SPARC National Conference 2026

Pre-Conference Workshops are a great way to maximize learning at our National Conference by jumping into something new before registration even begins. Space is limited and seats are filled on a first come-first served basis. Please note that Pre-Conference Workshops are non-refundable and may not be swapped for other sessions; however, you may send someone from your same organization in your place if you are unable to attend. 

Date and Time: Sunday, October 4, 1:00-4:00pm

Fee: $205 for SPARC members; $225 for non-members

Location: All sessions will be held at the Hotel Valley Ho, the conference hotel

Workshop Options

Earn Your SPARC MBA: Master the Business of Auxiliary

Take a deep dive into the financial and operational dynamics of running successful Auxiliary and Summer Programs. In this intensive 3-hour session, you’ll gain practical insights and hands-on experience designed to strengthen your business strategy and maximize program profitability.

We’ll explore essential financial principles and guide you through building a comprehensive budget using a SPARC financial template - yours to take back and implement at your school. The session will also examine key business drivers, including Marketing, Risk Mitigation, Program Development, and Operations.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to manage auxiliary programs as a strategic business unit - positioning your programs for sustainable growth, stronger financial performance, and long-term operational success.

Key Takeaways:

• Auxiliary Financial Fundamentals: Understand the financial foundations required to build and sustain profitable programs.
• Budgeting 101: Learn how to develop, implement, and manage a financial plan using a practical budgeting template.
• Entrepreneurial Best Practices: Apply business-minded strategies to innovate, expand, and strengthen your auxiliary offerings.
• Strategic Business Management: Gain tools to effectively operate, evaluate, and scale auxiliary programs within your school.

Presenter: Bob Rojee, Senior Advisor, SPARC

Under Construction: Building Your Strategic Auxiliary Roadmap

After a brief overview of the core concepts behind strategic planning, participants will shift quickly into hands-on work. Using SPARC’s strategic planning framework as a guide, this workshop walks participants step-by-step through the key components of building a strategic roadmap for their auxiliary programs.

Rather than attempting to complete a full strategic plan in a single session, participants will work through a structured process that helps them begin constructing the essential pieces. Along the way, we will explore how to assess your school’s strengths, clarify strategic priorities, understand your market landscape, shape a portfolio of initiatives, design leadership and staffing structures, identify operational capacity needs, and determine how success will be measured.

By the end of the session, participants will not leave with a finished plan, however, they will have meaningful pieces in place, practical tools in hand, and a clear framework and direction for completing a thoughtful and actionable strategic roadmap.

Presenter: David Sullivan, Senior Advisor, SPARC

Creating Raving Fans: Elevating Auxiliary and Camp Programs Through Exceptional Experience

Inspired by the principles of Raving Fans! A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles, this interactive workshop explores how independent school auxiliary and camp leaders can transform families, students, and partners into enthusiastic advocates for their programs. In today’s competitive landscape for summer camps, after-school programs, and facility rentals, delivering a good program is no longer enough. The most successful auxiliary programs intentionally design experiences that delight participants, exceed expectations, and create lasting loyalty.

Through guided reflection, small-group discussion, and practical exercises, participants will leave with a framework for identifying the small operational and cultural shifts that can create outsized impact in their programs. Whether you oversee summer camps, enrichment programs, or auxiliary operations, this workshop will help you move beyond satisfied customers and begin building true “raving fans” who return year after year—and bring others with them.

Key takeaways:

• Define a clear service vision that aligns with your school’s mission and sets a standard for exceptional experiences.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement through the “1% better every day” mindset.
• Explore the systems and operations behind sustainable programmatic and customer service excellence.
• Differentiate your programs through customer service, turning ordinary interactions into memorable moments for families and students.
• Map and improve the user experience, from registration and communication to arrival, programming, and follow-up.
• Evaluate the business case behind service excellence, including enrollment growth, retention, pricing power, and financial sustainability. 

Optional pre-reading: Raving Fans! A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles

Presenter: Kristi Jacobi, Director of Auxiliary Programs & Operational Excellence, St. Mark's School