Celebrating a Decade of SPARC at our 10th Anniversary Conference!

It’s hard to believe that SPARC’s 10th Anniversary National Conference is only three months away! From October 5-8, we’ll be meeting at the beautiful Valley Ho Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona for what promises to be our most dynamic and inspiring event yet. This year, we’re pulling out all the stops to ensure an experience filled with learning, networking, and fun!

What to Expect: Tracked Sessions, SPARCbursts, and Networking

For ten years, SPARC has been fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional development. At this year’s conference, we’re celebrating our exceptional community of auxiliary professionals by going bigger and better than ever, hosting a wide range of Ignite Speakers, peer-led sessions, and networking events.

We’re thrilled that Brodrick Clarke, NSLA’s Vice-President of Programs and Systems Quality, will kick off the conference as our Opening Ignite Speaker. With a passion for positive change, training, and motivating the next generation, Brodrick's insights are sure to set the tone for an energizing and enriching few days.

“What keeps me going back is the connections with people. It’s like going to summer camp every year!"

--Morgan Smith, Director of Auxiliary Programs, St. Edward's School

Jumpstart your learning by signing up for one of our pre-conference workshops, then check out the schedule to see how the days will be organized (more details coming soon!). And for the second year, we’re offering the popular SPARCbursts: ten-minute mini-sessions with impact, including “Increasing Enrollment by the Numbers,” “Spark the Spirit: Supercharging Staff Training for Summer Success!” and “Facility Rental 101: Building a Profitable Program.”

You can also enjoy insightful roundtable discussions (often by the pool!)

Our curated sessions will be grouped into four targeted tracks to meet a variety of professional needs:

• Business and Operations (BO): Dive into strategies and insights that improve efficiency and drive results. These sessions include “Budget Quest: Conquering the Numbers and the Nuances” and “Finance Fundamentals for Auxiliary Program Leaders.”
• Leadership and Staffing (LS): Develop the skills and tactics needed to build strong, resilient teams in sessions such as “Leading Like a Pirate: Navigating Auxiliary Leadership with Swagger and Strategy” and “Main Character Energy: Staff Training That Sees, Supports, and Sticks.”
• Program Design (PD): Explore innovative ways to create impactful and engaging programs by attending sessions like “Building New Programs: Lessons Learned and New Courses Charted for Summer and After-School” and “Themed Weeks That Work: Sparking Joy & Curiosity.”
• Marketing and Communications (MC): Learn to amplify your message, strengthen your branding, and connect with your audience. These sessions include “Prepare for Launch: Using Brand Strategy to Build a Custom Marketing Strategy with AI” and “Interns Behind the Lens: How Building a Marketing Internship Program Helped Us Capture and Share the Camp Magic!”

Social Events: Reconnect with Friends and Make New Ones

No SPARC conference would be complete without our popular social activities--the heart of our conference where attendees can network, make new friends, socialize, and have fun. In addition to the Valley Ho amenities, such as the inviting pool and bar area, you can join in our scheduled events:

• Karaoke Party--Perhaps our most popular social event, our annual karaoke party is where everyone can let loose in a night of music and celebration. Enjoy food and drinks while cheering on your fellow attendees as they belt out their favorite tunes--and maybe grab the mic to perform your own!
• Game Night--If you're seeking fun in a more low-key environment, Game Night is for you. A new addition this year, Game Night will be held on Tuesday evening and feature a variety of games and activities for anyone who loves the challenge and camaraderie of a good game.
• Campfire Reflection--Designed to bring attendees together in a calm, welcoming space, our Campfire Reflections will take place every evening between 8-9 pm. Join in an hour reminiscent of gathering around a campfire where you can connect and bond with peers, reflect on your conference experience, and engage in storytelling or even a song. This is your opportunity to slow down and center yourself amid the high-energy and fast-paced conference environment.
• Sunrise Activities--Keep an eye out for our Sunrise events, such as Sunrise Yoga, led by a certified instructor from the Valley Ho spa, or the self-paced Sunrise Fun Run along the canal. And our hike up Camelback Mountain might be the perfect way for you to take in Scottsdale's beautiful landscape.

Register Today

If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so here. Take advantage of our early bird discount by signing up before July 8—this is your chance to save while securing your spot. And as always, SPARC member schools receive a discount to our annual conference as well as many other events.

Between the innovative sessions, networking opportunities, and the vibrant setting of the Valley Ho Hotel, our 10th anniversary conference will be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re joining us to learn, connect, recharge, or all three, we know you’ll leave inspired and empowered. We’ll see you in October in Scottsdale!