Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Northern New England Recreation & Parks Conference is a premier event for parks and recreation professionals, celebrating over 70 years of excellence. This year's conference will be held at the Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash from January 12 to 14, 2027.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in educational sessions, networking events, and connect with exhibitors showcasing the latest in parks and recreation products and services. Northern New England Recreation & Park Conference.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Northern New England Recreation & Park Conference takes place from January 12 to 14, 2027, at the Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash in Bartlett, NH.
- 2Scale and Focus: This annual conference is a premier gathering for parks and recreation professionals across New England, featuring over 175 attendees and numerous exhibitors.
- 3Organiser: The conference is organized by a dedicated committee of parks and recreation professionals from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include parks and recreation professionals, educators, and exhibitors looking to network and share insights.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is now open, with early bird discounts available for delegates.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from a wealth of knowledge through educational sessions and networking opportunities with industry peers. This annual conference is a premier gathering for parks and recreation professionals across New England, featuring over 175 attendees and numerous exhibitors.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will gain direct access to over 175 parks and recreation professionals, providing a unique opportunity to showcase their products and services. This conference is an ideal venue for building relationships and generating leads within the New England parks and recreation sector.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Municipal parks and recreation directors and superintendents from New England towns
Recreation program coordinators who plan youth, adult, and adaptive programming
Park maintenance and grounds supervisors responsible for fields, trails, and facilities
Therapeutic recreation and inclusion specialists serving residents with disabilities
Community center, aquatics, and senior center managers
Trail, open-space, and conservation commission members
Parks and recreation board and committee volunteers
Town administrators and finance staff who oversee recreation department budgets
Students and early-career professionals in recreation management and park planning
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Playground and outdoor fitness equipment manufacturers serving municipal parks departments
Park shelter, shade structure, and site furnishing suppliers
Aquatic and splash-pad designers, installers, and water-treatment providers
Turf, grounds, and trail maintenance equipment dealers
Recreation registration, facility booking, and parks management software vendors
Landscape architecture, park planning, and engineering firms
Restroom, concession, and storage building manufacturers
Safety surfacing, fencing, lighting, and accessibility product providers
Trail design, arboriculture, and outdoor recreation consultants
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Playground and inclusive play equipment
Park shelters, shade structures, and site furnishings
Aquatic and splash-pad systems
Turf, grounds, and trail maintenance equipment
Recreation registration and facility management software
Outdoor fitness and court equipment
Restroom, concession, and storage buildings
Lighting, fencing, and safety surfacing
Accessibility and risk management products
Park planning, landscape architecture, and engineering services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash
104 Grand Summit Dr, Bartlett, NH 03812
Facilities
Parking
Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash in Bartlett 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: Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash in Bartlett 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 Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Early Bird Delegate Registration Fee
185
Who runs the show
Organisers
a committee made up of parks & recreation professionals and exhibitor representatives from
Organiser
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Exhibitors
20
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Bartlett, US
Why it matters
On 2027-01-12 to 2027-01-14, Northern New England Recreation & Park Conference in Bartlett covering Recreational equipment and supplies, Park maintenance tools and services, Educational materials for recreation professio gives technology buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published 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.
Portland International Jetport
Closest commercial airport to the Mount Washington Valley; rental cars are available. Allow extra time in winter weather
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 hr 45 min to 2 hr by car to Bartlett
by car
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
Alternative to Boston with fewer crowds; rent a car or arrange a transfer. Confirm winter road conditions
TBA
to venue
Approx. 2 hr by car to Bartlett
by car
Boston Logan International Airport
Largest choice of flights; allow winter buffer on I-93 and Route 302. Rental cars and intercity options are available
TBA
to venue
Approx. 2 hr 30 min to 3 hr by car to Bartlett
by car
Lebanon Municipal Airport
Small airport with limited commercial service; check current schedules before relying on it for conference travel
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 hr 45 min to 2 hr by car to Bartlett
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Nordic Village Resort
3-star
Bartlett, NHUSD 115–145 / night
Free Wi-Fi, free parking, pools, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, spa
Hampton Inn & Suites North Conway
3-star
North Conway, NHUSD 115–145 / night
Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center
Golden Gables Inn Dazzler Select by Wyndham
3-star
North Conway, NHUSD 115–145 / night
Free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly, kitchen in some rooms, accessible
Christmas Farm Inn and Spa
3-star
Jackson, NHUSD 115–145 / night
Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, pools, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center, spa
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare or taxi
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forNorth Conway to Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash, Bartlett
Rural supply can be limited, especially in the evening and during winter storms. Pre-book where possible.
Rental car
Estimated costApprox. USD 45-90 per day plus fuel; confirm rates
Best forPWM, MHT, or BOS airport to Bartlett
Most flexible option for the Mount Washington Valley. Winter tires or all-wheel drive are advisable.
On-site parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 0-15 per day; confirm with venue
Best forGrand Summit Hotel at Attitash
Confirm whether a conference rate applies and how snow clearing affects lot access.
Intercity bus plus taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 30-55 bus plus USD 25-45 taxi; confirm schedules
Best forBoston or Portland to North Conway, then taxi to Bartlett
Service is limited and may be seasonal. Check current operators, drop-off points, and winter schedules.
Hotel shuttle
Estimated costApprox. USD 0-10 per ride if offered; confirm with hotel
Best forParticipating lodges to the Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash
Not all lodges run shuttles. Ask your hotel directly and reserve ahead for conference evenings.
Weather
Bartlett, NH sits in the Mount Washington Valley; January is mid-winter with snow and freezing temperatures, so allow buffer time for weather-affected road travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Winter travel and clothing
Bartlett sits in the Mount Washington Valley, and conference-time weather can include snow, ice, and sub-freezing temperatures. Pack insulated layers, waterproof boots, and allow extra driving time.
Business casual
Parks and recreation professionals in New England typically wear business casual. Conference attire is practical, with warmer layers for indoor and outdoor transitions.
Tipping
Restaurant tipping of 15-20% is standard. Taxis and rideshares often use app-based tipping, so check the payment screen before you exit.
No sales tax
New Hampshire has no state sales tax, which can affect budgeting for supplies and personal purchases during the trip.
Outdoor recreation culture
The North Conway and Bartlett area is a four-season outdoor hub. Many attendees combine the conference with skiing or hiking, so book winter lodging early.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Bartlett; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Portland International Jetport: Approx. 1 hr 45 min to 2 hr by car to Bartlett; Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: Approx. 2 hr by car to Bartlett; Boston Logan International Airport: Approx. 2 hr 30 min to 3 hr by car to Bartlett; Lebanon Municipal Airport: Approx. 1 hr 45 min to 2 hr by car to Bartlett. Allow road or rail time to Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash: Bartlett, NH: Nordic Village Resort; North Conway, NH: Hampton Inn & Suites North Conway; North Conway, NH: Golden Gables Inn Dazzler Select by Wyndham.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Bartlett; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Bartlett and the Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash are not served by a metro or fixed-rail line. Public transit in the Mount Washington Valley is limited and often seasonal. Most attendees fly into Portland International Jetport, Manchester-Boston Regional, or Boston Logan and drive, use a rental car, or take taxi or rideshare from North Conway. Confirm current bus or shuttle operators before travel, and allow extra time in winter weather.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: January in Bartlett, New Hampshire is deep winter; expect sub-freezing daytime temperatures and overnight lows well below freezing. Check a live forecast before packing.
Seasonality: January is peak winter season in the White Mountains, with snow far more likely than rain and possible winter-storm travel disruption on mountain roads.
Packing: Pack insulated layers, a warm winter coat, gloves, hat, waterproof snow boots and traction aids for icy footpaths; check current road and storm conditions before driving to the venue.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Northern New England Recreation & Park Conference usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your registration tier and early-bird delegate fee of USD 185 on the official NNERPC site, and save the confirmation email.
T-2
Book lodging in Bartlett or North Conway, such as Nordic Village Resort, Hampton Inn & Suites North Conway, Golden Gables Inn, or Christmas Farm Inn, and check the cancellation policy.
T-3
Reserve a rental car or pre-book taxi or rideshare from Portland, Manchester, or Boston; winter weather can extend drive times.
T-4
Download the NNERPC schedule PDF and colour brochure to review session times, exhibit hours, and any ticketed add-ons.
T-5
Pack insulated layers, waterproof boots, and business-casual attire for a winter conference in the Mount Washington Valley.
T-6
Save offline maps and the venue address for the Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash in Bartlett, New Hampshire.
T-7
Confirm parking or hotel shuttle arrangements with the venue and your lodging provider.
T-8
Review the exhibitor list and product categories so you can plan booth visits efficiently.
T-9
Build in travel buffer for snow and ice on Route 302 and mountain passes.
T-10
Bring business cards and a notebook for sessions and supplier conversations.
T-11
Check weather and air-quality forecasts before departure; sensitive groups should follow local advisories.
T-12
Confirm accessibility, dietary, or pet arrangements with the venue and lodging in advance.
T-13
Charge devices and pack a portable battery for long conference days.
T-14
Confirm return travel and airport transfer timing before the final day.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Northern New England Recreation & Park Conference registration concourse
Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash
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.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 185 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 185 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Northern New England Recreation & Park Conference fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Northern New England Recreation & Park Conference, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Recreational equipment and supplies and Park maintenance tools and services solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Northern New England Recreation & Park Conference in Bartlett.
Min. budget
$685.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Recreational equipment and supplies and Park maintenance tools and services products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$3,082.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Bartlett show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the NNERPC Conference?
The NNERPC Conference is a regional gathering for parks and recreation professionals at the Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash in Bartlett, New Hampshire. It combines education sessions with an exhibit hall for products and services used by municipal and community recreation departments.
Who should attend the NNERPC Conference?
Municipal recreation directors, program coordinators, park maintenance supervisors, therapeutic recreation specialists, aquatics and community center managers, board members, and students in recreation management attend to compare suppliers and share practice across New England.
Where is the NNERPC Conference held?
The listed venue is the Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash in Bartlett, New Hampshire, in the Mount Washington Valley. Check the official NNERPC site for current edition dates, registration hours, and any venue changes.
How much is delegate registration?
The listed early-bird delegate registration fee is USD 185 per person. Confirm current pricing, inclusions, and deadlines on the official NNERPC registration page before booking travel.
Is the conference open to the public?
It is a professional conference for parks and recreation practitioners and suppliers, not a consumer show. Exhibits and sessions are aimed at municipal and community recreation decision-makers.
What should I wear and pack?
Business casual is typical, with warm layers for a winter Mount Washington Valley conference. Pack waterproof boots and a winter coat, and allow extra travel time for snow or ice.
How do I get to Bartlett, New Hampshire?
Most attendees fly into Portland International Jetport, Manchester-Boston Regional, or Boston Logan and drive to Bartlett. Rental cars are the most flexible option; taxi and rideshare service from North Conway is limited, so pre-book where possible.
Is parking available at the venue?
On-site parking is listed at the Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash. Confirm current daily rates, conference parking arrangements, and winter lot conditions with the venue or organiser.
How can I exhibit at NNERPC?
Contact the NNERPC organiser through the official site for exhibitor contracts, booth availability, shipping rules, and exhibit-hall hours. Do not ship materials to the venue without confirming receiving and storage arrangements.
What topics appear on the programme?
Sessions and exhibitor categories cover playgrounds and inclusive play, aquatics and splash pads, turf and grounds maintenance, recreation software, trail and open-space planning, accessibility, and community programming.
Whom should I contact about accessibility or dietary needs?
Contact the venue and NNERPC organiser directly for mobility, hearing, dietary, or other accommodation requests. Confirm deadlines well before travel so arrangements can be made.
Glossary
- ADA transition plan
- A public-agency plan that identifies barriers to accessibility in parks, facilities, and programs and sets a schedule for removing them under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- CAPRA accreditation
- Voluntary accreditation for park and recreation agencies through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, based on standards for planning, administration, and service delivery.
- CPSI
- Certified Playground Safety Inspector, a credential for professionals who inspect playground equipment and surfacing against national safety standards.
- IPM
- Integrated Pest Management, a decision-making approach that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical controls to manage pests while reducing risk to people and the environment.
- Inclusive playground
- A play area designed so children and caregivers with a range of physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities can access and use the equipment and surfacing.
- NRPA
- National Recreation and Park Association, a national professional organization that supports parks and recreation agencies through advocacy, research, and professional development.
- Splash pad
- An aquatic play area with no standing water, using fountains, spray features, and recirculating systems for unsupervised or lightly supervised water play.
- Therapeutic recreation
- Recreation services designed to help people with disabilities or health conditions develop skills, improve function, and participate in leisure activities.
- Trail stewardship
- Planned care of trails and surrounding natural areas, including drainage, erosion control, signage, vegetation management, and volunteer maintenance.
- Turf management
- The practice of maintaining sports fields and lawns through mowing, fertilization, irrigation, aeration, and pest control to keep surfaces safe and playable.
- Green infrastructure
- Nature-based stormwater and landscape systems, such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable surfaces, used in parks to manage runoff and improve water quality.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Northern New England Recreation & Park Conference 2027
- Northern New England Recreation & Park Conference Bartlett 2027
- Northern New England Recreation 2027
- Northern New England Recreation Bartlett 2027
- Bartlett US
- Recreational equipment and supplies
- Park maintenance tools and services
- Educational materials for recreation professionals
- Technology solutions for parks and recreation management
- Conference Conference Bartlett
1 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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Northern New England Recreation & Park Conference
- event_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.