By Jen Gudaz, Member Network Chair and Director of Recreation at Cornell University

One of the most exciting parts of fall and the “back to school” season is rejoining our campus communities and welcoming our newest members into the fold—and the same can be said of our NIRSA community.

Fall regional events are a wonderful way to reconnect with your local NIRSA family and to introduce new members to what our association is all about!

Region I  | Region II | Region III | Region IV | Region V | Region VI

The NIRSA family always has a great time reuniting at regional events.

These events are opportunities to explore new places—to delve into local history, culture, and food—with NIRSA members new and old. Come be a part of them!

Region I

The Region I conference will be held in historic Boston, MA from November 19-22. Rec professionals will be able to enjoy the company of fellow NIRSA members, attend the Student Lead On, and learn from incredible recreation programmers like David McGillivray, Race Director for the Boston Marathon.

At the Region I Conference, you’ll have one of the East Coast’s most incredible cities right at your fingertips! Boston’s North End is a rich display of Italian culture and food, and the beautiful Boston Common—the US’ oldest park—is a wonderful place to get some fresh air. You’ll also have the chance to experience the EMC level at Fenway Park, and get an in depth history lesson about the American Revolution on the Freedom Trail.

Other events in Region I to look forward to include the DC/DE/MD Workshop, the PIRSA Workshop, and the HBCU Summit.

Region II

The weather will be a bit warmer at the Region II Conference, which is taking place in Richmond, VA from October 8-10. NIRSA and the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) have teamed up to provide outdoor activities like whitewater rafting. Members will have dinner and attend a performance at the poignant Virginia War Memorial, and take trolley rides through the historic district.

Join your colleagues in Richmond, VA for your chance to learn and network!

Participants looking for activities outside of the conference can explore top-rated attractions like the Virginia Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of the Confederacy. And, if food is your forte, the HogsHead Café has the best barbeque in town!

Other events in Region II include the NoCRSA State Workshop, the GRSA State Workshop, and the KIRSA State Workshop.

Region III

Fall is a busy time in Region III: it’s when all five state workshops take place!

Wisconsin and Michigan lead off the slate October 9-10 when the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant host their state workshops.

The following week, from October 16-17, the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign will hold the IIRSA state workshop and attendees will get a chance to see the new facilities at the U of I!

Ohio and Indiana will cap the season with workshops on October 23-24 at Cleveland State University and Butler University in Indianapolis respectively.

Join your colleagues at a State Workshop.

Last year, there were 639 attendees at the state workshops and over $14,000 was raised for student scholarships. It looks like 2014 is going to be just as stellar!

Region IV

For members looking for food, history, and culture all wrapped up in Southern hospitality, Region IV events are the ultimate package! The Region IV Conference and Student Lead On will be held October 12-15 at Sam’s Town Casino and Hotel in Shreveport, LA.

In addition to collaborating with colleagues and engaging with new innovations and ideas, Shreveport offers a variety of attractions—from art galleries and museums to the zoo and science center. If you have extra time and are looking for great gumbo and shrimp, Herby-K’s is a must!

Region V

Region V will be host to a slew of workshops—as well as the Region V Flag Football Tournament!

The Minnesota/North Dakota Workshop is taking place in the Twin Cities from September 25-26 and the Colorado/Wyoming State Workshop will be held at Fort Lewis College in Durago, CO from October 15-17.

Lincoln, NE is hosting both a workshop and tournament; the Nebraska/South Dakota State Workshop is from November 6-7 and the Regional Flag Football Tournament follows it on November 8-9.

Region VI

The Region VI conference will be one to remember! In collaboration with AORE, the Region VI Conference and Student Lead On will take place from November 12-14 in Portland.

The city—which is in close proximity to both mountains and ocean—is host to several parks, gardens, bike paths, farmer’s markets, coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants. The famous Voodoo Doughnut is one shop you have to visit! Another main attraction in Portland is the shopping—it’s hard to resist no sales tax.

You can find more details by visiting the Region VI Conference Schedule.

Travel beyond your NIRSA borders

From East to West and North to South, there are NIRSA events for everyone to enjoy this fall! Consider attending a conference outside of your region—it will be a whole new and exciting experience. Learn more about all events by taking a look at the NIRSA Calendar. Think outside the box—or region—this year!