Save the Date for GLPTI! February 23-26, 2026
With 80 years running, GLPTI is the premier conference for parks and recreation professionals. Join us at the Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park in beautiful Angola Indiana!
Featuring:
- Up to 28 unique educational sessions and workshops to choose from!
- Three full conference days, with two-day option!
- Networking opportunities- in-person and online
- Nightly social events including Pokagon’s famous Toboggan Run!
- GLPTI Annual Awards Presentation and Luncheon
- Up to 2.6 Continuing Education Units (CEU) available ($20 additional fee)
- Virtual registration included with Full Conference registration
- Access to recorded webinars for 60 days!
- Lodging and meals at the Potawatomi Inn available!
- Virtual attendance option includes:
- Up to 12 educational sessions, including webinars and livestreamed sessions
- Online networking and social opportunities
- Up to 1.475 Continuing Education Units (CEU) available ($20 additional fee)
- Access to recorded materials for 60 days!
The Eppley Center for Parks and Public Land’s 80th Great Lakes Park Training Institute is proud to offer its certificate program for women leaders! The Women in Parks Leadership certificate, led by women from the National Park Service, park and recreation districts, conservation districts, and Eppley, has designed a curriculum that helps future women leaders meet several significant challenges in leading agencies, especially as these spaces evolve to meet the demands of changing climates, health needs, and the diversity of the nation. The program will be held February 23 to 26, 2026 as part of the Great Lakes Park Training Institute.
Note: Women in Park Leadership is a separate listing from the GLPTI "full conference registration." Please make sure you select the "Women in Parks Leadership Program" option while checking out.
Lodging and Meal Information!
The Great Lakes Park Training Institute has been held annually since 1947 at the historic Potawatomi Inn in beautiful Pokagon State Park in Northeast Indiana. The Inn will sell out for the Institute so please book early! Additional lodging can be found in Angola and Fremont, Indiana when the Potawatomi is full.
Please call 260-833-1077 to make your reservation using the code GLPT26. These rates are only for the Potawatomi Inn and only while rooms are available. Prices include Indiana sales taxes.
Become a Presenter
Planning for the 2026 Great Lakes Park Training Institute (GLPTI) is underway! The annual Institute has a more than 75-year tradition of excellence in park and recreation training programs. The Institute is scheduled for February 23-26, 2026 and will consist of a combination of traditional in-person sessions and live-streamed sessions for the virtual audience.
If you are interested in becoming a presenter, please apply via the button below.
Apply to be a Presenter
Sponsorship information!
The Great Lakes Park Training Institute has been held annually every February since 1947. With over 24,000 alumni attending the Great Lakes Park Training Institute since 1947 from agencies representing 49 states and six countries, Your support as a sponsor is crucial to continuing this unique educational opportunity and gives you exposure to approximately 250 park professionals.
GLPTI 2026 Sponsorship Kit
Become a Sponsor
If you have any questions, please email glpti@iu.edu.
Awards and Scholarship
GLPTI presents the Great Lakes Park, Facility, or Program Awards and the Lawson Award at the Institute’s Annual Awards Dinner and Ceremony to recognize cutting-edge projects in the leisure movement and individuals who make significant contributions to the parks and recreation profession. The Garrett G. Eppley Scholarship is awarded annually to help park professionals attend the conference and advance their careers.
Great Lakes Park, Facility, or Program AwardThe Institute annually presents this award in recognition of park facilities and programs completed within the last five years that represent the cutting edge of the leisure movement throughout the United States. These projects represent innovative, cost-effective design, demonstrate the utilization of community input and resources, and make a significant impact on their community and agency. |
Richard Lawson Award for Professional ExcellenceGiven annually by the GLPTI Board of Advisors, the Lawson Award is presented to individuals who exemplify continued and significant contributions to the parks and recreation profession in the Great Lakes region. |
Garrett G. Eppley ScholarshipThe Garrett G. Eppley Scholarship is awarded annually to help park professionals who are looking to advance their careers attend the conference. Scholarship funds will be applied toward registration at GLPTI. |
Nominate or apply for an award or scholarship
