Colorful banner for the Best Buddies Leadership Conference 2024 with the theme 'Everybody Belongs,' featuring retro 1980s graphics, the hashtag #BBLC2024, and the event dates July 19-22.

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.

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

This weekend long experience provides educational tracks that apply to a variety of positions within your chapter and the community.

Get ready for a weekend filled with inspiration and fun!

Why should you attend BBLC?

This conference experience will offer opportunities 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.

Connect

Networking Opportunities

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.

Inclusive Environment

Experience firsthand the power of inclusion that Best Buddies is known for and learn how to make your community more inclusive.

Camaraderie and Team Building

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.

Learn

Learning from Experts

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.

Skill-Building Workshops

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.

Awareness and Advocacy Training

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.

Celebrate

Celebration of Achievements

We recognize the achievements of Best Buddies chapters and individuals throughout conference. Come celebrate with us!

Inspiration and Motivation

BBLC provides a motivational boost. You will be encouraged to continue your efforts in promoting friendship and inclusion.

Grow

Personal Growth and Development

Come to BBLC to enhance your leadership skills, communication abilities, and self-confidence.

Global Perspective

Learn about successful initiatives from different parts of the world and be inspired to think globally and act locally.

Conference Overview

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.

Educational Sessions

A diverse group of students attentively listening during a workshop or presentation, wearing lanyards with badges in a classroom setting.
Conference attendees will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and build their skills through a variety of educational tracks tailored to their program role and facilitated by a combination of Best Buddies staff members, Global Ambassadors and guest speakers with expertise in relevant fields.

Interactive Forums

A lively group of participants engaged in discussions at round tables during a conference or workshop in a large event space.
BBLC is filled with opportunities to hear new perspectives and share your own. Our World Café round table sessions provide the chance to engage in meaningful discussions with members of the global Best Buddies community and are an attendee favorite each year.

Conference Events

Nothing captures the magic of BBLC quite like the events which bring all attendees together to entertain, inspire and share our vision for a more inclusive future. Highlights include Opening & Closing Ceremonies, Keynote Sessions and Outstanding Chapter of the Year Awards.

Conference Timeline

Below is a snapshot of what a day in the life of a conference participant will look like. A more detailed agenda will be sent to attendees in July.

Friday, July 19th

  • Attendees Arrive on Campus​
  • Registration & Dorm Check In​
  • Conference Welcome Festivities​
  • Dinner​
  • State Delegation Meeting​
  • Opening Ceremonies

Saturday, July 20th

  • Breakfast​
  • Conference Kickoff Session​
  • Education Tracks Begin​
  • Lunch​
  • Education Tracks Continue​
  • Dinner​
  • Evening Activities

Sunday, July 21st

  • Breakfast​
  • General Session​
  • Education Tracks Continue​
  • Lunch​
  • World Café Round Tables​
  • Dinner​
  • Closing Ceremonies​

Monday, July 22nd

  • Breakfast​
  • Conference Checkout​
  • Attendee Departure​
  • Ongoing Airport Shuttles