GiGi’s Playhouse Annual Leadership Conference 2024

Every year in November GiGi’s Playhouse volunteers, board members, self advocates, and staff join together every year for a 4-day event focused on professional and mission growth. Attendees learn from their peers, community leaders, and experts in the business and nonprofit world, walking away energized, inspired, and ready to take on another year of changing the way the world views Down syndrome.

GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento showed up in full force with an excited & motivated group of 8 individuals ready to learn and share information! Read below about our experience-

“The GiGi’s Playhouse National Conference celebrated its commitment to supporting individuals with Down syndrome through innovative workshops, a vibrant keynote speaker, collaborative networking sessions and a new, action packed Self Advocate track! Highlights included: a tour of the National Office with a visit to Hugs and Mugs program enrichment, sharing best practices among playhouse staff and board members, empowering advocates to promote inclusivity, and awards ceremony  followed by an epic dance party! During the conference sessions, Self Advocates who participated in the Self Advocate track jumped into action by practicing the skills they acquired and introduced workshop session speakers. The event created a sense of unity and energized participants to continue creating impactful programs and experiences for Playhouse families and the GiGi’s community. 🙂”
– April Davila; GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento Board Vice President

I gained a great deal from this year’s conference. Several sessions delved deeply into topics bay hadn’t been fully explored before, or had only been briefly mentioned, offering actionable insights that can be immediately applied. There were also discus about long-term plans for the GiGi’s network that raised some tough questions. I was impressed by the thoughtful and transparent way they were addressed. Additionally, I was thrilled that our Board Member, Shannon Owens, was able to participate in the new Ambassador track. I’m confident that she gained valuable skills – and made some great friends – and I look forward to seeing her put them to work (the skills, not the friends 😉). 
– Nicole Harrigan; GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento Board President

“I had a great experience meeting the National team and connecting with various playhouse volunteers and employees at the conference. I came away with valuable insights and strategies that I’m excited to put into practice. Getting to know our team on a deeper level was especially meaningful, and I truly appreciate everyone’s hard work in making our GiGi’s Sacramento Playhouse thrive.”
– Missy Okelberry; Site Manager

“This was my first time attending conference and was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful venue.  The sessions were full of information and fresh new ideas for our Playhouse.  I especially enjoyed getting to meet others from around the country that share my same passion for GiGi’s Playhouse.  I’m very much looking forward to going back next year.”
– Kim Francis; GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento Volunteer

“The 2024 GiGi’s Conference was exciting, educational, and inspiring. I enjoyed spending time with our Sacramento team to learn how to make our Playhouse the BEST place for our families, volunteers, and mostly our participants with Down syndrome. It was so helpful to hear from other Playhouses about their successes and challenges. I loved seeing the self advocates, especially our own board member Shannon, presenting at the break out sessions and getting to learn new self advocacy skills.”
– Karen Siino; Program and Volunteer Coordinator

“I loved the dance, learning CPR, learning to be an ambassador through public speaking, and presenting myself appropriately through eye contact and a good attitude. I gained confidence in myself and can help others know I care about them. I met Franco (Gianni) and has the chance to be interviewed in the same spot that the podcast “A Little Something Extra” is filmed. I loved learning that I can do hard things.”
-Shannon Owens; GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento Board Member

The GiGi’s National Conference was a great experience! It was just so inspiring to be in a place where everyone is dedicated to the same cause- changing the way the world sees Down syndrome! Hearing from other leaders and Playhouses was amazing; I can’t wait to take the things I learned and implement them into future Fantastic Friends sessions, creating more opportunities for our adult participants to be their Best of All! I’m so grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to see what’s next from GiGi’s Playhouse Sacramento!
-Claire

The GiGi’s National Conference was a great reminder of the strength we gain as we work together towards greater acceptance for all individuals. We can change the worlds understanding and attitude by our example.
– Lisa Owens, GiGi’s Kitchen Adult Lead