Gathering Details
Dates
Wednesday, April 15
to Friday, April 17
Location
St. Louis, MO
Who
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.
Expenses
Hope Ignites Network Headquarters will cover on-the-ground expenses for three team members and one board member from each affiliate.
Accommodations
Residence Inn – Clayton
8125 Forsyth Blvd.
Clayton, MO 63105
Schedule
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
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
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
6 AM – 9 AM
Breakfast
Complimentary hot breakfast served daily in the dining room.
8:30 AM – 10 AM
Stewardship of the Leader: Caring for the Mind, Body, and Soul
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
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
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.
