Pre-Conference Workshops

2025 Pre-Conference Workshops

Add to your conference experience by registering for one of our three deeper dive sessions on Sunday afternoon. These 3 hour sessions will be led by SPARC Senior Advisors and provide a unique opportunity to significantly expand your learning.

Sessions will be happening simultaneously, so attendees must select one. 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 5, 1:00-4:00pm

Fee: $175 for SPARC members; $225 for non-members

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

Earn Your SPARC MBA: Master the Business of Auxiliary

Take a deep dive into the financial and operational aspects of running successful Auxiliary and Summer Programs. In this intensive 3-hour session, you’ll gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience to strengthen your business strategies and maximize your bottom-line growth.

We’ll cover key financial principles, guide you through building a budget using a SPARC financial template (which you can take home), and explore essential business areas such as Marketing, Risk Mitigation, Program Development, and Operations. 

By the end of this session, you’ll leave with a stronger understanding of the full scope of running auxiliary programs as a business—positioning yourself for long-term financial success and operational excellence.

Key Takeaways:

• Auxiliary Financial Fundamentals – Understand the financial basics essential for sustainable success.

• 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 and grow your auxiliary programs.

• Strategic Business Management – Gain the tools to operate and scale your auxiliary programs within your school effectively.

Presenter: Bob Rojee, Senior Advisor, SPARC

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The Auxiliary Innovation Lab: Incubating Big Ideas for Non-Tuition Revenue

Independent schools face increasing pressure to diversify revenue streams and maximize the potential of their auxiliary programs. This hands-on idea lab and incubator is designed to spark creative, out-of-the-box thinking around new opportunities for non-tuition revenue generation.

Participants will explore innovative models for auxiliary programs, creative partnerships, and untapped revenue possibilities through case studies, thought experiments, and interactive brainstorming. Attendees will tackle real-world challenges facing independent schools and develop actionable ideas that can be piloted and scaled.

Key Takeaways:

• Fresh, innovative ideas for auxiliary programs and revenue-generating initiatives

• Case studies of schools and organizations that have successfully diversified their income

• Thought experiments and creative prompts to challenge conventional thinking

• Strategies for identifying and evaluating new opportunities in your own school

• A structured framework for taking ideas from concept to implementation

This high-energy, interactive workshop will leave participants with inspired ideas, practical frameworks, and renewed enthusiasm for building creative and sustainable auxiliary programs.

Presenter: David Sullivan, Senior Advisor, SPARC

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From Vision to Legacy: Strategic Leadership & Succession Planning for Auxiliary Programs

Strong auxiliary programs are built on more than great ideas—they thrive through clear vision, strategic action, and thoughtful planning for long-term sustainability. This workshop combines the power of strategic leadership with the importance of succession planning and legacy building, equipping auxiliary leaders with the tools to lead effectively now and ensure their programs continue to grow and evolve well into the future.

Through interactive exercises, case studies, and collaborative discussion, participants will learn how to define a compelling vision, align goals with institutional priorities, and develop a road map that balances innovation with continuity. Leaders will also explore how to document institutional knowledge, mentor future leaders, and create a culture that supports ongoing growth, even through leadership transitions.

Key Takeaways:

• Crafting and communicating a clear, strategic vision for your auxiliary program

• Setting aligned, actionable goals that support growth and mission

• Building a culture of innovation, accountability, and long-term impact

• Best practices for succession planning and leadership transitions

• Tools to preserve institutional knowledge and leave a lasting legacy

This future-focused workshop offers both the strategic lens and practical tools needed to lead with purpose, align with mission, and ensure that your auxiliary program remains strong, adaptable, and impactful today and for years to come.  It is appropriate for all levels of auxiliary program leaders—from beginners to experts!

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