Taking place from February 22–24, 2027, at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California, the 2027 Community Rec Leadership Summit will feature industry-leading education on the most relevant topics for nonprofit recreation centers.
New to the Summit in 2027 will be a keynote address kicking off the education from Frederick Riley, the executive director of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute, on the topic of rebuilding trust in a fractured world.
Founded in 2018 by New York Times columnist David Brooks, Weave was created to address the crisis of broken social trust that has left Americans divided along many lines, isolated and unable to address our common needs. The project aims to turn Americans into a nation of weavers, spreading connection and belonging.
In this opening keynote, Riley will challenge attendees to rethink their role as more than operators of facilities and programs, but as builders of trust and belonging within their communities. Attendees will leave with a fresh perspective on leading through uncertainty, deepening community engagement and building organizations people genuinely trust.
The annual Community Rec Leadership Summit roundtable discussions will be led by returning moderator, Jorge Perez, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, on the following topics:
Remaining Relevant vs. For-Profit Clubs
As boutique fitness studios, luxury wellness clubs and private operators continue expanding into the recreation space, community rec organizations are being challenged to redefine their value. This peer-to-peer discussion will explore how leaders can compete without losing sight of their mission, culture and community impact. Attendees will share strategies for differentiation, member experience, programming innovation and communicating value in a crowded market.
Engaging Youth Today
Today’s youth are growing up in a completely different environment than previous generations — shaped by technology, shifting social dynamics and changing expectations around wellness and connection. In this discussion, attendees will exchange ideas for creating programs, spaces and experiences that genuinely resonate with younger audiences. From sports and recreation trends to social engagement and mental wellness, leaders will discuss what’s working, what’s not and where opportunities exist to better serve the next generation.
Creative Revenue Streams Outside of Membership
Membership revenue alone is no longer enough for many community rec organizations looking to grow sustainably and expand impact. This roundtable will focus on innovative ways leaders are diversifying revenue through programming, partnerships, events, sponsorships, rentals, wellness offerings and other nontraditional streams. Attendees will share real-world examples of ideas that generated meaningful revenue while still aligning with organizational mission and community needs.
Leading Through Uncertainty
From economic pressures and staffing challenges to evolving community expectations, uncertainty has become a constant reality for recreation leaders. This discussion will center on how organizations can lead confidently through change while maintaining strong culture, clear communication and long-term vision. This session will provide both reassurance and practical leadership strategies for an increasingly unpredictable environment.
Spots are now filling up as registration for the 2027 Community Rec Leadership Summit is now open! Email john@peakemedia.com to learn more about attending. Interested in sponsoring? Email rico@peakemedia.com. For the full Community Rec Leadership Summit itinerary and details, visit peakemediaevents.com/cosummit.
Thank you to our current 2027 sponsors for making next year’s event possible, including Premier sponsor Arly; Diamond sponsors ACTIVE Network, Daxko, InBody, Keiser, NinjaZone, seca and Traction Rec; Platinum Plus sponsors Amilia, CourtReserve, Matrix Fitness, NuStep, TMI Sustainable Aquatics and SportsArt; Platinum sponsors Brown & Brown, DynaDome and Power Plate.
