Community Leaders Agenda
Arrival on Campus
If you are staying at The Biddle Hotel on campus, head to (or have your shuttle drop you off) at the Indiana Memorial Union (IMU) A Welcome Desk will be located on the main level of the Biddle Hotel where you can pick up your room key.
2:00-6:00 PM Community Leaders Hospitality Suite
4:30-6:15 PM
Room: Indiana Memorial Union, East Lounge (Floor 2)
Stop by for refreshments and connect with fellow Community Leaders! This is where you can pick up your welcome gift and conference packet.
Dinner on Your Own!
Bloomington restaurant recommendations are listed on pg 15 of this agenda! 7.17.26 Friday
7.17.26 Friday
6:30-7:15 PM State Welcome Meetings
Room: Fine Arts, Hodge Hall, IMU & Woodburn Hall
Meet with your state or regional delegation to make introductions and review what's in store for BBLC weekend!
8:00-10:00 PM
7.17.26 Friday
Best Buddies Leadership Conference Opening Ceremonies
Room: Indiana University Auditorium
Conference attendees from all over the world enter the Indiana University Auditorium with energy and excitement as they are welcomed by our Founder & Chairman, Anthony Kennedy Shriver, and various other speakers and performers.
7:00-8:00 AM
7.18.26 Saturday
Grab & Go Breakfast
Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Frangipani Room (Main Level)
Ease into the day with breakfast at your own pace. Once you’re fueled up, join us in the auditorium to kick off a great day together (you can walk or grab a shuttle on campus)!
8:00-8:30 AM
Transition to Indiana University Auditorium
8:30-9:00 AM Conference Welcome
Room: Indiana University Auditorium
9:00-9:45 AM
Find Your Finish
Room: Indiana University Auditorium
Presenters: Brent and Kyle Pease
9:45-10:15 AM Wellness Break
10:15-11:00 AM 7.18.26 Saturday
Family, Advocacy & Belonging: A Conversation with Holly Robinson Peete Room: Indiana University Auditorium
Teammates for Life
11:00-11:30 AM
11:30 AM-12:00 PM
Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Frangipani Room
1:00-1:30 PM
1:30-3:00 PM
Presenters: Madison & Parks Marilla & Subodh & Aarti Gang
Transition to Indiana Memorial Union (IMU)
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Frangipani Room (Main Level)
Building Connections: Who’s in the Room Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Frangipani Room (Main Level)
From Connection to Impact:
Turning Relationships Into Opportunities for Inclusion Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Frangipani Room
Presenter: Kate McGinn | CEO & Founder, The Bold Stripe
(Main Level) (Main Level)
Strong relationships are at the heart of everything we do at Best Buddies. In this session, Community Leaders will explore how simple, meaningful connections can inspire action and create lasting impact. Through real-life examples, practical ideas, and honest conversation, attendees will learn ways to grow their networks, strengthen partnerships, and feel more confident engaging others in the mission Together, we’ll talk about how everyday relationships can open doors, build inclusion, and help move Best Buddies forward as One Team, One World.
7.18.26 Saturday
3:00-3:15 PM Break (Main Level) (Main Level)
Moving the Mission Forward:
Leadership Updates Shaping the Future of Best Buddies Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Frangipani Room
tional Speakers:
VP, Mission Advancement & Field Operations
Global Mission Impact & Engagement
Buddies leadership on where the organization is today, key priorities um driving the mission forward This conversation will highlight growth celebrate impact, and reinforce the important role Community Leaders en and grow the mission around the world.
4:00-5:00 PM
Conversations That Move the Mission
Sharing Ideas, Building Connections, & Learning Together Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Frangipani Room
This session is designed to give Community Leaders time to connect with peers from across the Best Buddies network and learn from one another’s experiences. Each table will have guided discussion prompts to help spark conversation around leadership, fundraising, volunteer engagement, events, and growing the mission in local communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and leave with new connections and practical takeaways
7.18.26 Saturday
5:30-7:00 PM Community Leaders Reception
Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Federal Room (Floor 2)
Join fellow Community Leaders for an evening of conversation, and connection. This relaxed reception will provide time to meet and reconnect with peers from across the Best Buddies community while enjoying cocktails and small bites Whether you’re sharing ideas, building new relationships, or simply catching up with peers, this is a chance to connect outside of sessions and continue strengthening our One Team, One World community.
7:00-7:30 PM
Optional Shuttle to Evening Activity
If you would like to attend the evening activity, meet in the Indiana Memorial Union lobby at 7pm for a shuttle with other Community Leaders.
You may also choose to go out for a bite to eat and out on the town in Bloomington (restaurant recommendations on pg 15) with other Community Leaders (walk, Uber/Lyft).
7:30-10:00 PM
Friendship Walk & After Party (Optional)
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
Meet up with your area’s delegation and enjoy festivities with the rest of our conference attendees!
7:00-8:00 AM
8:00-8:30 AM
8:30-9:00 AM
9:00-10:00 AM
Speaker: A’ric Jackson 7.19.26 Sunday
Grab & Gro Breakfast
Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Frangipani Room
(Main Level)
Ease into the day with breakfast at your own pace. Once you’re fueled up, join us in the auditorium to kick off a great day together (you can walk or grab a shuttle on campus)!
Transition to Indiana University Auditorium
Welcome Room: Indiana University Auditorium
Overcome Your Fear & Unlock Potential Room: Indiana University Auditorium
10:00-10:30 AM
Changing the Game: The Story Behind 21 Down Room: Indiana University Auditorium
Speaker: Caden Cox, Dashiell Meier & Melissa Bickerton
Transition to Indiana Memorial Union 10:30-11:00 AM
11:00AM-12:00 PM
7.19.26 Sunday
A Closer Look at Best Buddies Living
Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Frangipani Room
Best Buddies Living Panelists:
Erin Ijzer | Resident | Nashville, TN
Juliann Cunningham | Resident | Nashville, TN
1:30-4:30 PM 12:00-1:30 PM
Facilitator: Holly Goshin | Senior Director, Best Buddies Living
Daksh Kapoor (DK) | Resident | Atlanta, GA
Iman Willis | Residential Manager | College Park, MD
Jordan Stephenson | Resident | State College, PA (Main Level)
Lunch (Optional)
Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Food Court
(Main Level)
If you’re still on campus, feel free to head on over to Indiana Memorial Union’s food court for a bite to eat.
LIFE in Action: Community Leaders Roundtables (Optional)
Room: Cedar Hall (on Union Street)
Help attendees build confidence in networking, communication, and career exploration.
As a Community Leader volunteer, you'll facilitate smallgroup discussions and share insights from your professiona journey while helping participants develop and practice thei elevator pitches. Your experience and encouragement can help participants expand their professional networks and envision new possibilities for their future. We're looking for volunteers who can:
Lead a small-group roundtable discussion
Share career experiences, lessons learned, and advice
Encourage participants to identify strengths and career goals
Provide feedback as attendees practice networking and elevator pitches
3:30-5:00 PM
Ambassador Speeches (Optional)
5:00-6:30 PM
6:30-7:00 PM
7:00-8:30 PM
8:30-9:00 PM
9:00-11:00 PM
Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Whittenberger Auditorium
Be a part of the audience for Ambassadors from around the world and cheer them on as they share speeches they've worked on for the duration of the conference!
Dinner on your Own!
McNutt Dining Hall or out on the town in Bloomington
Your choice of a nostalgic dinner at the McNutt Dining Hall (take a campus shuttle) or out on the town in Bloomington! (Restaurant recommendations on pg 15)
Transition to Indiana University Auditorium
Best Buddies Leadership Conference Closing Ceremonies
Room: Indiana University Auditorium
Transition to Indiana Memorial Union 7.19.26
Festival of Friendship
Room: Indiana Memorial Union, Alumni Hall (Floor 1)
Dancing, karaoke, billiards, bowling & more! (Floor 1)
Presenters
Kate McGinn is the Founder and CEO of The Bold Stripe, a boutique consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits strengthen the revenue impact of their high-impact volunteers During her time at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (now Blood Cancer United), Kate personally led Visionaries of the Year and Student Visionaries of the Year - two of the top ten peer-to-peer campaigns in the country, and the top two competition-style fundraising campaigns in the country at the time
The Bold Stripe has since consulted for some of the largest nonprofits in the United States on their high-impact volunteer programs - spanning boards, galas, walks, peer-to-peer fundraisers, connectors, and donors
Founder and CEO, The Bold Stripe
The Bold Stripe is built on a belief that staff are the real difference makers in high-impact volunteer relationships - and that when they are well-equipped and working from a clear strategy, they can consistently turn strong volunteer potential into extraordinary fundraising results
Kate McGinn
Campus Map
Floor Maps
Floor Maps
Restaurant
RUSH BOWLS
Acai bowls and smoothies
BLOOMINGTON THAI
UPTOWN CAFE
SMOKEWORKS
Asian Fusion
Fine dining, “American Casual” style; Cajun flavors, with nods to both regional and European cuisines
OSTERIA RAGO
Memphis-Style dry rub barbecue joint
Casual Italian served simply in a rustic environment
MOTHER BEAR’S PIZZA
UPLAND BEER CO.
Deep-dish pizzas and American snacks, plus beer & wine
Contemporary pub grub accompanies rotating house brews in a comfy space with a patio
MURA SUSHI & KOREAN
SOCIAL CANTINA
Traditional Korean dishes and Sushi
Hip restaurant serving tequila, craft beers & classic Mexican dishes
FARMBLOOMINGTON
All-day café with a funky vintage vibe, modern farmhouse-inspired cuisine
Click on the name of each restaurant to view their websites!
Testimonials
The Best Buddies Leadership Conference is truly unlike any other leadership experience As a community leader, I walked away inspired by the energy, authenticity, and commitment to inclusion that defines this organization. What made it even more impactful was the direct connection to my corporate role the conference pushed me to think differently about leadership, culture, and how we build environments where everyone can contribute and thrive It’s a reminder that inclusion isn’t just a value it’s a leadership responsibility.”
-Susan Gilbert
Senior Program Manager, Capital Group
BBIN Community Leader
I’ve never been to anything like it blanket of kindness and wrapped had a really hard time transitionin when it was all over It was a spe made friends I still have to this da and Board members.”
Dave Hausman
-
Owner,
BBNH
Big Dave’s Bagels & Deli
Community Leader
From the moment, I arrived the en vibrant mix of joy, inclusion and g radiated from every corner I was minded people from all over the w goal, to build an inclusive world for people with IDD Seeing people of all abilities celebrated equally, not just included but uplifted- was deeply moving to me. I left the conference with a renewed sense of purpose ”
-Cara Pregadio
Senior Manager of Sales, The Breakers
BBFL Community Leader
For the last three years, I've attended the leadership conference and it's one of my standout events of the year. The amazing energy, passion, and enthusiasm of everyone who attends is so infectious that it's impossible to come away not being excited about what we are doing now and for the future of Best Buddies ”
Chris Boult
-
CIO,
U.S. Urology Partners | BBTX Community Leader
