registration, and prices vary based on length, meals, and equipment rentals that may be included in the tour package. Sign up early, as spaces are limited.
Weekend Tours are not eligible for CEUs.
Networking Sessions
Building relationships and connections
Walk & Talks
Walk & Talks are outdoor networking opportunities for parks and recreation professionals to meet and network with each other and City Parks Alliance Staff or Board Members, with Austin’s parks and landmarks as a backdrop. They are not formal tours, but rather small-group opportunities to network and learn while exploring Austin.
Walk & Talks are not eligible for CEUs.
Speed Networking
Speed Networking takes the guesswork out of networking by placing you in small groups of four people for fifteen minutes at a time. Groups will rotate three times during the event, for a total of four networking opportunities. With the rotations introducing you to a total of twelve different park professionals, you’re sure to make some great connections. Talk about whatever’s on your mind, or choose from a set of question prompts to get the conversation going.
Speed Networking is not eligible for CEUs.
