About Our Events
Opportunities to Learn and Collaborate
SPARC offers national, regional, and online forums for ongoing professional development in the field of auxiliary program management. Our events and educational programming address the unique combination of skills required to be successful leaders including human resources, marketing, business management, innovation and entrepreneurship, programming, operations, and technology. Whether it's spending 3 days immersed among peers at the national conference or tuning in for a bi-weekly webinar from their desk, our members consistently gain actionable, new ideas and strategies.
Scroll down to see what event types we offer, or jump directly to one:
Webinars
SPARC Webinars provide remote learning opportunities on a diverse range of topics related to auxiliary programs. Offered regularly throughout the year, our 60 minute webinars are led by experts in the field who share current information, case studies, and best practices. This learning format is easily accessible and free for SPARC members. Non-members pay a $50 fee for each webinar.
All webinars are recorded and available to registrants for 2 weeks following the original presentation.
Virtual Roundtables
Are you looking to engage in meaningful discussion with a small group of your peers? Participate in our Virtual Roundtable series where you'll build your professional network while sharing your experience and questions with others. Topics cover the wide range of responsibilities within auxiliary departments such as hiring practices, transportation management, marketing strategies, enrichment programs, and many others. Roundtables are open and free to members only, typically offered bi-weekly, and include a SPARC facilitator to support the conversation.
Book Club
Dr. Seuss famously wrote "the more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” We invite our members to "SPARC" new ideas and knowledge through our Book Club, an opportunity to explore a variety of topics to help us individually and collectively grow in our work as leaders, visionaries and entrepreneurs. Our Book Club discussions are facilitated by Laura Kelly, CEO and Founder of The Handwork Studio and Karen McCann McClelland, Director of Auxiliary Programs at Sidwell Friends School.
Book Club is open and free to members only and scheduled to meet every few months.
Regional Workshops
SPARC offers customized in-person regional workshops and events throughout the year. We work with allied regional associations to develop and lead programs that support the ongoing work of auxiliary program professionals. Workshop content can include:
- Current best practices
- Trends in auxiliary programming
- Specific program area focus (ie. summer, after school, enrichment, etc.)
- Facilitated discussion of current challenges and opportunities
Interested individuals, schools, or associations should contact SPARC directly to discuss the creation of a regional workshop in your area. Please email info@SPARCnational.com.
Some of our regular regional workshops include:
- Summer Summit, at Sidwell Friends School, Washington, D.C.
- CampCon, at Congressional School, Falls Church, VA
- SoCal Meeting, at Harvard-Westlake School, Studio City, CA