Read about our delegation’s trip to the annual conference at Indiana University.

July saw BBMN bring 22 participants to the 2026 Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) at Indiana University and this year was special! 15 of our participants attended their first ever BBLC and got to witness the inspiring atmosphere of thousands of people actively supporting inclusion. From lively Opening and Closing Ceremonies, to learning sessions based on their program involvement, to the Festival of Friendship, BBLC had something for everyone.

2026 was the largest conference in Best Buddies history, bringing together more than 2,600 attendees from all 50 states and 17 countries to celebrate as One Team, One World. The World Cup theme encouraged collaboration across states and countries, creating a truly inclusive environment for everyone who attended. Guest speakers included Madison Marilla and Subodh Garg from Love on the Spectrum, Holly Robinson Peete, Iron Man finishers Kyle and Brent Pease, motivational speaker A’ric Jackson, and the 21 Down Panel featuring Caden Cox, Mellissa Bickerton, and Dashiell Meier, sharing more about the film and why authentic representation matters. The Friendship Walk and games on Saturday night saw weekend emcee Billy Banks Jr. host the first ever Lip Sync Challenge that our very own, Mikayla Holmgren, competed in!

Highlights from the Pitch

The consensus of the weekend was how inspiring, uplifting, and inclusive the conference was. Attendees loved getting to meet leaders from chapters across the country and especially enjoyed making new friends from other countries. Across the weekend, customized track sessions (specific for high school, college, ambassador, and community leaders) encouraged our participants to branch out, meet new people, and discuss different ways to make Best Buddies work in their communities.

“I’m usually not that social, but Best Buddies is different,” remarked Olivia L., a high school student from Maple Grove who left Indiana with lots of ideas and new friends.

A fan favorite was the Festival of Friendship on Sunday night – where many of our participants belted to karaoke, danced the night away on the dance floor, and said goodbye to the friends they made over the course of the weekend.

Special Awards for Minnesota

Four Minnesota schools were nominated by BBMN staff and recognized by Best Buddies International for their exemplary leadership and impact. The following chapters received Outstanding Chapter of the Year awards:

• Minnewashta Elementary School (not pictured)
• Forest Lake Area Middle School (not pictured)
• Park High School
• University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Participant Takeaways

“You learn so much about Best Buddies and how many people support inclusion. Seeing all the states and countries in one place is so cool. All the new ideas and people at World Cafe make it unforgettable,” Savannah G., from Delano High School, returned for her second BBLC in a row and shared why people should attend.

“I just love being around people who have such positive mindsets and love to celebrate people’s differences,” shared State Relationship Manager Emma Dahl, who is a Chapter Advisor for Minnetonka High School.

“In the world we’re living in now, we deserve to take up space.”

As one speaker shared during Opening Ceremonies, “In the world we’re living in now, we deserve to take up space,” and this weekend was a great reminder that nobody deserves to be shamed for showing up differently. An inclusive world will welcome everyone, no matter their abilities, and BBLC is a glimpse into what that world will look like.

About Best Buddies Leadership Conference

A significant portion of travel fees and conference costs for each participant are covered by Best Buddies in Minnesota from funds raised throughout the year. Donations, sponsorships, and grants help Best Buddies in Minnesota create opportunities for true inclusion where individuals can be their authentic selves, learn to be leaders, and advocate for inclusion, like at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference.

Next year will once again take place at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana from July 16 – 19, 2027. If you’re interested in attending as part of Minnesota’s delegation, please reach out to Minnesota@bestbuddies.org. To learn more about the conference itself or view highlights from this year, visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/bblc/.