The Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) is an annual event held each summer to inspire thousands of leaders to be Best Buddies advocates and to bring about social change in their communities. BBLC is a once in a lifetime experience that unites Best Buddies leaders, volunteers, and community advocates from around the globe.

Traditionally held as an in-person convening, the 2020 Best Buddies Leadership Conference transitioned into an online experience with great success. Building on this experience the 2021 Best Buddies Leadership Conference will also be held virtually.

2021 BEST BUDDIES LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

The 2021 Best Buddies Leadership Conference will take place over three half days as shown in the high-level agenda below. Note, all times are shown in Eastern Time.

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Opening Keynote Session, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Training Sessions, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Peer-to-Peer Roundtable Sessions, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Social: Ominum, A Bold New Circus

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Peer-to-Peer Roundtable Sessions, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Social: Baking with Best Buddies, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Empower Inclusion Celebration

Thursday, July 15, 2021

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Keynote Session, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Training Sessions, 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Closing Sessions

BBLC will offer education series, including keynote speakers, interactive training sessions, pre-recorded workshops, and online networking.

Best Buddies strives to create experiences that are accessible and welcoming to everyone. If you require assistance to allow you to fully participate, you will have the option to make any request during the registration process. Additional information can be found in the FAQ section.

Conference Learning Experience

Keynote Presentations

Inclusion focused keynote designed to inform & inspire the Best Buddies community

Interactive Sessions

Pre-recorded talks and panels with live Q&A designed to help attendees learn

On-demand Sessions

Content designed to teach while viewed on your own time, based on your interest and development

Peer-to-Peer Connections

1:1 or small group meetups designed to problem solve & create meaningful connections

Speaker Highlights

Stay tuned for more information as we confirm our 2021 event speakers.

Meghan Bender

Implementation Specialist and Trainer at Sanford Harmony

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Frank Kitchen

Motivational speaker and former Director of Diversity at Lakeland Community College

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Ken E. Nwadike, Jr

American documentary filmmaker, motivational speaker, and peace activist

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ChrisTiana ObeySumner

Founder of Epiphanies of Equity, Education and Consulting Firm

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Ivanova Smith

Best Buddies ambassador and disability rights advocate in Seattle, Washington

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Jevin Hodge

National Engagement Director of LINK Strategic Partners and Chair of the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center

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Alaa Massri

Best Buddies student leader and BLM activist

Kevin Oakes

CEO and founder of i4cp

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Soeren Palumbo

VP of Global Youth Engagement at Special Olympics and founder of Spread the Word campaign

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Lynne Wester

Principal and Founder, Donor Relations Guru, LLC

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