2026 LEADERSHIP GATHERING
Join colleagues from across the Hope Ignites Network to celebrate our work and success.
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
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RETREAT
TUESDAY, APRIL 14
3 PM
Executive Director Arrivals & Hotel Check-In
Residence Inn - Clayton,
8125 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, Missouri, 63105
3 PM - 5 PM | Residence Inn - Clayton
Opening Connection: Grounding, Reflection, and Relationships
5 PM – 7 PM | Residence Inn - Clayton | Clayton Ballroom
Network Board & Executive Director Opening Dinner
Cocktails, sit-down dinner and ice-breaker with team building for board members, EDs and Network Leadership Team.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
7:30 AM – 9 AM | Canopy Restaraunt
Breakfast Buffet
9 AM – 12 PM| Hope on the Hill
Executive Director Retreat Morning Sessions
12 PM – 1 PM| Hope on the Hil
Executive Director Lunch
1 PM – 4 PM| Hope on the Hill
Executive Director Retreat Afternoon Sessions
1 PM – 4 PM| Hope on the Hill
Hope Ignites Network Board Meeting
3 PM | Residence Inn - Clayton
General Conference Guest Arrivals & Hotel Check-In
4 PM - 5:30 PM| Residence Inn - Clayton
Affinity Group Connection: Boards, Development & Marketing, and Program
5:30 PM | Residence Inn - Clayton
Depart via bus to St. Louis affiliate for Opening Reception
6 PM – 8 PM| Hope Ignites St. Louis
Welcome Reception with Food, Cocktails
Hope Ignites St. Louis, 8027 Elinor Ave. Richmond Heights, MO 63117
8 PM | Hope Ignites St. Louis
Depart for Hotel
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
6 AM – 9 AM | Residence Inn - Clayton
Breakfast
Complimentary hot breakfast served daily in the dining room.
9 AM - 12 PM | Residence Inn - Clayton
Morning Sessions
12 PM – 1 PM | Residence Inn - Clayton
Lunch
1 PM - 4:30 PM | Residence Inn - Clayton
Afternoon Sessions
5:30 PM | Residence Inn - Clayton
Depart Via Bus to Excellence Awards
6 PM - 8:30 PM| Fair Mercantile Building
Excellence Awards
Fair Mercantile Building, 5257 Shaw Ave, 2nd floor
Reception at Hope on the Hill, Dinner in the D'Amici Room
8:30 PM | Fair Mercantile Building
Depart for Hotel
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
6 AM – 8 AM | Residence Inn - Clayton
Breakfast
Complimentary hot breakfast served daily in the dining room.
8 AM – 12 PM | Residence Inn - Clayton
Morning Sessions
12 PM - 1 PM | Residence Inn - Clayton
Lunch & Conference Departures
Grab & go box lunch. Eat at hotel, or take to-go.
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN PROVIDE HOPE
Working to nurture and guide motivated
young people in need to become well-educated,
career-ready men and women for others
TAKE ACTION
