The 2023 YMCA General Assembly is almost here! This grand gathering offers an opportunity for us all to connect, share insights, learn, and have a lot of fun in the process.  

Since YMCA General Assembly only comes around every 3 years, it’s important to make the most of your time there. Use this guide to plan out your trip and navigate the show so you have the best experience possible.

What is General Assembly?

The 2023 General Assembly of YMCAs is a gathering of YMCA leaders from across the United States that occurs every 3 years. This significant event is a platform for community changemakers to come together and learn, share best practices, and celebrate the transformative impact of the Y movement.

When and Where is the 2023 General Assembly?

The 2023 General Assembly of YMCAs will run from Thursday, July 20 through Sunday, July 23, 2023. It will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia – a city rich in history, culture, and southern hospitality.  

If you’re flying in for the show, traveling to the Assembly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is convenient. The most direct route is via the MARTA train, which provides a straight show to downtown Atlanta. Other options include taxis, rideshares, and rental cars.

Atlanta, Georgia at sunset
Atlanta, Georgia at sunset

What to Do at the 2023 General Assembly

Build Relationships With Passionate Peers

General Assembly is expected to have over 3,000 volunteer, staff, and board leaders from across the US in attendance. This is a huge opportunity for you to connect with friends and network!

Those 3,000 attendees share your passion for growing healthy communities and impacting lives. Come prepared to reconnect with old friends face-to-face, network, and make new friends that share your excitement for the Y’s mission.

Bask in the Energy and Inspiration

When you’re in the same room as thousands of people who are just as passionate as you, the energy is incredible. Look forward to that electricity as YMCA leaders from across the country share inspiring stories about how they’re impacting their communities.  

Don’t forget to share your stories as well! General Assembly is a great learning opportunity for everyone in attendance and your stories could have a huge impact on another leader’s community.

Learn From Industry Experts

The 2023 General Assembly has some amazing keynote speakers lined up, including:  

  • NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
  • Award-winning journalist Lisa Ling
  • Actor and writer Kal Penn
  • YMCA of the USA President and CEO Suzanne McCormick

Local YMCA leaders will also be hosting Professional Development seminars on Friday, July 21st. These expert-led seminars will cover topics such as changing the conversation on bias and diversity, tips on how to lead and inspire others, and destigmatizing the conversations around mental illness.

The learning will continue Saturday, July 22nd with Leadership Development seminars. These seminars will cover skills both new and seasoned YMCA leaders can use to impact lives.

Discover Cutting Edge Technology

Imagine how much more impact you could have if your team wasn’t tied up in admin tasks all day. The vendors in the exhibit hall want to make that happen.

Check out the latest tech innovations and discover how they can help you magnify your impact. You can visit this year’s must-see companies while the exhibit hall is open on Friday, July 21st from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Let Loose at the YMCA BASH

The YMCA BASH is General Assembly’s signature event. After a weekend full of connection, learning, and professional development, this year’s attendees will wrap up the conference with live music and lots of dancing. Don’t miss out on your chance to celebrate with all your new friends!!

The Daxko team celebrating at the 2019 General Assembly
The Daxko team had a blast at 2019’s General Assembly!

6 Tips for Having a Great General Assembly Experience

1. Plan Your Schedule Ahead of Time

Review the YMCA General Assembly schedule ahead of time and plan which sessions you want to attend. Make sure you use your time wisely – create an itinerary with the dates, times, and locations of each activity. Don’t forget to include time for networking and breaks! With a well-organized schedule, you can make the most of your time, optimize networking opportunities, and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

2. Come Prepared to Network

General Assembly is an unparalleled networking opportunity, so take advantage of the ability to connect with YMCA leaders from across the country.  

Reach out to people you want to chat with before the show so you can schedule time to connect. There will also be three pre-conference events this year, which are also great networking opportunities. Don’t forget your business cards!

The networking doesn’t stop when the show ends. Stay active on social media platforms during and after the show to connect with other attendees, join online discussions, and extend your network beyond the physical event.  

3. Visit the Exhibit Hall

With vendors offering a range of services and products tailored to YMCAs, the exhibit hall is a must-visit.  

Daxko will be present at five booth locations, each offering a unique experience. Whether you’re looking to learn more about our software solutions or participate in our fun activities, our friendly team will be more than happy to assist.

Our booth locations are strategically positioned for maximum accessibility, so if you’re attending a keynote address, popping into an educational session, or connecting with peers, you’ll find a Daxko booth nearby.

4. Join in the Fun Activities

General Assembly will be chock-full of keynote speakers, professional development sessions, and special events.

As the largest vendor in the exhibit hall, we at Daxko are excited to bring a mix of insightful presentations, engaging activities, and some truly enticing giveaways to make this year’s show the best yet.

Stop by our booth to join the fun “Pin it to Win it” Giveaway Scavenger Hunt. Collect pins at the designated Daxko and Daxko Exchange Partner booth locations so you can enter to win one of several fabulous prizes! Giveaways include a $10,000 technology gift, several $1,000 gift cards, and a free website designed by our expert web team. These prizes will be announced in our booth theater and at the YMCA Reunion on Friday evening.

Don’t miss out on the insightful presentations hosted at the main Daxko booth. From elevating member experiences to empowering operational excellence, we promise a mix of educational content, lively discussions, and of course more opportunities to win some fantastic prizes!

Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia
Centennial Olympic Park is just one of the exciting sites you can visit in Atlanta, Georgia!

5. Explore Atlanta

Atlanta, the host city for this year’s Assembly, is a destination rich in history, vibrant culture, and countless attractions. When you’re not at the YMCA General Assembly, consider exploring sites like:

And don’t miss the chance to experience Atlanta’s diverse and delectable culinary scene!

6. Have Fun!

Remember, the YMCA General Assembly isn’t just about learning and networking – it’s also about having fun! You’ll be surrounded with peers that share your passion for supporting your community. Make new friends and enjoy your time.  

We can’t wait to see you at the 2023 General Assembly! Learn more about what Daxko has in store for the show here.

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