SCHEDULE
PRE CONFERENCE
OCTOBER - FEBRUARY 15 2026
Upon acceptance, students form teams and choose one of three fields for innovation: climate, education, or media. Teams receive a topic portfolio and review documentation to build understanding and kindle ideas. In sequence, here are the pre-conference steps:
Students apply
Team form
Chaperones register
Teams book hotel rooms, confirm transportation (complimentary regional transportation hubs provided), select a field for innovation, and dive into their field portfolio
CONFERENCE DAY 1
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026
THE FOUNDATIONS OF FUTURE BUILDING
Students will learn the core challenges in each field: climate (clean energy), media (polarization), education (absenteeism). Then, each student will study one of five career paths: leadership, marketing, finance, advocacy, or operations. Finally, students will apply career-specific learning toward the development of a team strategy and co-create a vision for their local community.
8:30 a.m. Buffet Breakfast & Arrival
10:30 a.m. Opening Address
11:00 a.m. Bridge-Building Activity
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Breakout #1: Field Analysis
2:00 p.m. Strategy Development
3:00 p.m. Breakout #2: Career Training
4:00 p.m. Team Time
6:00 p.m. Dinner
CONFERENCE DAY 2
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026
STEPPING INTO SERVICE
Teams develop, rehearse, and deliver a strategy pitch to a panel of civic leaders who provide actionable feedback and awards for the most realistic, creative, and ambitious approaches.
8:00 a.m. Buffet Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Opening Address
9:45 a.m. Breakout #3: Bridging Skills
10:30 a.m. Pitch Practice
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Round 1 Pitches
2:45 p.m. Intermission
3:00 Round 2 Pitches
4:15 p.m. Awards and Reception
The winning team receives $5,000 and support to implement their initiative. Two runners-up receive $1,000 and support.
