Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) unites Best Buddies leaders, volunteers, and community advocates from around the globe to imagine, create, lead and empower the future of the disability rights and inclusion movement.
Over the past 30 years, BBLC has inspired thousands of leaders to be Best Buddies advocates and to bring about social change in their communities.
Save the Date: BBLC 2024 is July 19-22
In 2024, BBLC will be held at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and will bring together leaders in from all over the world to learn about the Best Buddies movement. We encourage all Best Buddies leaders in our schools and communities to join us July 19-22!
This year’s conference theme “Every Buddy Belongs” emphasizes the core value of inclusivity and belonging within Best Buddies.
“Every Buddy Belongs” represents our commitment to creating safe spaces in our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods so that every individual, regardless of ability or background, is embraced and valued. We celebrate the power of being part of an inclusive community, where individuals can be their authentic selves.
Live Streaming Events
For those unable to attend BBLC in person, our Opening Ceremonies, select Educational Sessions, and Closing Ceremonies will be live streamed on Facebook and on our website.
Schedule
Friday, July 19
Opening Ceremonies Pre-Show: 7:15 PM EST
Opening Ceremonies: 8:00 PM EST
Sunday, July 21
Closing Ceremonies Pre-Show: 7:00 PM EST
Closing Ceremonies: 7:30 PM EST
Watch #BBLC LIVE @ facebook.com/bestbuddies
What people are saying about BBLC
“To be around so much love, inspiration, inclusion and positivity made going home so very hard. It makes you look at the world in a whole different light because you don’t see all that positive energy and acceptance.
This weekend was so emotional and I could only hope that I could foster an environment that Best Buddies strives for. I would encourage anyone to attend this conference. I am already counting down the days for BBLC 2024.”
“I had a wonderful time at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference. It was better than I could have imagine.”
“I hope I can come back next year, it was such an amazing experience!”
“I had really really good time. 😊 I want to go back again and learn some more new things and I will love to meet some more new friends at Best Buddies Leadership Conference ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”
Preparing for Conference
Best Buddies Shop
ABOUT BEST BUDDIES
Best Buddies International is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs help people and families living with IDD form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people and families living with Down Syndrome, Autism, Fragile X, Williams Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.
Learn more at bestbuddies.org.