Fall 2012 Newsletter Extended: Conference Relfections
Live It, Protect It, Explore It!
View all Newsletters
REFLECTIONS ON MY FIRST PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE
By Kevin Mould (RPTA '14), Staff Writer
When I first accepted my position on the Quiz Bowl team last spring, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I guess that this is true for most things in the sense that other people can tell you about a place or experience all they want, but you can never truly know until you've done it yourself. It was in this position that I found myself over the summer as I prepared, and even more so in the fall as the date of the 2012 NRPA Congress rapidly approached. I knew plenty of exhibitors were going to be there, and that our department faculty were going to give presentations, but I still wondered: How was everything going to look? What kind of people would I encounter? What will the other Quiz Bowl Teams be like?
With these questions still in my mind and an abundance of nervous energy, the day finally arrived to hit the road for Anaheim. When we arrived, I was instantly engulfed by the magic of Disneyland and the signs and displays for the conference that would be kicking off the next morning. After getting settled and having the chance to explore a little bit, I came to a realization: this was going to be awesome. Sure enough, the conference's opening day did not disappoint. I was initially overwhelmed by the masses of people in the registration lines, but once the commencement session got underway with its opening remarks from the NRPA president and a thoroughly entertaining keynote speaker, I was ready to take everything on. The exhibit hall was full of exhibitors of every kind, from playground and sports equipment makers to book publishers and other universities there to promote their programs. My time spent working at Cal Poly's booth brought with it interactions with potential grad students, individuals looking to network, and general conference attendees with genuine curiosity about our major. Being able to talk to everyone and learn more about the variety of options available in our industry was an eye-opening experience.
After a short but de-stressing trip to Disneyland that afternoon, Wednesday, the day of the Quiz Bowl, finally arrived. Myself and the other team members started it off by listening to a presentation from Dr. Greenwood, John Engh (Chief Operating Officer for the National Alliance for Youth Sports), and Dr. Hendricks regarding competitive balance and youth sports. We then took some more time to make our way around the convention floor and talk with people before going into study mode. All too quickly the competition arrived, and I was as nervous as I have ever been. Once everything picked up and got going, however, I was focused and determined to put forth a strong effort. Needless to say, our combined strengths showed through, and the title was ours after an exciting couple of hours. Excitement and celebration followed, and with them the opportunity for the whole Cal Poly delegation to spend time together as a group (along with our fellow students from Texas A&M).
Before heading home the next day we got the rare opportunity to take an exclusive tour of the Disneyland Hotel properties with Jason Alexander. Alexander is General Manager of Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel and an RPTA Advisory Council member. I learned an immense amount about the resort and the many components that make it so successful. All in all, I can easily say that this conference will go down as one of my best college experiences, and one that provided me with extensive practical experience. Although it may not have gotten me a job or an internship, I grew more comfortable with the process of networking with people and exploring what our industry has to offer, both of which should undoubtedly benefit me down the road. I am truly appreciative of the experience that I had, and can forever look to this conference as a showcase of all the things that make our department so great!
Make a Donation
Make a donation to the Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Administration Department!