Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) isn’t just a gathering—it’s a global movement where passionate leaders and advocates come together to reimagine a more inclusive future. BBLC serves as a powerful opportunity for leaders, volunteers, and community advocates worldwide to imagine, create, lead, and empower the future of the disability rights and inclusion movement. Over the past 35 years, BBLC has inspired thousands of leaders to become passionate Best Buddies advocates, driving positive social change within their communities.

Last year was our first year back at Indiana University. In 2024, so we were thrilled to host BBLC in Bloomington, Indiana once again, bringing together nearly 2,000 students, teachers, jobs participants, employer partners, community leaders, and staff from around the globe from July 19 to July 21. The energy was palpable as attendees engaged in a wide range of activities, from professional presentations and small group discussions to networking with advocates from diverse backgrounds. Despite facing travel challenges and delays, the resilience and positive attitudes of our 60 California attendees was truly commendable, and we are grateful for their dedication to this cause.

This year’s conference offered an array of sessions designed to inform, inspire, and shape the roles of future leaders in the disability rights movement. The knowledge and experiences gained during BBLC are sure to have a lasting impact on participants’ personal growth and their commitment to promoting inclusivity and friendship.

One of the many highlights of BBLC 2024 was the recognition of outstanding chapters. We are proud to share that the UCLA Best Buddies chapter was honored with an “Outstanding Chapter of the Year” award alongside Antelope High School. Maya Bradford, the Chapter President of Antelope High School Best Buddies, shared her experience: “My participation in BBLC facilitated the development of meaningful relationships with chapters globally and enabled me to exchange ideas with peers from diverse backgrounds. The inclusive and supportive environment of BBLC greatly enriched my learning experience, proving to be both valuable and inspiring in my role as a chapter leader.”

Marc & Sean from UCLA, with founder & CEO, Anthony Kennedy Shriver

Maya from Antelope High School, pictured with Anthony Kennedy Shriver

Experiences like BBLC are difficult to put into words, but if we had to choose one, it would be: life-changing. The bonds formed, the ideas exchanged, and the inspiration drawn from this event will undoubtedly ripple out into communities across the world, driving the movement for inclusion forward. Be sure to check out the event photo album and the BBLC recap video created by high school student Hayley Smith, to relive some of the special memories made at BBLC 2024. For more information on how you can attend BBLC 2025, please visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/bblc/.

BBLC What an event