Education

Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference coming to New Orleans

Demond Pryor invites students and young professionals to join him for two days of networking and professional development in a city that embodies what it means to “emerge”

Over the past 16 years, the Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders (ERSL) Conference has been influencing many different professionals from all backgrounds and cultures across this country. The 16th Annual ERSL Conference takes place February 9-10, 2007 in New Orleans, a city in its own process of emerging. Xavier University of Louisiana will be hosting the conference, which has the theme of “Engaging Emerging Influencers.”

The ERSL Conference was born out of a vision by Mike Dunn, Herman Williams, and Tony Daniels. The conference was created to prepare student leaders and young professionals as they take on the task of guiding others to live, work and play in a multicultural society. This conference has evolved into one of the highlights of the year on the NIRSA calendar. It is an opportunity for young professionals and students to network with established professionals from across this great country. The ERSL Conference has helped to establish long-lasting friendships, careers, and partnerships, as well as foster student development, professional development, and mentorship.

On a personal note, I have had the pleasure of attending the ERSL conference every year but one since 2002. I have learned a lot about this wonderful profession and networked with so many great people. Presenters like Stan Shingles, Sev Brown, Dr. Kevin Mulberry, David Davenport, Damon Brown, Mike Dunn, Kenny Hill, Kacy Toberg, Dr. Dennis Kimbro, Charles Anderson, Brian Harris, Sam Vaughn, Jocelyn Hill, Roger Moffett, Mrs. Wasson, Dirron Allen, Sikrat Kazeem, Chris McGee, and a host of others have helped shape me into the professional that I am today.

This is a personal invitation to the entire NIRSA family to attend the ERSL Conference February 9-10 in New Orleans. We hope to Engage Emerging Influencers through aspiring, transpiring, and inspiring presentations and networking, as we focus on the great past, present, and future of this wonderful profession we call recreational sports.

Hope to see you in New Orleans!

Demond L. Pryor
Oakland University
Chair, Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference