2016 GiGi's Playhouse Conference
Acceptance in Action: GiGi's Playhouse 2016 National Conference
Taking action and changing the world together!
250 team members representing 39 Playhouses and start-up groups, as well as representatives from more than 15 corporate sponsors and partners, and even board members of local community foundations; all joined the GiGi's Playhouse National Leadership Team for the "Bigger, Better Stronger Together" Leadership Conference in Schaumburg, IL.
Speaking with united voice on behalf of 26,000+ families worldwide, Playhouse leaders, staff and volunteers engaged in more than 50 general session presentations and breakout session trainings - all in just 2 days! From one Playhouse leader:
"GRATEFUL to be part of a movement that is reinventing acceptance and kindness. HUMBLED by all the kind people I met this weekend and their infectious energy. INSPIRED beyond belief from the stories and speeches I heard. Last but not least, EXCITED. I am so excited to take what I devoured this weekend and turn it around into something great! Not only with my GiGi's family, but with my community. Everyone deserves a voice and I do not mind using mine till my last breath! Thank you for allowing me to be part of something bigger than me. You are all an inspiration! Let's keep this movement going! *Educate*Inspire*Believe* #generationG #HumbleandKind"
The 2016 Conference features topics and trainings on subject matters including program participant engagement, new program roll-outs, literacy and math tutoring, healthy workplace relationships, training on new financial systems and CRM technologies, strategies and resources for grant writing, media relations, corporate partnerships and large donor cultivation; leveraging a national brand, board succession, and more!
Saturday's sessions ended with a live performance of Tim McGraw's "Humble and Kind" by local artists Whiskey & Harmony, reminding attendees and guests of the song's message and call to action which parallels the GiGi's Playhouse Generation G campaign. A reception and awards banquet followed thereafter.
Sharing
connecting
One member of GiGi's Playhouse national team shared, "There is just nothing quite like coming together face to face to learn, connect, overcome challenges and party with the people I only get to see once or twice a year (or finally got to meet for the first time). We have laughed together, cried together, overcome obstacles together and grown together...all despite the thousands of miles between us."
inspiration
The suburban Chicagoland start-up team added, "Wrapped up an inspirational day at the GiGi's Playhouse National Conference. Feeling so ready to start our brand new Down Syndrome Achievement Center in Deerfield!! Just what the north shore needs! We can't wait to share everything we learned..."
Celebration
After four days of education and inspiration, attendees and guests of GiGi’s Playhouse National Conference hit the dance floor to celebrate new relationships, new learnings, and new opportunities!
Awards
- National Volunteer of the Year: Erin Alexeff and Kim Fennell, Cleveland
- Shining Star (a Playhouse Staff member who really knows how to “Get It Done”): Kristen Sweet, Twin Cities
- Shooting Star (a Playhouse startup location that demonstrates exceptional enthusiasm and potential while working toward the grand opening): GiGi’s Playhouse Rochester
- Rising Star (a Playhouse that has opened in the past year and has had an outstanding start): GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh
- Neutron Star (a location that leads from behind, quietly packing in all the tools and resources to do almost everything right): GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne
- Star Struck (a team that has demonstrated outstanding impact to its community): GiGi’s Playhouse New York City
- Super Star (a Playhouse that is an example of how to do things right in so many ways): GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix
- Hollywood Star (a Playhouse or person that just simply needs their own category): GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley
Photos
GiGi's Playhouse is beyond thankful for all of the corporate partners whose time, talent and generosity enabled us to execute the 2016 Conference.
Thank you to A&E Television, Gesture, Patterson Medical, Staples, Apple, Ford Motor Company, Digity, Insperity Lakeshore Learning Materials, Baker Tilly, Mekky Media Relations, Blue Sky Marketing, Total Event Resources, LinkedIn, and more!
