Sunrise over the water at DeGray Lake State Park

Southeastern State Parks Program Seminar 2025 Logo

December 1 - 4, 2025
 

This year marks the 49th annual convening of the Southeastern State Parks Program Seminar (SSPPS), a conference for state park professionals dedicated to the promotion and advancement of educational opportunities that our state parks have to offer.

Each year, 14 southeastern states' park staff gather to discuss new ideas and trends while discovering beautiful park settings. The conference is open only to employees of State Park systems within the Southeastern United States and invited guests. Arkansas State Parks has the privilege of hosting in-person for the first time since 2009 and we are excited to welcome you all to Arkansas, The Natural State.

Sponsors wishing to inquire about participation are encouraged to contact us here. This page will be updated with more session, speaker, and registration details soon!

Preliminary Conference Overview

Registration: $250 per person (registration and payment links coming soon!). 
Includes: at least 8 meals, two park study trips, all speakers and sessions, t-shirt. 

Lodging: Government rate @ $110 per night. Reservations link coming soon. Don't worry about missing out on occupancy: This is our in-house state park lodge and we have a full block of rooms held. 

Agenda

Monday Dec 1

  • Travel Day
  • Registration Open
  • Evening welcome reception

Tuesday Dec 2

  • Opening address with Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis
  • State showcases
  • Study trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park and Historic Washington State Park

Wednesday Dec 3

  • State showcases
  • Concurrent sessions featuring outdoor recreation trends in America's State Parks
  • Experience DeGray Lake Resort State Park operations and resource-focused recreation experiences (e.g. eagle watching tour, paddling, hiking, golf, disc golf, and more)
  • Keynote speaker TBA
  • State leaders meeting

Thursday Dec 4

  • State showcases
  • Study trip choices: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Plum Bayou Archeological Mounds State Park, Plantation Agriculture Museum, Lake Catherine State Park, Hot Springs National Park (pending)
  • Banquet and Auction

Friday Dec 5

  • Travel Day