The 2026 Best Buddies Leadership Conference brought together students, advisors, and leaders from across the country for a week centered around friendship, inclusion, and leadership. Among those in attendance was a representative from Boise State University, bringing Best Buddies in Idaho into the conversation and creating new opportunities for connection and growth within the state.

Throughout the conference, attendees had the opportunity to learn from one another, participate in leadership sessions, and hear about the many ways Best Buddies chapters are creating meaningful experiences in their schools and communities. From building friendships to developing stronger chapter leadership, BBLC offered new perspectives and practical ideas that can make an impact long after the conference ends.

For Best Buddies in Idaho, attending BBLC was an exciting opportunity to gain that perspective firsthand. The experience provided a chance to connect with other members of the Best Buddies community, discover new ideas, and return home with inspiration for the year ahead.

The hope is that the connections and experiences from BBLC will continue beyond the conference itself. As a new school year begins, the ideas and relationships formed at BBLC can help open the door to new conversations, partnerships, and opportunities to introduce more people across Idaho to the Best Buddies mission.

“Having Boise State University represented at BBLC was an exciting opportunity for Best Buddies in Idaho,” said Elsie Zajicek, Best Buddies Program Manager. “We are looking forward to seeing how the experience shapes the year ahead and how the ideas and connections from conference can help us continue building awareness and growing the Best Buddies community in Idaho.”

As the 2026–2027 school year gets underway, Best Buddies in Idaho is carrying the energy and inspiration from BBLC forward. The friendships made, ideas shared, and experiences gained at conference have the potential to open new doors throughout the year and create even more opportunities for people of all abilities to experience friendship, leadership, and inclusion.