Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The CPRS Conference & Expo is designed to inspire and educate park and recreation professionals across California. With approximately 100 educational sessions and a comprehensive exhibit hall featuring over 200 organizations, attendees will have ample opportunities for networking and professional growth.
This event serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and strengthening skills within the parks and recreation field. CPRS Conference & Expo takes place in Long Beach, United States.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The CPRS Conference & Expo takes place from March 2 to 5, 2027, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Long Beach, California.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is the largest gathering for parks and recreation professionals in California and ranks as the third largest in the United States.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by the California Park & Recreation Society Inc, with more details available at cprs.org.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include park and recreation professionals, decision-makers, and industry leaders.
- 5Entry / Access: Early bird registration is currently open, providing opportunities for networking and professional growth.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from a diverse range of educational sessions led by industry experts, networking opportunities with peers, and access to innovative solutions from over 200 exhibitors. The event fosters collaboration and professional growth, making it a must-attend for anyone in the parks and recreation sector.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain visibility among key decision-makers in the parks and recreation industry, showcasing their products and services to a targeted audience. This event provides a unique opportunity to connect with potential clients and partners while contributing to the advancement of the profession.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Park and recreation agency directors and superintendents: Leaders of city, county and special-district park departments comparing programmes, staffing models and capital projects.
Recreation supervisors and programme managers: Staff who run youth sports, aquatics, senior services and community programming and source training plus supplier solutions.
Park maintenance and facilities teams: Grounds, turf and facility managers looking at equipment, surfaces and maintenance practice.
Therapeutic recreation and inclusion specialists: Professionals building accessible and adaptive recreation programmes.
Municipal and agency executives: Decision-makers evaluating budgets, partnerships and community service delivery.
Students and emerging park and recreation professionals: Early-career attendees using CONNECTIONS for education sessions and sector networking.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Playground and park equipment manufacturers: Suppliers of play structures, shade, surfacing and site furnishings for public parks and schools.
Recreation software and registration platforms: Providers of activity registration, facility booking and agency management systems.
Aquatics and sports facility vendors: Pool, splash pad and sports-court equipment and services for community facilities.
Landscape, turf and maintenance suppliers: Companies supplying turf care, irrigation, maintenance equipment and grounds products.
Programme and enrichment service providers: Vendors offering contracted recreation programmes, camps and community services.
Industry partners and associations: Organisations exhibiting partnership, insurance, consulting and professional services to park agencies.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Playgrounds and park amenities
Park and grounds maintenance equipment
Aquatics and community sports facilities
Recreation registration and agency software
Turf, irrigation and landscaping products
Programme, camp and enrichment services
Professional and consulting services for park agencies
Location & Facilities
Venue
SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Facilities
Parking
SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Long Beach typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Long Beach typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at SAFE Credit Union Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
California Park & Recreation Society Inc
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Long Beach, United States
Why it matters
Attending CPRS Conference & Expo on 2027-03-01 to 2027-03-05 in Long Beach lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Long Beach Airport
Closest airport to downtown Long Beach and the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center; compact terminal with rideshare and rental car pick-up. Confirm airline schedules and transfer times before booking
TBA
to venue
10-15 minutes
by car
Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main commercial gateway serving Long Beach; allow 30-45 minutes, longer in peak traffic by road or rail to SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
TBA
to venue
30-45 minutes, longer in peak traffic
by car
John Wayne Airport
Santa Ana / Orange County alternative with domestic service; car rental and rideshare available. Confirm transfer times and airline options before booking
TBA
to venue
35-50 minutes
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
The Queen Mary
midscale
Long Beach waterfrontHistoric ship hotel across the harbor from the convention center. Captured Google Hotels rate of USD 91 per night for the 1-5 March 2027 stay. Treat the band as an estimate and confirm current rates and transfer options.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Walk
Estimated costFree
Best forDowntown Long Beach hotels to SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
Several downtown hotels are within a 5-15 minute walk of the venue; use crosswalks and the waterfront promenade where available.
Rideshare or taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forDowntown and Signal Hill hotels to SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
Uber and Lyft operate across Long Beach. Allow extra time during conference peak hours and use designated pick-up zones.
Long Beach Transit bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 1.25-1.75 single ride; day passes available. Confirm current fares
Best forLong Beach city routes to downtown and the Convention Center
Local bus network links the waterfront, downtown, Signal Hill and surrounding neighborhoods. Check schedules for service frequency.
Metro A Line light rail
Estimated costApprox. USD 1.75 single ride; confirm current Metro fares
Best forMetro A Line to downtown Long Beach stations, then walk or short rideshare to the convention center
Connects Long Beach with Los Angeles Union Station and the wider LA rail network; downtown Long Beach stations are about 10-15 minutes on foot from the venue.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLong Beach Airport (LGB) to SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
10-15 minutes; Closest airport to downtown Long Beach and the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center; compact terminal with rideshare and rental car pick-up. Confirm airline schedules and transfer times before booking.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) to SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
30-45 minutes, longer in peak traffic; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main commercial gateway serving Long Beach; allow 30-45 minutes, longer in peak traffic by road or rail to SAFE Credit Union Convention Center.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forJohn Wayne Airport (SNA) to SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
35-50 minutes; Santa Ana / Orange County alternative with domestic service; car rental and rideshare available. Confirm transfer times and airline options before booking.
Weather
Long Beach in March is mild and coastal: expect daytime temperatures around 66-70 F (19-21 C), overnight lows near 50-54 F (10-12 C), and a chance of passing rain showers. Morning marine layer and afternoon sea breezes are common; confirm the forecast before departure.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage on major US carriers is strong across downtown Long Beach and the convention center. International visitors should check their roaming plan or buy a prepaid US eSIM or SIM on arrival; venue Wi-Fi is usually available for attendees, and hotels may charge for premium Wi-Fi. Bring a portable battery for long expo days and save offline maps for the downtown waterfront.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm at California park and recreation gatherings; agency staff often wear agency-branded polo shirts or department logos on the expo floor. Bring a light layer for air-conditioned session rooms.
Meeting style
Expect a collegial, public-sector tone. Introductions with your name, agency and role are common, and many attendees are long-standing CPRS members. Sessions often blend professional development with peer networking.
Tipping and payments
US restaurants and bars generally expect a 15-20% tip; card and mobile payments are widely accepted. Sales tax applies to most purchases in Long Beach.
Local etiquette
Long Beach is casual and outdoors-oriented. Punctuality is valued for sessions, and badge pick-up at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center is easiest before the first morning session.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LGB
Book into Long Beach Airport (LGB) for the shortest transfer when fares and schedules allow; LAX offers the widest domestic and international choice with a 30-45 minute transfer, and SNA is a secondary option. For LAX arrivals, allow 45-60 minutes to downtown Long Beach during peak traffic; compare the LAX FlyAway plus Metro A Line against rideshare. Book refundable or changeable fares where possible and confirm the final CPRS conference schedule before locking travel.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Long Beach Airport (LGB): 10-15 minutes; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 30-45 minutes, longer in peak traffic; John Wayne Airport (SNA): 35-50 minutes. Allow road or rail time to SAFE Credit Union Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near SAFE Credit Union Convention Center: Long Beach waterfront: The Queen Mary.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Long Beach and Los Angeles County; pick-up and drop-off areas at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center may be designated during the conference. Approx. USD 8-20 for downtown hops; confirm in-app fares.
Public transit: Metro A Line light rail terminates in downtown Long Beach at 1st Street, Downtown Long Beach and Pacific Avenue stations, about a 10-15 minute walk or short rideshare to the convention center. Long Beach Transit buses serve downtown and the Convention Center area; approximate single ride fare USD 1.25-1.75, with day passes available. Confirm schedules on the Long Beach Transit and Metro sites.
Parking: The SAFE Credit Union Convention Center has attached parking structures; expect approximate daily rates of USD 15-25 for event parking, with higher rates for special events. Confirm current rates and accessible spaces with the venue. Nearby downtown garages offer additional capacity.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: Approx. daytime highs 66-70 F (19-21 C), overnight lows 50-54 F (10-12 C); coastal breezes can make mornings and evenings feel cooler. Confirm the forecast in the week before travel.
Seasonality: March is a transitional month with mostly dry days but occasional rain showers; average rainfall is low compared with the winter peak months. Pack a compact umbrella or rain shell and expect cool, breezy evenings near the waterfront.
Packing: Layers for mild days and cool evenings, a light jacket or sweater, comfortable walking shoes for the convention center and waterfront, business casual attire for sessions, a rain shell, and your agency-branded polo if you plan to represent your department on the expo floor. Bring a reusable water bottle and a notebook or tablet for sessions.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at CPRS Conference & Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14
Confirm your registration for the CPRS Annual Conference & Expo and check whether your agency requires a purchase order or travel authorization.
Day 13
Book flights into Long Beach Airport (LGB) or Los Angeles International (LAX) and reserve a downtown Long Beach hotel; confirm cancellation terms.
Day 12
Review the CPRS schedule and select sessions that match your agency's priorities, such as park planning, recreation programming, aquatics, maintenance and administration.
Day 11
Arrange ground transport from the airport and confirm walking or rideshare options to the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center.
Day 10
Check your passport, ESTA or visa status if traveling internationally; save copies digitally.
Day 9
Register for any pre-conference workshops or ticketed events that require separate sign-up.
Day 8
Pack business casual attire, comfortable shoes, a light jacket and a rain shell for Long Beach's coastal March weather.
Day 7
Download the conference app or save the schedule to your phone; note keynote times and expo hall hours.
Day 6
Prepare business cards or a digital contact card and a short summary of your agency's current projects.
Day 5
Confirm hotel check-in and check-out times; ask about parking or early luggage storage if you arrive before check-in.
Day 4
Set up mobile connectivity: check your roaming plan or order a US eSIM; download offline maps for downtown Long Beach.
Day 3
Review the exhibitor list and mark park and recreation suppliers you want to meet on the expo floor.
Day 2
Charge devices and pack a portable battery, notebook and reusable water bottle for long session days.
Day 1
Travel to Long Beach, collect your badge at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center if open, and confirm your first session room.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2CPRS Conference & Expo registration concourse
SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether CPRS Conference & Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the CPRS CONNECTIONS Conference & Expo?
It is the annual conference and trade expo of the California Park & Recreation Society, bringing California park and recreation agencies together with industry suppliers for education sessions and an exhibition floor in Long Beach.
Where is CPRS CONNECTIONS held?
The 2027 edition is set for SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Long Beach, California, United States, in March 2027.
How do I register for CPRS CONNECTIONS?
Registration is handled through the California Park & Recreation Society at cprs.org; the conference-registration page on the CPRS site lists attendance options.
Who exhibits at the CPRS CONNECTIONS Expo?
Industry partners supplying playground and park equipment, recreation software, aquatics facilities, grounds maintenance products and programme services exhibit to California park and recreation agencies.
Who should attend CPRS CONNECTIONS?
Park and recreation directors, recreation supervisors, maintenance and facilities staff, therapeutic recreation specialists and municipal decision-makers from California agencies, plus students entering the field.
Glossary
- CPRS
- California Park & Recreation Society, the professional association that organises the CONNECTIONS Conference & Expo.
- CONNECTIONS
- The name CPRS gives its annual conference and expo combining education sessions with an industry partner exhibition.
- Industry partner
- A supplier or service company exhibiting at the CPRS expo to park and recreation agencies, as listed on the CPRS conference-industry-partners page.
- Therapeutic recreation
- Recreation programmes designed for people with disabilities, a specialist area represented in the CPRS audience.
- SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
- The Long Beach, California venue hosting the 2027 CPRS CONNECTIONS Conference & Expo.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- CPRS Conference & Expo
- CPRS Conference & Expo 2027
- CPRS Conference & Expo Long Beach
- CPRS Conference & Expo Long Beach 2027
- CPRS Conference
- CPRS Conference 2027
- CPRS Conference Long Beach
- CPRS Conference Long Beach 2027
- Expo
- Expo 2027
10 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.