Safety, Wellness, Inclusion, Recreation, and Leadership Conference Returns for Second Year
The Town of Perinton is pleased to announce the return of its Safety, Wellness, Inclusion, Recreation, and Leadership (S.W.I.R.L.) Conference, an annual professional development event designed to bring together community leaders, educators, recreation professionals, and public service staff for a day of learning, networking, and skill-building.
Hosted by the Perinton Recreation & Parks Department, the second annual conference will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Perinton Community Center, 1350 Turk Hill Road, Fairport, NY.
“The S.W.I.R.L. Conference reflects Perinton’s commitment to investing in people and strengthening the programs and services that support our community,” said Perinton Town Supervisor Jenn Townsend. “Safety, Wellness, Inclusion, Recreation, and Leadership are values we strive to embody in our work every day. Through SWIRL, Perinton is proud to lead by example and bring professionals together to share knowledge, build partnerships, and strengthen the communities we serve.”
The conference focuses on five key concepts that support strong community programs: Safety, Wellness, Inclusion, Recreation, and Leadership. These themes guide the day’s presentations and discussions, providing participants with practical tools and new perspectives to support their work.
The event has grown significantly since its launch. What began as a smaller gathering of professionals has quickly evolved into a full-day conference bringing together dozens of agencies, subject matter experts, and community partners. Last year’s conference featured 59 agencies, 125 attendees, and 29 presenters, along with Narcan certification training and an Olympic Gold Medalist keynote speaker.
Keynote Speaker
The 2026 conference will open with a keynote address from Rev. Barbara Adams, O.M.C., M.S. Ed, Minister and Spiritual Director of Unity Rochester Spiritual Center. Rev. Adams brings decades of experience in education, leadership development, and community engagement, including a 32-year career in education with East Irondequoit Central School District. Her work has focused on wellness, diversity initiatives, youth leadership development, and anti-bullying programs. She was also recognized as New York State Health Teacher of the Year and remains active in numerous community initiatives throughout the Rochester region.
Educational Sessions and Presenters
Participants will have the opportunity to attend presentations and workshops led by professionals from a wide range of organizations, including:
- Monroe County Department of Public Health
- Monroe County Office for the Aging
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester
- Safety Educational Services
- Lattimore Workplace Solutions
- LaBella Associates
- Redcom Laboratories
- Nazareth University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- American Swimming Coaches Association
- Monroe County Humane Society (Lollypop Farm)
- SUNY Geneseo
- PESH
- Digiquatics
Sessions will cover topics including community safety, leadership development, inclusion in recreation programming, mental health awareness, public health, aquatics safety, and wellness initiatives.
S.W.I.R.L. Conference Event Details
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Perinton Community Center, 1350 Turk Hill Road, Fairport, NY
Fee: $30 per person (includes breakfast and lunch provided by Fairport Village Inn)
Registration is now open through Perinton WebTrac. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. View registration instructions on our website.
The Town of Perinton is committed to keeping the conference affordable and accessible so that staff and community members from organizations of all sizes can participate. The goal of S.W.I.R.L. is to build connections across disciplines while strengthening the knowledge and skills that help communities thrive.
Those interested in presenting, sponsoring, or participating as a vendor at this or future conferences are encouraged to contact the Perinton Recreation & Parks Department.
