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Best Buddies Leadership ConferenceBest Buddies Leadership Conference
  • Register
  • Event Details
    • Advisors
    • Community Leaders
  • Pay
  • Fundraise
  • Travel
  • FAQ
  • Shop

For over 30 years Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) has inspired thousands of leaders to be Best Buddies advocates and to bring about social change in their communities.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with global leaders who are passionate about creating a more inclusive world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By attending BBLC, you will have the chance to share ideas and learn strategies to create positive change in your community. 

This weekend long experience provides educational tracks that apply to a variety of positions within your chapter and the community.

Conference Overview

As you participate in workshops, seminars, and evening events you will gain new knowledge and skills to improve your community by including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will have the opportunity to network with other leaders from your state and country. Staff and experienced student leaders are anxiously awaiting your arrival to learn, grow, and share with you. The skills you develop at BBLC will make an impact in your school and community this coming year.

Educational Sessions

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and build their skills through a variety of educational tracks tailored to their program role and facilitated by a combination of Best Buddies staff members, Global Ambassadors and guest speakers with expertise in relevant fields.

Interactive Forums

World Cafe

BBLC is filled with opportunities to hear new perspectives and share your own. Our World Café round table sessions provide the chance to engage in meaningful discussions with members of the global Best Buddies community and are an attendee favorite each year.

Conference Events

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Nothing captures the magic of BBLC quite like the events which bring all attendees together to entertain, inspire and share our vision for a more inclusive future.  Highlights include Opening & Closing Ceremonies, Keynote Sessions and Outstanding Chapter of the Year Awards.

Conference Timeline

Below is a snapshot of what a day in the life of a conference participant will look like.  A more detailed agenda will be sent to attendees in July.

Friday, July 21st​

  • Attendees Arrive on Campus​
  • Registration & Dorm Check In​
  • Conference Welcome Festivities​
  • Dinner​
  • State Delegation Meeting​
  • Opening Ceremonies​

Saturday, July 22nd

  • Breakfast​
  • Conference Kickoff Session​
  • Education Tracks Begin​
  • Lunch​
  • Education Tracks Continue​
  • Dinner​
  • Evening Activities

Sunday, July 23rd

  • Breakfast​
  • General Session​
  • Education Tracks Continue​
  • Lunch​
  • World Café Round Tables​
  • Dinner​
  • Closing Ceremonies​

Monday, July 24th

  • Breakfast​
  • Conference Checkout​
  • Attendee Departure​
  • Ongoing Airport Shuttles

 

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

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

Learn more

#BBLC2023

LeadershipConference@bestbuddies.org
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