Schedule

Sunday, April 19^th

5:30pm-8:00pm
Dinner and Opening Session, Social
Begin IU EDP by meeting fellow EDP classmates, Alumni, and the EDP Board of Trustees during our  opening session, welcome dinner and “banter, beverages and bakes” social.

Opening Session
Winning the Day, Every Day!

Join Farrell Buller as she kicks off the 2026 program with Winning the Day, Every Day! In parks and recreation, no two days are ever the same—and some feel downright impossible. Whether it’s a sudden storm, a staffing crisis, or an unexpected challenge, the ability to adapt and reset in the moment is critical. Farrell will discuss the mindset shifts and practical strategies needed to bounce back, stay focused, and turn tough moments into small wins. EDP participants will identify tools for building resilience, practice adaptability in action, and learn how celebrating even minor successes can fuel you forward, so no matter what comes your way, you’re ready to win the day.

Speaker: Farrell Buller, Consultant -Principal & Certified Executive Coach, 110%, Inc.

Monday, April 20^th

8:30am-11:30am
1st and 2nd Year Students
Money, Ethics, and the Body Politic
At its core, politics is meant to be a force for good - a mechanism for social cooperation and the construction of civic life. It should serve as a foundation for communities to thrive, where decisions are made for the collective good. However, politics goes astray when individuals in positions of influence manipulate the system for their own advantage, turning governance into political theater at the expense of the commons. Governing with integrity is no popularity contest. It demands grit, intelligence, and the ability to withstand scrutiny. Those in professional staff and advisory roles as well as have a responsibility to exhibit due diligence – to gather and evaluate data, evaluate long-term impacts, and make sound and responsible recommendations. But here’s the truth: no matter how rational or evidence-based this guidance may be, elected officials are not obligated to follow it. That is a hard pill to swallow for many public servants who dedicate their careers and work towards good and ethical governance.
Speaker: Jamie Sabbach, Consultant- President & Principal, 110%, Inc.

1:00pm-4:15pm
1st Year Students
Leading with Impact: Navigating Culture to Elevate Leadership
Explore the powerful intersection of leadership and organizational culture through real-world scenarios, group collaboration, and guided discussion. Participants will uncover the often-invisible forces that shape culture and influence leadership effectiveness—and vice versa. Leaders will engage in strategic reflection to assess their own cultural impact and learn how to shape environments that foster trust, innovation, and high performance. The session provides tools for evaluating and evolving culture with intention, while highlighting how inclusive, values-driven leadership builds resilient and adaptive teams. Attendees will leave equipped to lead with authenticity and cultural acuity.
Speaker: Jackie O'Connell Executive Director, MetroParks of Butler County OH

1:00pm-4:15pm
2nd Year Students
Risky Business: How to Manage It
Risky Business isn't just legal jargon; it is full of real cases that have affected parks and recreation professionals. A panel of park professionals will share and discuss actual cases, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Learn how to manage risk in your facilities, parks, and programs. Discussion focuses on preventing accidents and property loss and how to counteract excessive legal claims.
Speakers: Bill Ramos, PhD-Indiana University Associate Professor, Carl Lindell Indiana Department of Natural Resources,  and Mike Allen-Allen Law LLC

Tuesday, April 21^st

8:30am-11:30am
1st Year Students
AI and Other Technologies 
Creating Parks Superpowers: Learn how to elevate your parks and recreation leadership abilities with broadly available technology and AI. We’ll explore how technology-focused strategies can enhance decision-making, audience engagement, creative development, and effective communication using best practices and evolving technologies. This session will equip you with “superpowers” to get more from technology, ensuring your success as a parks leader in the future.

Speaker: Alex Hannah, Chief, Marketing & Creative Services-DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation

8:30am-11:30am
2nd Year Students
Blocks to Breakthroughs
Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs start with your hands. In this interactive, hands-on session, participants will use the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method to surface ideas, unlock creativity, and communicate more clearly. Grounded in research and designed to foster deep listening, collaboration, and problem solving, this method helps individuals see challenges and articulate bold, forward-moving strategies. You'll leave with a tangible model—and a powerful story—to help move your organization from stuck to strategic.
Speaker: Farrell Buller, Consultant -Principal & Certified Executive Coach, 110%, Inc

1:00pm-4:15pm
1st Year and 2nd Year Students
Challenging Traditional Approaches
What practices and experiences can you share with your fellow IU EDP classmates? What issues are impacting you and your agency? This joint session is an opportunity for you to call the sessions you want to, and be part of the conversations you need to. Using a technique from the Art of Hosting, you’ll host roundtable discussions that allow you to network, learn, and share with other attendees, board members, and instructors. This will give you the opportunity to interact with many professionals from across the country on subjects important to you, providing you with needed resources to navigate change and make improvements. If you’re in need of a solution or inspiration, bring a topic with you to discuss!
Session Facilitator: Jackie O’Connell Executive Director, MetroParks of Butler County OH