{"id":142532,"date":"2025-11-15T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-15T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/quadcities\/?p=142532"},"modified":"2025-12-18T14:29:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T20:29:58","slug":"teamwork-leadership-and-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/quadcities\/celebration\/teamwork-leadership-and-awards","title":{"rendered":"Teamwork, Leadership, and Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Here at GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Quad Cities, we believe in teamwork<\/strong>! Together, we make a great team \u2014 and as they say, \u201cteamwork makes the dream work.\u201d We\u2019re not sure who they<\/em> are, but we\u2019ll go with it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities 2025 Conference Attendees<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve had a week to reflect on the annual National GiGi\u2019s Conference, and those who attended are feeling recharged, reenergized, and ready to keep our Playhouse progressing<\/em> in the right direction!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each year, Board Presidents take the stage to share two words: one representing the past year and one for the year ahead. Our Board President, Kathy Kuhnen, shared that the word for 2025 was \u201csuccession\u201d<\/strong> \u2014 a fitting choice, as we focused on developing a staff succession plan during our leadership transition. It took a little longer than expected, but the process has been a huge success!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The word for 2026 is \u201cprogressing.\u201d<\/strong> Over the past few years, we\u2019ve made tremendous strides, and we know the work isn\u2019t done. We\u2019ll continue advancing, developing, evolving, growing,<\/em> and flourishing<\/em> \u2014 all wonderful synonyms for progressing \u2014 as we move forward together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflections<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

We had 12 people from our local playhouse in attendance at the conference this year, including 9 from our leadership<\/strong> team (staff and board members). Here is what a few of them had to say about the conference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Conference is a great way to collaborate with staff and board members from our local Playhouse, along with other playhouses.  I love coming back recharged<\/strong> and ready to take on another year! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kathy Kuhnen, Board President<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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One of my favorite sessions was Creative Assets Sell<\/em> with Creative Director Joel Kapity. I gained valuable insights and tools on how to enhance our storytelling through video and photography. The session ended with Joel sharing a powerful video he recently created with the Las Vegas Playhouse. It had everything\u2014emotion, authenticity, and heart. Watching it reminded me exactly why we do what we do. I left the conference feeling re-energized <\/strong>and honored to be part of GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Quad Cities, where we each play a role in making a difference and continuing to spread the global message of acceptance for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abbey Pocklington, Board Member & Marketing\/Outreach Committee Co-Chair<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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I really enjoyed my experience at my first National Leaders Conference as a staff member.  I was able to make connections with other Executive Directors and leaders across the GiGi’s Playhouse network and to be able to put more faces to names that I’ve seen in emails, instant messages, and National calls.  I was so happy to celebrate the achievements that happened in the Quad Cities Playhouse over the last year!  It reaffirmed<\/strong> my stance that I am SO LUCKY to be working with an AMAZING team!  I was very lucky to be able to help celebrate Pam’s incredible accomplishments as she accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award!  Thank you again for everything you have done to make our Playhouse the remarkable place it is.  As I walked away from the conference, I felt I was ready to dream big for our QC Playhouse, and I can’t wait to work with our staff and board members to see how we can make those dreams come true for our participants, families, and community!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nathan Bates, Executive Director<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Conference wa better than expected! This was my first time attending the conference, and I had a wonderful experience. Once I found my groove, I began absorbing so much information. My hope is to take everything I learned and use it to better myself as both a board member and a committee member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was especially nice to meet so many people with the same mindset, especially the younger attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were laughs (a lot of laughs!), games, food, and of course drinks. I loved getting to know the QC Gigi\u2019s staff and board members better. And yes\u2026 what happens at conference stays at conference. LOL!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best part by far was being there to watch Pam accept the Lifetime Achievement Award. I can\u2019t think of anyone more deserving. It has truly been a highlight working with Pam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meribeth Johnson, Board Member Art Show & Gala Committee Member<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Standards of Execution<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Many have heard us refer to the national Standards of Execution (SOEs<\/strong>) and possibly seen previous blogs explaining what they are. If you’ve sat in the family room here at the playhouse, you’ve probably noticed the certificates on the wall. These will soon be updated to reflect our 2025 achievements!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Center of Excellence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n