Bloomington, Ind. (July 18, 2024) – Summer vacation will hold a special meaning for nearly 2,000 student leaders, volunteers, and staff from Best Buddies International’s programs around the world, who will participate in the event July 19-21 at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Best Buddies International is a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The conference will prepare the organization’s students leaders to be strong, passionate forerunners as they promote the mission of Best Buddies in their local schools and communities and inspire the world one person at a time.

“Best Buddies student leaders have been working to change the world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for almost 35 years and it all begins here with this inspiring conference,” said David Quilleon, Senior Vice President, Global Mission, State Development & Operations. “The trainings, guest speakers, and educational sessions serve as the catalyst for this remarkable global volunteer movement, fostering communities and schools dedicated to fully integrating people with IDD.”

The Opening Ceremonies (open to media) will take place at the Indiana University Auditorium from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday, July 19, and will include a welcome address from Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, along with performances from participants and special guests including actors Jensen Gering, Matthew Von der Ahe, Madison Tevlin, Kennedy Garcia and Mia Armstrong; TV host and Bachelorette Alum Garin Flowers; Miss America 2024 Madison Marsh and Miss Texas 2024 Annette Addo – Yobo; Disability Rights advocate and author Mickey Rowe, the Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders, and fitness influencer Billy Blanks, Jr., among others!

This year’s conference theme “Every Buddy Belongs” emphasizes the core value of inclusivity and belonging within Best Buddies. It also represents our commitment to creating safe spaces in our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods so that every individual, regardless of ability or background, is embraced and valued.

The conference will celebrate the incredible impact volunteers with and without IDD are making in the world as a result of their leadership and commitment to the Best Buddies mission. The conference theme will focus on the values of belonging, friendship, and inclusion strategies and provide conference attendees with an opportunity to network with their peers from states and countries around the world. In addition to interactive education sessions and workshops, conference attendees will have the opportunity to participate in fun, engaging activities such as film screenings, pep rally and the annual end-of-conference party.

The weekend’s festivities will conclude at Closing Ceremonies (open to media) inside the Indiana University Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 21.

About Best Buddies
Best Buddies^® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ 12 formal programs — Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions, Inclusive Living and Eunie’s Buddies— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 45 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly one million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Media Inquiries
Best Buddies International
Nicole Maddox
Vice President, Communications
NicoleMaddox@Bestbuddies.org