NIRSA was founded in New Orleans in 1950 and returns to the city for its 2011 conference and exposition. Photo courtesy of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau.

It’s hailed worldwide as the birthplace of jazz, but the city of New Orleans is where the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) got its start, too.

NIRSA, originally known as the National Intramural Association, was born in 1950 at Dillard University in New Orleans when a conference of intramural directors from 11 historically black colleges decided to form a national organization for those involved in collegiate intramural programs.

More than half a century later, NIRSA has grown to represent staff and students at more than 700 colleges and universities, but the organization hasn’t forgotten its roots—in fact, it’s returning to The Big Easy April 13-16 for the 2011 NIRSA Annual Conference and Recreational Sports Exposition.

In addition to several pre-conference workshops and events, NIRSA show attendees have the chance to give back to the city that’s been dealt a series of hard knocks during the past few years by participating in a community service project at New Orleans City Park on Wednesday, April 13. In 2005, 95 percent of the park’s 1,300 acres were flooded by Hurricane Katrina, but the treasured recreation spot is gradually recovering, thanks in part to volunteer projects such as this one.

The conference itself kicks off that same day with some words of inspiration from someone who knows a thing or two about kickoffs. Archie Manning, the former NFL quarterback of the New Orleans Saints and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame (not to mention Peyton and Eli’s dad), will present his keynote speech “Archie’s Four Principles” at the opening general session at 4:30 p.m. Manning’s speech will be followed by the grand opening of the recreational sports exhibition show floor and a social to welcome new members and first-time show attendees, both starting at 6 p.m.

On Thursday, attendees can participate in a morning workout from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. to get pumped up for a busy day ahead, including the NIRSA budget review at 8 a.m. and a second occasion to tour the exhibition show floor from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Educational sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and cover a range of topics, including career preparation and development, aquatics, facility planning and design, fitness, research and assessment, facility management, inclusive/adaptive recreation, outdoor and experiential, and technology.

In addition to the learning opportunities presented by the education sessions and expo floor, attendees also can find out about job openings by stopping by the career opportunities center. The center is open all four days of the conference.

Of course, one wouldn’t expect a conference for recreation professionals to be all work and no play, so NIRSA has lined up plenty of ways for attendees to stay active, get to know each other and see the city. Those planning to arrive early on Wednesday can sign up for one of several sightseeing tours or to play in a golf tournament to benefit the NIRSA Foundation. Socials are planned for most evenings, including several geared toward specific communities and an all-conference social on Thursday, April 14, with live jazz and zydeco music that is sure to get attendees in the Mardi Gras mood. Finally, save some energy for the morning of Saturday, April 16, and lace up for the Mark Fletcher 5K Fun Run/Walk through the streets of New Orleans. The event, which also benefits the NIRSA Foundation, is named in honor of a 32-year member of NIRSA who passed away in 2009.

NEXT PAGE: NIRSA 2011 SCHEDULE

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