Counting down the days until BBLC 2026!

Best Buddies California had an unforgettable experience at the 2025 Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC), where 106 leaders from across the state joined more than 2,400 attendees from around the world in Indiana for a weekend filled with friendship, leadership, and inspiration.

From student leaders and ambassadors to Jobs participants and community members, Californians proudly represented the spirit of inclusion that defines Best Buddies. Throughout the weekend, attendees connected with people from across the United States and beyond, including Ireland, El Salvador, the Philippines, and Hawaii, building friendships that will last far beyond the conference.

Several standout moments made this year’s BBLC especially memorable. UCSB and Santiago High School were honored as “Outstanding Chapters of the Year,” giving student leaders the opportunity to meet Best Buddies founder Anthony Kennedy Shriver. Two California ambassadors, Frances and Michelle, were also selected to speak in front of more than 200 ambassadors, sharing powerful stories about leadership, friendship, and inclusion.

For ambassador Mariana, the weekend was deeply personal and transformative. Reflecting on her experience, she shared that BBLC was “an incredible life-changing weekend” filled with moments she never wanted to forget.

“The minute I got off the bus to go to the Best Buddies Leadership Conference, I was welcomed with open arms, literally hugs all around,” she said.

From late-night conversations with her roommate to spontaneous hallway chats with new friends, Mariana described the weekend as one filled with laughter, connection, and genuine belonging.

Mariana also reflected on the impact of hearing people’s stories throughout the conference.

“I got to learn more about people and why Best Buddies means so much to them,” she shared. “Whether it was because they had a family member with an IDD, were involved in a chapter, or simply loved the Best Buddies philosophy, everyone had a reason for being there.”

(Mariana – pictured front left)

The conference featured energetic opening ceremonies, leadership workshops, ambassador speeches, and the Friendship Walk celebration, complete with music, dancing, and time spent together as a community. Even with little sleep, attendees embraced every moment.

“The best and most life-changing experience,” Mariana called it, a feeling echoed by many throughout the weekend.

As BBLC 2025 came to a close, attendees returned home inspired, energized, and ready to bring everything they learned back to their California communities. The friendships formed and memories created will continue to strengthen the mission of inclusion long after the conference ended.

We can’t wait for BBLC 2026! To learn more about Best Buddies Leadership Conference, visit: https://www.bestbuddies.org/bblc/