Opening Reception
The Palmer Center
Sunday, June 14, 2026, 7 – 9:30 PM
Mix and mingle with conference attendees to kick-off your Greater & Greener experience in Austin.
Nestled beside the shimmering waters of Lady Bird Lake and cradled by Butler Park, the Palmer Events Center in Austin is a stunning backdrop with urban flair and natural serenity.
With dramatic sweeping canopies and an asymmetrical roof reminiscent of a “Pavilion in the Park,” the venue makes an architectural statement while embracing the green spirit of the city. It is the perfect location for our Opening Reception.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the venue is LEED Gold–certified and powered entirely by renewable energy, with comprehensive recycling and composting operations that divert half of all waste from landfills.
Bring your camera for the nighttime Austin skyline – it’s the true “money shot.”
Closing Reception
Waterloo Park
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 7 – 9:30 PM
As Greater & Greener 2026 wraps, it’s time to wind down with friends old and new at Austin’s Waterloo Park.
Just steps from the Texas Capitol, Waterloo Park is more than a park. It’s a deeply Austin experience: a place where music, nature, history, and community dance together in harmony.
Anchored by 11 acres of revitalized green space, the park features more than 1.5 miles of winding, shady trails that meander through native Hill Country gardens and wetlands, all tethered by the gentle flow of Waller Creek. This serene urban oasis brings together wellness, creativity, and community amidst the city skyline.
Waterloo Park’s design tells a story: over 500 new native plants and more than 60 preserved heritage trees—including a majestic 150‑ton live oak—offer shade, beauty, and ecological resilience. Rain gardens, wetland terraces, and an elevated skywalk both educate and delight as they transform stormwater into lush landscapes while revealing the creek’s historical legacy. At its dynamic core, the Moody Amphitheater welcomes you to soak in live music, cultural performances, and community events on a sweeping 5,000-person lawn under a striking canopy design, which is the main location for our event.
Mayors Forum
Waterloo Ballroom, Austin Marriott Downtown
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Meet the mayors who are transforming how cities think about parks. In an era of extreme weather, funding challenges, and social division, city leaders are turning to parks as powerful solutions for their most pressing problems.
Our panel of mayors will have a dynamic conversation about parks as urban infrastructure. Learn how they’re thinking about parks as tools for:
climate resilience in the face of extreme weather,
social cohesion through shared community spaces,
public health via accessible nature and recreation, and
innovative funding models that sustain park systems long-term.
Expect candid insights on navigating reduced federal funding, evolving policy priorities, and political fragmentation, while still delivering the parks their communities need to thrive.
The panel of mayors will be announced closer to the conference.
Sponsored by:
Exhibition Hall Happy Hour
Moontower Exhibition Hall, Austin Marriott Downtown
Monday, June 15, 2026, 5:45 – 7:15 PM
Unwind and connect at the Exhibition Hall Happy Hour, the perfect way to wrap up your first full day of sessions and mobile workshops.
Join us for a relaxed evening of casual libations, light fare, and great conversation in the heart of the exhibit hall. It’s your chance to mingle with fellow attendees, build connections with exhibitors, and recharge in a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to spark new ideas or simply enjoy some downtime, this lively networking event is not to be missed!
Ice Cream Social
Moontower Exhibition Hall, Austin Marriott Downtown
Monday, June 15, 2026, 2:00 – 2:30 PM
We hope you left room for ice cream! After lunch, return to the Exhibition Hall for networking with exhibitors and fellow attendees while enjoying our popular ice cream social.
Walk & Talk
Various Austin Parks
Monday and Tuesday, June 15 -16, 2026, 6:00 – 7:00 AM
Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow Greater & Greener attendees on an informal walk through a local Austin park. With Austin parks as your background, network with other parks and recreation professionals, meet and speak with City Parks Alliance Board Members, and learn more about City Parks Alliance. Check the conference schedule for days, times, and destinations. (Conference schedule will be announced in early 2026.)
Please note: These are not guided tours of the parks, but instead valuable networking opportunities.
