Making Waves Together: Networking & NCAPA

I was so honored to be asked to travel to Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina for the 2025 state conference for the North Carolina Activity Professionals Association. I presented a variation of my Time Management for Activity Professionals series called "Seas the Day" (get it, beach? Seas? I'm so punny.) And while I always learn when I teach, one of my favorite lessons at this conference was the power of networking!

Our sessions took place at a peaceful beachside camp-like setting, the kind of place where time slows down just enough for you to breathe. Meals were shared in a big, central dining hall where we ate, shared stories, laughed, and enjoyed simple meals. Between sessions, we walked through the woods, stood in the waves, and collected seashells. I'll never forget standing on the beach with the wind in my hair (and sand in my shoes) learning how to do Spin Poi exercises (which was much trickier than it looked! Visit SpinPoi.com to learn more!). We shared stories, complained about staff (you know who I'm talking about, and made crafts together.

It’s in these simple, shared experiences — over coffee, paintbrushes, or seashells — that real connections are formed. The bonds we forge in moments like these are sometimes just as important as the lessons we learn in class. Because let’s be honest: no one understands the challenges and joys of our work quite like another activity professional. These are the people you can call for advice, ideas, recommendations, or just a little encouragement when the day runs long.

I love big exciting national conferences like the NAAP Conference in April (coming to Chicago in 2026!) (https://naap.info/naap-annual-conference/) — the energy and inspiration are incredible! But it’s at the local and state level where those necessary, lasting connections often grow. Networking with your local activity directors isn’t just about professional development — it’s about community, support, and shared purpose. Do you know your local networking groups or organizations? Maybe they have a big annual conference like NCAPA, or maybe it's just a social media group. Here in Dallas, you can join the Facebook group Activity Professionals of DFW (https://www.facebook.com/groups/apdfw). If you don't know about the groups in your area or state, I encourage you to visit the NAAP website (https://naap.info/) and scroll down to the State Resources section.

So I’ll leave you with this question:

How do you connect with others in your area? Who’s in your circle when you need a fresh idea or a listening ear? Who knows which entertainers to hire way in advance and which ones to avoid.

The next time you have the chance to attend a workshop, retreat, or local meeting — take it. You might come home with more than just new knowledge; you might find your next great connection.

Dallasites - Join Natalie and me on Jan. 24th, 2026 for National Activity Professional Week where we're having an in-person conference, planning session, and "vendor-share" where we can discuss all our best local resources. (More info coming Nov. 10th!)