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Abstract
This study examined students' social networking experiences at the 2006 National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA) Congress. Students' perceptions of feelings of inclusion, enjoyment, goal attainment, and overall satisfaction and their exposure to topics related to career development, academic development, and social life were explored. Results indicated students who attended NRPA Congress were goal-oriented. Goal attainment was the most significant predictor of conference satisfaction. Student interactions with professors/researchers were identified as being the most helpful component of goal attainment. Professors/researchers were rated highest on acquainting students with career and academic development information while students were rated highest on their social interactions with other student attendees. Practitioners interacted with students significantly less than professors/researchers on academic development, career development, and social life. Non-native English speaking students enjoyed the conference less and had fewer discussions about career development through their interactions with practitioners than native English speakers. Recommendations for enhancement of students' social networking experience are provided.