Conference Time!

by Jim Stutts, VRPS Executive Director, Central Office

As you know, a great deal of time and effort goes into planning the VRPS Annual Conference.  The process takes approximately 12 – 18 months, and involves dozens of very talented and committed individuals.  With the next conference planning team getting organized prior to the existing planning team’s actual event, the conference planning literally never ends.  Nor should it.  Each year new and fresh ideas emerge, exciting new venues are unveiled, interesting speakers and fascinating exhibits are discovered, and lots of members take advantage of this exceptional training and networking opportunity.

Wintergreen Resort - Stoney Creek Golf Course

I know you’ve heard this before, but it’s worth repeating.  This year’s conference at Wintergreen, September 8 – 11, will be spectacular.  The planning team is in the final phase of confirming educational sessions (approximately 75), sponsors and exhibitors, really fun entertainment…can you ride a bull, climb a wall, identify stars or slide down a mountain.  All of this and great food and much, much more is awaiting you at Wintergreen.  If you have not been to a VRPS Conference in a few years, I assure you, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Now thinking ahead.  The 2013 Conference Team met last week at James City County’s newest park, Freedom Park.  First of all, the new team has vetted over 47 different theme ideas, and is very close to unveiling the 2013 Conference official conference title, theme and logo.  Scheduled for September 7 – 10, 2013 at the Williamsburg Hotel and Conference Center (formally the Williamsburg Marriott), the conference is going to be special.

"Go Ape" Treetop Adventure Course

If we are lucky, we may get a chance to visit FreedomPark!  What a neat space.  It is a 601 acre forested retreat with 30 miles of hiking trails, Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course, Revolutionary Way Battle Site, a Free Black settlement, a 17^th century homestead, botanical garden and Interpretative Center.  It’s a fascinating park.  In fact, you may want to visit it before 2013!

Freedom Park Cabins

VRPS continues to benefit from scores of talented and committed members that are passionate about our profession.  They also are very generous in sharing time and expertise to make VRPS a better and relevant organization.  There is pride among us and for that we are extremely fortunate.