After the Conference…

Who else comes home from a conference riding an inspiration high? Every year, this REC Net Conference fills me with energy thanks to so many amazing recreators, and—if I’m being honest—a little post-conference blues knowing it’ll be another year before I see everyone again. It’s wild how four days can spark that much emotion.

As many of you know, I absolutely love the Recreation Experience Community Network (REC Net). I’ve been a member for more than 30 years, and I’m still inspired by the properties we visit and the creative, talented, passionate students, educators, vendors, and professionals who fill this community. And while I love THIS organization, it doesn’t have to be REC Net—everyone should be part of something. The networking, mentorship, and support are truly priceless.

I just returned from the 44th annual conference, and once again—it delivered. From our keynote speaker, Zack Frongillo, Director of Entertainment for the Savannah Bananas, to our end note speaker, Ben Lorenzen, Creative Director and Chief Memory Officer at Champions Run—the energy, message, and inspiration were nonstop. Ashley Miller from Marriott Vacations Worldwide brought resin crafts to life, and Games, Games, Games (one of my annual favorites!) had me overflowing with ideas. Jessie Decker from Chatham Bars Inn brought Welcome Aboard! Crafting Engaging & Effective Onboarding for Hospitality Stars! Andrew Mintun from Nemacolin brought Recreation is Wide and talked about all the possibilities out there in the recreation industry, Joey O’Reilly from Mohonk Mountain House showed us how to Cultivate Creativity. So many awesome sessions! WOW…I’m still sorting through notes and buzzing with motivation.

Beyond the sessions, the job fair was incredible. Students were talking about properties they hope to interview with and mapping out internship possibilities. From seasonal roles to full-time careers, titles like Lifestyle Director and Director of Fun remind us just how many directions this field can take—especially if you’re open to relocating and taking a chance.

One of my favorite moments every year is when the association recognizes our members and properties with awards ranging from service to programming. As someone on the Awards Committee, I’m always encouraging people to nominate colleagues or showcase their programs—and I’ll keep saying it: nominating someone feels just as good as winning. When you hear a presenter share someone’s story without revealing their name, and suddenly it clicks that they’re talking about YOU…your heart skips a beat. And the person who nominated you feels that joy, too. We could all stand to nominate more often.

Long-time members also get a special privilege: watching students grow into leaders. A perfect example is the legendary Andy Holdnak, a retired educator. Years ago, he promised his students that if any of them ever became a General Manager, he’d hand them a $100 bill. At a conference in Iowa, Andy shared that story, then proudly presented that $100 to Steve Geisz—one of his former students who had worked his way up from Recreation Coordinator to Director to GM. Now Steve is the GM at Eagle Ridge Resort in Illinois, where we’ll be headed next year. He’s one of my closest friends, and I still love telling that story.

I’ve had my own moments like that. Years ago, a young gentleman from Slippery Rock University approached me and asked whether he should paper-clip or staple his résumé before the job fair. I wasn’t even sure—I think I said staples—but I was so surprised (and touched) that he sought me out for help. As I’ve shared in previous blogs, connecting students with Recreation Directors for internships or opportunities is something I love to do. That student was Gary Bleil, and he has grown up in front of all of us.

Today, Gary has been a REC Net member for 22 years. He completed internships at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and Omni Amelia Island Resort, then stayed on full time. Now he’s Director of Recreation there, overseeing nine departments and anywhere from 40 to 100 staff depending on the season. He previously served on the REC Net Board, stepped away, came back, ran for President-Elect, and filled in as Treasurer mid-term. This year, he stepped into the Presidency AND received the Howard Uibel Lifetime Achievement Award—one of our highest honors—recognizing extraordinary achievement, inspiration, integrity, and dedication to the association and the industry. I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Uibel, and he would be so proud to see Gary’s journey.

Watching someone like Gary grow, lead, and inspire his team is one of those incredible full-circle moments. Another “feel good” for the books.

And yes—every year, without fail—I tear up during the awards. Recognizing leaders in our industry, celebrating their creativity and guest service, and honoring their hard work…it matters. And I hope their home properties and communities join in that celebration.

Now that I’m home, I’m flipping through the program, reviewing notes, reconnecting with new members, and brainstorming sessions for next year. On top of that, it’s already time to prepare the first awards reminder letters—There’s no better time than now to start planning those nominations!

No matter how you view it, recognition should feel good—it’s meant to motivate, encourage, and show appreciation. And it means even more when it comes from your peers, colleagues, students, educators, and friends who see the effort you put in to elevate our profession, strengthen our programs and departments, support our staff and students, and ultimately make an impact on our industry.

It may take a little time to put a submission together, but in the end you’re shining a spotlight on those who go the extra mile—true leaders and innovators whose work makes our industry better.

After sitting in on all these great sessions and seeing who’s taking recreation to the next level…my mind is already thinking “AWARDS”. So you know where my passion lies after the conference…but what do you do after a conference? Do you toss everything in a drawer and move on, or do you act on the ideas and information you just gathered?

If you’d like to learn more about the Recreation Experience Community Network (REC Net)…just go to https://rec-network.org

Favorite Quote: “If bread is the first necessity of life, recreation is a close second.”                       -Edward Bellamy

Next Up: Recreation Checklists