If there’s anything 2020 has taught us, it’s that sometimes what looks like a limitation can open up an avenue we never thought possible. This year, we decided to embrace that mindset and use the reality of COVID-19 constraints to reimagine how we bring you content, insights, and inspiration for powering health and wellness in your communities.
The result: Accelerate, a two-day virtual conference aimed at propelling your vision into a brighter, better future.
Over two days, Accelerate participants got to benefit from all the knowledge, insight, and relationship building of a traditional event, without the hassle of traveling to attend in person.
We said goodbye to catering tables, corporate coffee, and business suits. We said hello to your favorite delivery, easy caffeine refills, and sweatpants. And we doubled down on the hands-on training and peer-led discussions, all while making sure our attendees were home in time to see their families every night.
Event Highlights
With 17 unique sessions and 19 speakers representing YMCAs and nonprofits partners from across the country, Accelerate attendees pulled from a wealth of knowledge to learn how to accelerate vision, community, and equity within their organizations. They also had the opportunity to discover best practices for growing and retaining revenue, increasing efficiencies, and establishing standard operating procedures.
Highlights of the jam-packed conference included an inspiring keynote panel with Movement trailblazers like Jorge Perez of the YMCAGreater Cincinnati, Steve Ives of the YMCA Greater Houston, and Jerry Martin of the YMCA Memphis & Mid-South, among others, as well as a keynote talk withNew York Times Bestselling Author John Acuff on how to master the art of change and move beyond the pivot.
Catch Up On The Sessions
As we near the new year, your ability to adapt to an increasingly complex future has become more important than ever. With COVID-19 cases spiking and many states once again mandating gym closures, the coming months for the Movement feels uncertain. With Accelerate, we got to the heart of the challenges facing the Movement and brought together some of the best and brightest minds in the nonprofit community to solve for them.
Thank you to everyone who attended for taking time to listen, learn, and strategize ways to transform your communities. If you were unable to join, we missed seeing your face! Visit our YouTube channel to access the full set of recordings or click the links below to find some highlights!
- Accelerate Your Vision Keynote Panel
- Accelerating Equity with the YMCA of Greater Houston
- Accelerating Community with the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
- John Acuff: Beyond the Pivot
We’re excited to see how you use these resources as we accelerate into the start of a new year!