Socials & Activities

NIRSA 2024 Phoenix

Please note that all cash bars will be a cashless experience. Accepted forms of payment are Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and Apple Pay. Cash will not be accepted.

All socials and activities are included in the overall conference registration fee unless otherwise noted. 

Thursday, April 18
6:30pm-8:00pm

Take this opportunity to celebrate the meaningful accomplishments of NIRSA members with respect to the Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference, HBCU Summit, Founders Scholarship, and the Juliette Moore Distinguished Leadership Award. All NIRSA 2024 attendees and exhibitors are welcome to attend. Learn more about the Founders People of Color social.

Light refreshments will be served.

Friday, April 19
5:30pm-7:00pm

An annual favorite, the LGBTQ+ & Allies Social fosters and encourages the involvement of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in the Association. We’ll also recognize the recipients of the Fredrick R. Braden Scholarship for Social Justice. Join us as we support inclusion and diversity in NIRSA.

Light refreshments will be served.

Friday, April 19
8:00pm-11:30pm
The Duce

Join your NIRSA friends for the All-Conference Social at The Duce. Get your cameras ready, this unique retro-chic entertainment venue is the ideal location to capture the perfect image of you with your fellow colleagues. This social will be a memory you won’t want to forget! NIRSA attendees will be able to enjoy the fun interactive games the venue has to offer while singing and dancing along with a live band.

Tasty hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Attendees will have the option to purchase their own drinks from a wide selection of craft beers and signature drinks.

April 18, 4:30pm-6:00pm
Expo Hall

We are excited to announce a Pickleball Clinic will be offered in the expo for attendees to participate and learn the game of pickleball. Whether you are a beginner or play at the advanced level, participants of all skills sets are welcome to join in on this Pickleball Clinic! There will be instructors to help improve your skill set along with informing you about the game itself. This opportunity to learn or enhance your level of play in the game of pickleball is first come, first served so make sure to sign up when you register for the conference!

Equipment will be provided for all the participants.

*Please note the clinic has a maximum capacity of 24 participants. Registration is first come, first served.

April 19, games may start as early as 6:30am
Expo Hall
$5 per person

Following the clinic there will be a Pickleball Tournament where you and a partner can challenge other attendees in a friendly doubles competition. Games will be held in the expo when sessions are not being held. All equipment will be provided, however, participants may bring their own equipment. Teams will be guaranteed to play 3 games in this round robin tournament and games will be scored using rally scoring.

All attendees interested in participating in the tournament must sign up when they go to register for the conference. Participants have the option of including their partner’s name in the registration so they can get paired together, however, both individuals must still register to be grouped together. Don’t have a partner? Participants who do not list a partner name will still be able to participate and will be grouped up randomly.

*Please note the tournament has a maximum capacity of 24 teams. Registration is first come, first served.

Attendees will be able to participate in a series of challenges throughout the conference to collect points and use those points to redeem prizes. Each prize will have a respected point value that will be shown in the Pheedloop app. All prizes must be redeemed through the Pheedloop app and there will be an onsite location for participants to pick up their prize. Anyone wishing to participate must have the Pheedloop app downloaded.

Free workouts all week, just show your NIRSA badge.

The Downtown Sun Devil Fitness Complex has generously opened their doors to allow all NIRSA Annual Conference attendees to workout throughout their time at the conference as well as to tour the facility on their own if they wish. The Downtown Sun Devil Fitness Complex is located only a few blocks from the Phoenix Convention Center and host hotels.

Downtown Sun Devil Fitness Complex Hours of Operation:

• Monday–Friday: 6:00am-11:00pm
• Saturday: 9:00am-9:00pm

Free pickup basketball, just show your NIRSA badge.

Thursday, April 18
6:00am-7:00am

The Downtown Sun Devil Fitness Complex has reserved two courts for any NIRSA attendee interested in playing some friendly morning pickup basketball. This activity will follow traditional pickup basketball rules which will be determined onsite between those individuals participating. It is recommended to bring a separate pair of shoes to change into upon arrival if participating.