The 26th Annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference Packs in Loads of Fun for Student Leaders in Bloomington, Indiana

Presented by C.A. Hartnell

• Kid Quill, Indiana’s top emcee in 2014 and up-and-coming artist rocks the crowd
• Barbara Torres, Best Buddies Jobs participant of over 20 years, wins “Best Buddies Jobs Employee of the Year Award”
• Lauren Potter, Best Buddies Ambassador and Star of the TV show “Glee” wins “Spirit of Courage Award”
• Jewelry brand ALEX and ANI unveils their new arrow of friendship bangle, which stands for friendship and individuality in which proceeds benefits Best Buddies International
• More than 2,600 people tuned in to watch the Conference, live streamed

Bloomington, IN (July 22, 2015) – Over 2,100 student leaders, volunteers, and staff from Best Buddies International Website programs around the world participated in the 26th Annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference: I’M IN presented by C.A. Hartnell, July 17-20 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The weekend offered attendees new ideas to share with their chapters’ back home, networking opportunities, and most importantly, lasting friendships.

Indiana University Auditorium, where over 2,100 people watched the 26th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference Opening Ceremonies | Photo by John David Arroyo, Best Buddies International

The 25th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference Packs in Loads of Fun for Student Leaders in Bloomington, Indiana Presented by C.A. Hartnell

• NBA Star and Best Buddies Global Sports Ambassador Kyrie Irving hosts the Best Buddies Pep Rally and Basketball Game
• Julie Remillard wins first ever “Best Buddies Jobs Employee of the Year Award”
• Best Buddies Ambassador and Jobs Participant Jorge Morilla wins “Spirit of Courage Award”
• Star of the new movie “Produce” David DeSanctis attends screening of his film at the Conference
• More than 15,000 people tuned in to watch the Conference, live streamed

Bloomington, IN (July 30, 2014) – Over 2,000 student leaders, volunteers, and staff from Best Buddies International’s programs around the world participated in the 25th Annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference: Journey to Innovation presented by C.A. Hartnell, July 25-28 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The weekend offered attendees new ideas to share with their chapters’ back home, networking opportunities, and most importantly, lasting friendships.

Leaders From Around the World to Unite in the Name of Inclusion at the 25th Annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, Presented by C.A. Hartnell

Bloomington, Ind. (July 16, 2014) – Summer vacation will hold a special meaning for over 2,000 student leaders, volunteers, and staff from Best Buddies International’s programs around the world, who will participate in the 25^th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference  presented by C.A. Hartnell, July 25-28 at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

This year’s conference will prepare the organization’s students leaders to be strong, passionate forerunners on the Journey to Innovation, challenging communities and inspiring the world one person at a time.

The Closing Ceremonies of the 24th Annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference: Buddies Without Borders

Representatives from Best Buddies New York entering IU Auditorium

This year’s Leadership Conference ended in a fun, groovy way making this one of the most enthusiastic closing ceremonies Best Buddies has ever had. With a rendition of “I’ve Had the Time of my Life” playing in the auditorium and guests wearing everything from Hawaiian Lei’s to funky hats, members were ready to go out in style. Anthony K. Shriver even took photos with members of Best Buddies seated in the front row.

The 24th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference Packs in Fun and Surprises for Student Leaders in Bloomington, Indiana

Bloomington, IN (July 23, 2013) – Over 1,700 student leaders, volunteers, and staff from Best Buddies International’s programs around the world participated in the24th Annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference: Buddies without Borders July 19-22 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The weekend offered attendees fresh ideas to share with their chapters back home, networking opportunities, and most importantly, new friendships.

The Opening Ceremonies of the 24th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference

The crowd went wild in this year’s Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. With chapter members and guests wearing their Best Buddies T-shirts and waving glow sticks in the air with enthusiasm, the night’s event was nothing short of outstanding. The show started off with a performance by Lisa Smith, demonstrating her gift of signing while a rendition of “Hallelujah” played in the background.

Lisa Smith, performing “Hallelujah” with interpretive signing at Best Buddies Leadership Conference Opening Ceremonies.
© Larry Levin, Best Buddies International. All rights reserved.

Leaders from Around the World to Unite in the Name of Inclusion at the 24thAnnual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference in Bloomington, Indiana

Bloomington, Ind. (July 15, 2013) – Summer vacation will hold a special meaning for almost 1,700 student leaders, volunteers, and staff from Best Buddies International’s programs around the world, who will participate in the 24th Annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference July 19-22 at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

This year’s conference, which is themed “Buddies without Borders,” celebrates the global reach of Best Buddies’ mission and the diversity of the organization’s volunteers. Conference education will focus on the concepts and fundamentals behind leadership and advocacy on an international scale.