Leadership Sessions with Tom Venniro

Description

Tom Venniro, Director of Parks & Recreation, Hilton Parma, New York, is providing a day of leadership sessions at the new Grand Junction Community Recreation Center! Tom will present 4 sessions tailored to parks & recreation professionals. These sessions will include 0.1 CEUs per session (pending). 

Please note that lunch is not included and will be on your own during the lunch break. This event is taking place in the Sycamore Room.

Leadership Sessions:

1. Am I an Effective P&R Professional?

In today’s evolving parks and recreation landscape, balancing community needs, organizational goals, and personal development is more important than ever. This session will help professionals reflect on their effectiveness by examining the key areas of community engagement, organizational leadership, and personal growth. Participants will explore practical strategies such as gathering community input, developing staff, and optimizing time management. Through real-life examples, self-assessment tools, and interactive discussions, attendees will leave with actionable techniques to enhance their effectiveness and make a greater impact in their roles.

2. The Professional Development Roadmap

Join this engaging session that explores the challenges parks and recreation professionals face in seeking growth and development. The "Professional Development Roadmap", a model designed by experienced professionals, Chris Nunes and Tom Venniro (presenter), was highlighted in NRPA’s Parks and Recreation Magazine, and empowers individuals to chart their career course, from entry-level to excellence. Through the concepts of continuous learning and improvement, we'll explore essential components including mentoring, education, certification, toolbox development, and relationship building. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to use the roadmap to enhance your professional journey, contribute to the field, and leave a lasting impact.

3. Navigating Conflict

Conflict is inevitable in Parks and Recreation, especially in today’s complex social climate. This workshop identifies common conflict triggers and explores real-world examples. Participants will discuss strategies to navigate situations effectively, transforming challenges into opportunities. Leave equipped with practical conflict management tools through intentional communication and service practices.

4. Balancing Respect and Leadership in a Multigenerational Workplace

In today’s diverse workplace, leading across generations requires a unique blend of respect and adaptability. This session addresses the challenges young professionals face when managing upward and downward—working with older or more tenured team members, leading similar-aged peers, and guiding those of the even younger Gen Z. Discover strategies for facilitating mutual respect and effective communication regardless of the generational level of those you supervise. We will discuss and share strategies to help tailor your leadership style based on different generational needs and expectations, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and productive work environment.

Event Schedule:

(Subject to change slightly)

9:00am-10:15am - Session 1

10:30am-11:45am - Session 2

11:45am-1:00pm - Lunch on your own

1:00pm-2:15pm - Session 3

2:30pm-3:45pm - Session 4

Speaker: Tom Venniro

Tom is a recognized speaker, writer, podcast host, mentor, and adjunct lecturer in the field of parks, recreation, and leisure studies. He has presented at national, state, and regional conferences, workshops, and webinars, and has published numerous articles in industry magazines and newsletters. He is a past recipient of the NRPA Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award and a past president of the NY Recreation and Park Society. Tom is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for his community and the profession, while fostering a culture of excellence, servant leadership, and strong service-driven brand identity. Serving as the Director for Hilton-Parma Parks and Recreation since 2014, Tom applies his passion and experience to oversee the operations, budget, and programming of the department serving its residents and visitors each year.

Tom lives in Hilton, NY with his wife Melissa, and two children, Jack and Amelia. He is a Disney World Parks enthusiast and loves to experiment with his passion for cooking.