Many people think that networking is solely for finding a new job. While professional connections can certainly open career doors, that perspective overlooks many of the benefits a professional network can provide.

One of the greatest superpowers a recreation professional can have isn't found in a cape or a secret identity. It's a professional network. A professional network is a community of people who help us become better at what we're doing today. Whether we're supervising staff, planning events, navigating legal questions, or simply trying to make tomorrow's event better than today's, our professional network can provide encouragement and fresh ideas, as well as honest feedback and perspective.

Added Perspectives

Challenges are an inherent part of our profession. No two days are exactly alike. One day we may be responding to an unexpected incident, the next we're defending a budget request, and we’d much rather be developing  the next innovative programming idea. Whatever the situation, there's a good chance another recreation professional has already faced something remarkably similar.

Sometimes the best advice doesn't come from our manager or another department (nothing personal, managers!). It comes from someone outside our own organization who can offer an unbiased perspective. Talking through an idea before presenting it to a supervisor, asking how another agency approached a similar challenge, or simply hearing how someone else navigated a difficult situation often helps us approach our own work with stronger ideas, renewed confidence, and a fresh perspective.

Ashley Miller, Director of Activities for Marriott Vacations Worldwide, says one of the greatest strengths of a professional network is the opportunity to learn from others. "Sometimes we get so caught up in the way we do things that it helps to hear new ideas from other professionals. Having someone you can reach out to and ask, 'How'd you do that super awesome thing?' is incredibly valuable in our industry."

We Collaborate and Elevate

Perhaps professional networking comes so naturally because of the nature of our profession. Whether we work in parks and recreation, campgrounds, resorts, event planning, or countless other recreation settings, we're all in the business of creating meaningful experiences for others. We understand the long hours, the emotionally demanding days, and the expectation that we'll always bring energy and enthusiasm to every interaction.  We also share the deep satisfaction that comes from seeing a program, event, or experience come to life because of our efforts.

With that shared purpose in mind, it is easy to see why recreation professionals have a remarkable willingness to help one another succeed. We freely share ideas, policies, risk management practices, lessons learned, and sometimes even the mistakes we'd rather not repeat. We celebrate one another's accomplishments, answer questions without expecting anything in return, and encourage colleagues across our profession. Certainly there are times when organizations compete, but much more often we collaborate. That spirit of generosity is what makes our professional network such a powerful resource. We're willing to help one another succeed.

Building Relationships Before We Need Them

The strongest professional relationships are rarely built during a crisis. They're built long before we ever need them, one conversation at a time.

Think about your own professional network for a moment. When was the last time you reached out to someone you hadn't spoken with in a while? A former classmate? A previous coworker? An internship supervisor or professor from your college days? Someone you met at a conference a few years ago? Chances are those individuals have continued to grow professionally, just as you have. Reconnecting may introduce you to new ideas, fresh perspectives, and perhaps even lifelong professional friendships.

Some of our best ideas come from people in other fields who serve the same communities we do. Building relationships with professionals in education, local government, nonprofit organizations, and the business community can lead to not only partnerships, but also fresh ideas and new opportunities. Consider attending a local Chamber of Commerce event or introducing yourself to the manager of a new hotel, attraction, or business in town. Those conversations can spark partnerships, inspire new programming ideas, and strengthen the communities we all serve.

Perhaps that's the greatest value of organizations like REC Net. Yes, we gather for educational sessions and inspiring speakers, but some of the most meaningful learning happens between sessions, over a cup of coffee, during a meal, or while chatting in a hallway. Those conversations often become the relationships we rely on years later.

The Three-Month Challenge

As recreation professionals, we're fortunate to work in a field where people genuinely want to help one another succeed. Let's continue that tradition.

Here's my challenge for all of us. Over the next three months, make three new or renewed professional connections. If you’ve read this far, I suspect you already know where to begin.

Three conversations may not seem like much, but one could become your next collaboration, your next mentor, your next great programming idea, or simply a reminder that you're part of a profession filled with people who want to help one another succeed.

Will you accept the challenge? In three months, send me a note at phileshia.dombroski@rec-network.org or stop me at the 2026 REC Net Conference in November and tell me about one professional connection that made a difference. I'd genuinely love to hear your story.

Our profession has always been built on relationships. Your professional network may just be the greatest superpower you'll ever develop. Let's continue building it together.