2026 SPARC National Conference

Are you overlooking the "hidden gems" in your own backyard? While many auxiliary programs stick to traditional campus-bound models, the most innovative revenue streams often lie in unique local partnerships. Using a real-world case study of a groundbreaking collaboration between Chadwick School and AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, this session explores how to identify and vet non-traditional partners that align with your school’s mission.

We will pull back the curtain on the "messy" side of innovation: navigating complex local governance, managing risk in unconventional environments, and—most importantly—winning over a skeptical Board of Trustees. Attendees will move beyond the theory of "networking" to learn a tactical framework for building partnerships that provide students with world-class experiences while diversifying the school’s auxiliary portfolio. Learn how to turn your local geography into your greatest programmatic asset.