{"id":4533,"date":"2020-05-21T20:58:23","date_gmt":"2020-05-21T20:58:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/bblc\/?page_id=4533"},"modified":"2024-12-11T19:38:35","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T19:38:35","slug":"event-details","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/bblc-old\/event-details\/","title":{"rendered":"Event Details"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text]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.<\/p>\n

Attendees will have the opportunity to <\/span>connect with global leaders who are <\/span>passionate about creating a more inclusive <\/span>world for people with intellectual and <\/span>developmental disabilities. By attending <\/span>BBLC, you will have the chance to share <\/span>ideas and learn strategies to create <\/span>positive change in your community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This weekend long experience provides educational tracks that apply to a variety of positions within your chapter and the community.<\/p>\n

Get ready for a weekend filled with inspiration and fun![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1709322902298{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” background_color=”#f4f4fa”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]\n

Why should you attend BBLC?<\/h1>\n

This conference experience will offer opportunities<\/strong> to learn from professional presenters, participate in small group discussions, engage with experts, and choose from a diverse variety of education sessions that will inform, inspire, and advance your role in the disability rights movement.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1709324987402{margin-right: 3px !important;margin-left: 3px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1709323052643{border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-color: #ffd420 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]\n

Connect<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Networking Opportunities<\/h3>\n

Connect with like-minded people who are passionate about inclusion and making a positive impact. Building a network of contacts leads to lasting friendships and collaborations.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Inclusive Environment<\/h3>\n

Experience firsthand the power of inclusion that Best Buddies is known for and learn how to make your community more inclusive.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Camaraderie and Team Building<\/h3>\n

BBLC provides a unique opportunity for you to bond with others who share similar goals and values. Building a sense of camaraderie contributes to a more collaborative and effective global Best Buddies community.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1709323090897{border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-color: #f37735 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]\n

Learn<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Learning from Experts<\/h3>\n

Attend sessions and workshops led by experts in the field of disability inclusion, leadership, and advocacy. Gain insights from experienced professionals and apply this knowledge in your own community.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Skill-Building Workshops<\/h3>\n

The conference offers a variety of workshops that focus on practical skills, such as event planning, fundraising, and advocacy. You will learn about valuable tools and strategies to use in your local Best Buddies programs.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Awareness and Advocacy Training<\/h3>\n

Learn about the importance of raising awareness and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can be an effective advocate for inclusion in your schools, workplaces, and communities.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1709323161992{border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-color: #00a09d !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]\n

Celebrate<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Celebration of Achievements<\/h3>\n

We recognize the achievements of Best Buddies chapters and individuals throughout conference. Come celebrate with us![\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Inspiration and Motivation<\/h3>\n

BBLC provides a motivational boost.\u00a0 You will be encouraged to continue your efforts in promoting friendship and inclusion.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1709323190464{border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-color: #9396ca !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]\n

Grow<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Personal Growth and Development<\/h3>\n

Come to BBLC to enhance your leadership skills, communication abilities, and self-confidence.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Global Perspective<\/h3>\n

Learn about successful initiatives from different parts of the world and be inspired to think globally and act locally.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Why should you attend BBLC?<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\n

Personal Growth and Development<\/h3>\n

Come to BBLC to enhance your leadership skills, communication abilities, and self-confidence.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\n

Networking Opportunities<\/h3>\n

Connect with like-minded people who are passionate about inclusion and making a positive impact. Building a network of contacts leads to lasting friendships and collaborations.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\n

Inclusive Environment<\/h3>\n

Experience firsthand the power of inclusion that Best Buddies is known for and learn how to make your community more inclusive.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]\n

Learning from Experts<\/h3>\n

Attend sessions and workshops led by experts in the field of disability inclusion, leadership, and advocacy. Gain insights from experienced professionals and apply this knowledge in your own community.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]\n

Inspiration and Motivation<\/h3>\n

BBLC provides a motivational boost.\u00a0 You will be encouraged to continue your efforts in promoting friendship and inclusion.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\n

Skill-Building Workshops<\/h3>\n

The conference offers a variety of workshops that focus on practical skills, such as event planning, fundraising, and advocacy. You will learn about valuable tools and strategies to use in your local Best Buddies programs.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\n

Awareness and Advocacy Training<\/h3>\n

Learn about the importance of raising awareness and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can be an effective advocate for inclusion in your schools, workplaces, and communities.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\n

Camaraderie and Team Building<\/h3>\n

BBLC provides a unique opportunity for you to bond with others who share similar goals and values. Building a sense of camaraderie contributes to a more collaborative and effective global Best Buddies community.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]\n

Celebration of Achievements<\/h3>\n

We recognize the achievements of Best Buddies chapters and individuals throughout conference. Come celebrate with us![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]\n

Global Perspective<\/h3>\n

Learn about successful initiatives from different parts of the world and be inspired to think globally and act locally.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes”][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”5036″ img_size=”208X107″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]\n

Tuesday, July 13, 2021<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5042″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”5037″ img_size=”208×107″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]\n

Wednesday, July 14, 2021<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5040″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”5038″ img_size=”169×107″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]\n

Thursday, July 15, 2021<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5041″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Speaker Highlights<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes”][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”5382″ img_size=”” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]\n

Billy Blanks, Jr.
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Billy Blanks, Jr. is an American fitness personality and founder of the worldwide Dance It Out fitness class program and franchise. As president of Homefield he strives to make health and wellness accessible to everyone, no matter their ability or situation.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”5383″ img_size=”” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]\n

Millicent Boykin
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Millicent Boykin has more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit administration, community engagement, and program development.\u00a0 Millicent demonstrates her passion for service and engaging others to positively impact the community by being an active community volunteer.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”5378″ img_size=”” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]\n

Faron Medhi
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Miss Teen USA, Faron Medhi, is passionate about spreading positivity and self-love. She strives to be a relatable titleholder on social media, hoping to break the stigma of perfection online. Aspiring to be a nurse practitioner, she is passionate about instilling values of self-worth and confidence among the youth.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”5379″ img_size=”” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]\n

Morgan Romano
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Morgan Romano, Miss USA 2022, has a passion for STEM education for children and spends her free time volunteering with Project Scientist, an after-school program that provides a high quality STEM curriculum to young girls.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes”][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”5377″ img_size=”313×313″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]\n

Kevin Wanzer
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Kevin Wanzer is a humorist, motivational comedian and keynote speaker. Through stories and humor, he helps people reconnect with hidden passions, embrace diversity, and celebrate community through laughter.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Performer Highlights<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes”][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”5387″ img_size=”” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]\n

Jensen Gering
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Jensen Gering is a model, actor, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Jensin is currently starring in the Nickelodeon show Erin & Aaron.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”5376″ img_size=”” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]\n

Marissa Lelogeais
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Mar is the band leader and lead vocalist of the empowering movement: The Merry Rockers. Through song and story, she shares her views on inclusion from the perspective of a functionally alter-abled person.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”5380″ img_size=”” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text]\n

Lisa Smith
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Lisa Smith is a woman with Down syndrome who has taken the gift of interpretive signing and added to it her unashamed faith, allowing her to express herself in absolute freedom and adoration for the Lord.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”5381″ img_size=”” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1688065604939{margin-right: -10px !important;}”]\n

Marlana VanHoose
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Marlana VanHoose was born blind as her optic nerve never formed.\u00a0 She was humming \u201cJesus Loves Me\u201d before her first words and by two years old, she taught herself to play the piano.\u00a0 Marlana is a member of the Artist Music Guild where she was the 2012 recipient for New Artist of the Year and Young Artist of the Year.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Conference Overview<\/h1>\n

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.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\n

Educational Sessions<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5313″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]\n

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to <\/span><\/span>expand their knowledge and build their skills through a <\/span><\/span>variety of educational tracks tailored to their program <\/span><\/span>role and facilitated by a combination of Best Buddies <\/span><\/span>staff members, Global Ambassadors and guest <\/span><\/span>speakers with expertise in relevant fields.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\n

Interactive Forums<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4450″ img_size=”374X304″ style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]BBLC is filled with opportunities to hear new <\/span><\/span>perspectives and share your own. Our World <\/span><\/span>Caf\u00e9 round table sessions provide the chance to <\/span><\/span>engage in meaningful discussions with members <\/span><\/span>of the global Best Buddies community and are <\/span><\/span>an attendee favorite each year.<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\n

Conference Events<\/span><\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4294″ img_size=”374X304″ style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_column_text]Nothing captures the magic of BBLC quite like the <\/span><\/span>events which bring all attendees together to entertain, <\/span><\/span>inspire and share our vision for a more inclusive <\/span><\/span>future.\u00a0 Highlights include Opening & Closing <\/span><\/span>Ceremonies, Keynote Sessions and Outstanding <\/span><\/span>Chapter of the Year Awards.<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Conference Timeline<\/h1>\n

Below is a snapshot of what a day in the life of a conference participant will look like.\u00a0 A more detailed agenda will be sent to attendees in July.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1684504448502{border-top-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;background-color: #fffbe8 !important;border-top-color: #ffd420 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #ffd420 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Friday, July 18th<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n