Hope Ignites Leadership Gathering 2026

Executive directors, board members, program leads, and development/marketing leads are encouraged to attend.

April 14 – 15 will be a retreat for Executive Directors. Program leads and development/marketing leads will meet on April 16 – 17.

Hope Ignites Network Headquarters will cover on-the-ground expenses for three team members and one board member from each affiliate.

The 2026 Hope Ignites Leadership Gathering is a time to come together as a community — strengthen ourselves, our ties, and our mission.

We will explore leadership and well-being, caring for mind, body, and soul in demanding roles, and engage in how AI and the changing nature of work are shaping how we serve scholars. Alumni stories will ground us in lived experience and long-term impact.

We will also focus on growth across the network and on building academic and post-secondary pathways that support lasting success for young people.

Most importantly, this gathering creates space to reflect, reconnect, celebrate the remarkable progress across Hope Ignites, and move forward with shared clarity and purpose.

3 PM
General Conference Guest Arrivals & Hotel Check-in
Check-in at Residence Inn-Clayton

4 PM – 5:30 PM
Affinity Group Connection: Boards, Development & Marketing, and Program
Meet with your group for conversation and brainstorming

6 PM – 8 PM
Welcome Reception with Food, Cocktails
Hope Ignites St. Louis, 8027 Elinor Ave. Richmond Heights, MO 63117

6 AM – 9 AM
Breakfast
Complimentary hot breakfast served daily in the dining room.

8:30 AM – 10 AM
Leading the Next Chapter Together
Kristin Ostby, CEO & President, will lead a state of the organization briefing followed by a panel discussion.

10 AM – 12 PM
Program Innovation and Impact
An interactive and engaging session focused on the core pillars of our program, the vision of what we’re working to achieve, and a showcase of affiliates who are excelling at bringing that vision to life. All attendees to join this session.

12 PM – 1 PM
Lunch

1 PM – 2 PM
Leading Excellent Teams in a Shifting Landscape Attorney and Network Headquarters Board Member Colette Kopon will lead this session for supervisors across the Network.

2:30 – 4 PM
Concurrent Sessions
Two concurrent breakout sessions focusing on either programming or development and marketing.

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Excellence Awards
Fair Mercantile Building, 5257 Shaw Ave, 2nd floor
Reception at Hope on the Hill, Dinner in the D’Amici Room

6 AM – 8 AM
Breakfast
Complimentary hot breakfast served daily in the dining room.

8 AM – 9 AM
AI Fundamentals
An optional introductory session covering the basics of AI and how it can be used thoughtfully in our work, designed to build shared understanding and confidence.

9 AM to 10:30 AM
The Future of Work and Our Mission
A forward-looking session exploring the future of work and its implications for Hope Ignites and the scholars we serve, including emerging trends, skills, and opportunities shaping the years ahead.

10:30 AM – 12 PM
Alumni Panel
Hope Ignites alumni share insights from their experiences and discuss how to meet the challenges and opportunities of the evolving work landscape.

12 PM – 1 PM
Lunch & Conference Departures
Grab & go box lunch. Eat at hotel or take to-go.