2024 Sapora Symposium
RST 199
Welcome to the 2024 Sapora Symposium
In 2024, the Sapora Symposium will highlight the important role of recreation, sport, and tourism agencies contributed to the revival of the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of Chicagoland in the post-pandemic era. Urban renewal via leisure related industries has emerged as a critical aspect of the contemporary metropolitan landscape with sports events, conventions, hospitality, public recreation, and facility development serving as a focus of wide-ranging regeneration programs and initiatives.
On Thursday, Jan. 25, Gov. Pritzker delivered opening remarks for the RST Alumni Social and Sapora Symposium kickoff event at Hubbard Inn in Chicago.
Spring 2024
One-hour CRN 59623 (webinar series only)
Two-hour CRN 59625 (in-person events, service project and webinar series)
https://courses.illinois.edu/schedule/2024/spring/RST/199
NOTE: In person and online webinar events will be open to public.
In-Person Events
Thursday, Jan. 25, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Sapora Symposium Kickoff/RST Alumni Social at the Hubbard Inn in Chicago
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivered opening remarks
Wednesday, March 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Lisa Nucci: Choose Chicago
At the Sapora Symposium, we had the pleasure of listening to Lisa Nucci, Chief Marketing Officer of Choose Chicago, share her journey and insights into promoting tourism in the city. Lisa's passion for Chicago shines through as she discusses the city's attractions, events, culture, and dining scene. Thank you, Lisa, for your valuable perspective and for inspiring us with your work!
Friday, April 12
RST Awards Ceremony
FIELD TRIP
Tuesday, April 16
April 16th Sapora Symposium – Spring 2024
Wintrust Sports Complex
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Time |
Session |
Speakers |
Notes |
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9:00 am |
Depart C-U |
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11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
Keynote Panel – Intersections Among Parks, Recreation, Sport & Tourism |
Kyle McDonald, President, Sport & Entertainment Travel Jan Arnold, Executive Director, Park District of Oak Park Aimee Watters, Program and Event Coordinator (Veterans Programs), Chicago Park District Carrie Fullerton, Executive Director, Arlington Heights Park District Joe Renovsky, Village of Bedford Park, Chief Business Officer – Marketing & Economic Development |
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12:40 – 1:40 pm |
Finding the Best Position and Positioning Yourself for Success in the Job Market |
Adam Lewandowski, Superintendent of Athletic Programs & Facilities, Wheaton Park District Rebecca Brandtman, Senior Project Manager, Chicago Park District Cheryl Vargo, Manager - Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center, Olympia Fields Park District and Homewood-Flossmor Park District. Darrell Houston, Athletic Manager, Wheaton Park District Joe Renovsky, Village of Bedford Park, Chief Business Officer – Marketing & Economic Development Juan Acevedo, Superintendent of Marketing and Communications, Wheeling Park District |
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1:45 – 2:45 pm |
Trends and Issues in Recreation, Parks, Sport and Event Management |
Carrie Fullerton, Executive Director, Arlington Heights Park District Juan Acevedo, Superintendent of Marketing and Communications, Wheeling Park District Someone from IPRA – TBD Kyle McDonald, President, Sport & Entertainment Travel Jan Arnold, Executive Director, Park District of Oak Park Aimee Watters, Program and Event Coordinator (Veterans Programs), Chicago Park District
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2:45 – 2:50 pm |
Concluding Remarks |
Mike Raycraft |
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3:00 pm |
Depart for White Sox Tour and Game |
Mike Raycraft and Students |
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Service projects
February 24–25
Illini Get Pickled–Pickleball Tournament (Fundraiser for Cunningham Home)
Check out the WCIA story on this
Partners: Cunningham Childrens Home, RST 460, Illini Pickleball Club, FanCity (Sponsor)
April 26-27
Illinois Marathon Service Event (Details TBA)
Webinar series (Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Feb. 7
Chicago/Champaign Marathon: Executive Leadership
Michael Nishi, COO of Chicago Event Management/general manager of the Chicago Marathon
Carey Pinkowski, CEO and president of Chicago Event Management/executive race director of the Chicago Marathon
Jan Seeley, director, Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend (Champaign)
Moderators:
Michael Raycraft/Jake Fredericks
Feb. 21
Cinespace Studio: “Chicago—the Hollywood of the Midwest”
Alex Pissios, CEO and founder of Cinespace
Founded in 2011, Cinespace Chicago is the largest film studio company in North America and has earned Chicago the nickname “Hollywood of the Midwest”. The studio is the premier service provider in the Midwest for film, TV and commercials, and features 36 active stages and production offices. These facilities have provided the production sites for a broad range of popular television series including Chicago Fire, Fargo, and Empire.
Feb. 28
The Illinois Secretary of State—Alexi Giannoulias
April 8
Christy George, Executive Director of Host Committee of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Navy Pier: “The #1 Tourist Attraction in Illinois” (April 10)
Marilynn Gardner, president & CEO of Navy Pier
To Register:
Topic: Sapora Symposium Series
https://illinois.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9QvXUR-ySFSVE08K4S35iA
FOR INFORMATION: Email Dr. Michael Raycraft