2026 SPARC National Conference: Full Schedule

11:00am MST

From Data to Decisions: Systems That Save You 10 Hours a Week

Monday October 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MST

Most camp offices rely on spreadsheets, but few have systems that truly support decision-making. This session focuses on how to move from manual tracking to streamlined workflows that reduce workload and improve clarity. Using real examples from a high-volume summer program, you will see how data can be structured to update automatically, surface key insights, and support faster decisions around staffing, enrollment, and communication. Rather than focusing on technical builds, this session outlines a practical framework for organizing your information, identifying inefficiencies, and shifting repetitive tasks into automated processes. You will leave with a clear approach to evaluating your current systems and identifying where changes can save time and improve outcomes. Why Does This Matter? Better systems lead to faster decisions, stronger staffing alignment, and a smoother experience for families.

Speakers

Mike Evans

Managing Director of Strategic Programs, St. John's Prep

Monday October 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Business and Operations

11:00am MST

Little Fires Everywhere

Monday October 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MST

TBA

Have you ever felt completely prepared for camp, only for little issues to come up, here, there, and everywhere? In this session, we will talk about situations that have come up or can come up and the optimal way to handle these; participants will be encouraged to share their own situations and how they dealt with them.

Speakers

Jason Shuster

Director of Summer Camps, University School of Nashville

Monday October 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Leadership and Staffing

11:00am MST

Strategic Partnerships: Aligning Data, Marketing, and Auxiliary Programs for Growth

Monday October 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MST

TBA

Move your Marketing and Auxiliary relationship from transactional to strategic. This session explores the key data points that matter, regardless of your role, and how to align auxiliary insights with broader school data to drive smarter decisions. Learn how to shift from reactive requests to intentional planning that supports both enrollment and program growth.

We’ll break down how to use data to inform marketing efforts, improve communication with MARCOM teams, and build trust through a shared strategy. When you move beyond quick fixes and last-minute asks, you create space for stronger collaboration, clearer messaging, and more impactful results. Walk away with practical ways to streamline your process, strengthen your partnership, and position your auxiliary program as a strategic asset within your school.

Speakers

Courtney Franks

Director of Auxiliary Programs, Academy of the Holy Names

Ellen Madden

Director of Marketing & Enrollment, Academy of the Holy Names

Monday October 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Marketing and Communications

11:00am MST

Streamlining Program Management with Google Workspace: A Collaborative Roundtable

Monday October 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MST

TBA

Turn the tools you already have into powerful, low-cost systems for managing your conferences and programs. This interactive roundtable explores how Google Workspace—especially Google Sheets—can be leveraged to streamline data management, improve organization, and automate workflows, helping you scale your programs more efficiently and accurately. Facilitators will share real-world systems and examples that leverage formulas, data connections, automation tools (such as Apps Script), and communication workflows (including mail merge strategies with Google Education Plus) to reduce manual work and improve accuracy. In addition to Google tools, the conversation may also touch on complementary platforms and emerging approaches such as AI-assisted (“vibe”) coding to extend functionality.

The format will be collaborative and discussion-driven. Presenters will guide the conversation through structured subtopics with tips & tricks from our experience and create space for participants to share their own tools, challenges, and solutions.This session is best suited for participants with a basic familiarity with spreadsheets. Those already highly advanced in Google Workspace automation may find the content more foundational, and we would love to hear your input & perspective through the discussion. Attendees will leave with new ideas, practical strategies, and adaptable frameworks to make their program data management more efficient and accurate.

Speakers

Melissa Branigan

Elizabeth Essink

Monday October 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Business and Operations

11:00am MST

The Next Generation of Building Auxiliary Programs at Independent Schools

Monday October 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MST

TBA

This session explores next generation auxiliary programming within a broader strategic question: why now, and what does the market demand of independent schools? Rather than treating these efforts as add-ons, we will explore how to build intentional ecosystems of experiences that align with mission, strengthen brand, and generate revenue. Using case studies from Miss Porter’s School and The Cambridge School of Weston (CSW), presenters will share the evolution of their adult education initiatives, including program development, enrollment trends, and lessons from early experiments such as CSW’s adult summer camp program and Porter’s professional learning offerings. We will surface key questions around market demand, ROI, partnerships, and aligning programs with institutional strengths and brand. In this working session, participants will identify opportunities within their own schools, leveraging existing assets to reach new audiences. Attendees will leave with practical tools for launching, evaluating, scaling, or sunsetting programs - inspired to think expansively about their school’s future.

Speakers

Leahanne Fenton

Porter's Center Global Leadership Auxiliary Programs Coordinator, Miss Porter’s School

I've joined our recently formalized Auxiliary Department. My position is responsible for the programs handling bookings and registrations. I'm interested in learning more about what other Aux Departments use and how to grow/staff our department.

Meghan O’Leary

Director of Summer & Auxiliary Program, The Cambridge School of Weston

Sophie Paris

Director of Auxiliary Programs, Miss Porter’s School

I design and run our year round auxiliary programming for girls and women which includes summer programs on our campus at Miss Porter's as well as a virtual ChangeMaker's Institute, virtual and in-person Porter's LEADS workshops and our virtual Global Seminar Series. Programming is... Read More →

Pamela Torres

Director of Strategic Initiatives, The Cambridge School of Weston

Pamela Torres is an experienced educator and strategic leader with over 20 years of dedication to fostering inclusive, innovative, and globally minded learning environments. She currently serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at The Cambridge School of Weston (CSW), where... Read More →

Bob Rojee

Senior Advisor, SPARC

Bob Rojee, SPARC Sr. Advisor, is a seasoned leader with more than 30 years of experience in youth and staff development, recreational operations, and auxiliary program management. He has built and directed successful auxiliary programs from the ground up at multiple independent... Read More →

Monday October 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Business and Operations

11:00am MST

The Parent Trap Playbook: Magic in the Middle

Monday October 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MST

TBA

"Let's get together (yeah yeah yeah)..." Great camps are built behind the scenes and in the moment. In this session, you’ll learn how to design a staff experience that’s intentional, meaningful, and uniquely yours, your camp’s “secret sauce.”

We’ll explore how to blend culture, skills, and values into training that sticks, using unseen learning, purposeful play, and connection-driven strategies. You’ll have to step out of the isolation cabin to build your own “artisan s’more,” a thoughtful mix of belonging and experience that keeps staff coming back!

Speakers

Haley "Cricket" Dickinson

Assistant Director, Latin Camps, Charlotte Latin School

Monday October 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Leadership and Staffing

3:30pm MST

AI in Action: Transforming Auxiliary Programs from Planning to Performance

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST

TBA

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing how auxiliary and enrichment programs operate, but where should leaders begin? This interactive breakout session explores practical, real-world applications of AI that can enhance every stage of program delivery, from designing engaging curriculum and training staff to analyzing enrollment trends and making data-informed decisions.

Through three focused presentations, attendees will learn how organizations are leveraging AI to improve efficiency, strengthen program quality, personalize learning experiences, and gain actionable insights while maintaining responsible data practices. Whether you are just beginning your AI journey or looking to expand your use of emerging technologies, this session will provide tangible examples, proven strategies, and practical tools you can implement immediately.

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how AI can support their teams, improve outcomes, and create more impactful experiences for students, families, and staff.

Speakers

Caitlin Hampton

Director of Community Engagement and Alumni Connections, Pine Crest School

Jana Blackwell

Executive Director of Community Engagement, Pine Crest School

Jeff Bowman

Bob Rojee

Senior Advisor, SPARC

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Business and Operations

3:30pm MST

Empowering Future Leaders: Building an Effective CIT Program for Middle School Engagement

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST

TBA

Are you looking for a way to energize your camp, support your staff, and meaningfully engage your middle schoolers? Join us for a dynamic session on how to build and implement a strong Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program that does more than just keep tweens busy, it develops leadership skills, fosters responsibility, and lays the foundation for future job success. In this session, we’ll explore how to effectively train middle school students to become capable, confident, and committed junior leaders by:

- Structuring a CIT Program that aligns with your camp’s culture and goals
- Providing age-appropriate leadership training that sticks
- Creating real, valuable roles for CITs that support your instructors and enrich the camp experience
- Promoting mentorship, teamwork, and a clear path to future employment

Whether you're launching a CIT program for the first time or looking to improve an existing one, this session will provide practical tools, proven approaches, and real-world examples to help you empower your middle schoolers and transform your camp community.

Speakers

Whitney West

Director of Summer Programs, St. John's Episcopal School

Mallory Davis

Camp St. John's CIT Program Director, St. John's Episcopal School

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Leadership and Staffing

3:30pm MST

Financial Aid for Auxiliary Programs: Partnerships, Process, and Impact

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST

TBA

Offering financial assistance within revenue-generating programs can feel challenging—but it is possible to design models that expand access while maintaining program sustainability. In this session, two auxiliary program leaders share how their institutions built financial assistance into their summer camps and enrichment programs. Presenters will walk through the rationale behind allocating aid, how they partner with community-based organizations to reach families, and the operational processes used to distribute and manage funding. The session will also highlight lessons learned, including how these efforts have strengthened community partnerships and broadened program participation. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for creating financial aid structures, identifying community partners, and making the case for access initiatives within auxiliary and summer program operations.

Speakers

Katie Saylor

Director of Extended Learning, The Nueva School

I oversee the summer camp, after school enrichment program, and mid-year Intersession. My team also oversees connecting students with service learning and high school internships.

I really love connecting students to the world around them. There is so much to learn outside of the classroom! I felt this way even as a high schooler myself; I chose the (likely misattributed) Mark Twain maxim, "Don't let school get in the way of your education" as my senior qu... Read More →

Tanner Taylor

Extended Program Director, Children’s Day School

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Business and Operations

3:30pm MST

Get Found First: The Website Secrets That Fill Enrollment

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST

TBA

Your program's website isn't just a digital brochure—it's your most powerful enrollment tool. But only if families can actually find it. In this session, we'll reveal the "secret ingredients" that push auxiliary and summer program websites to the top of Google search results—no paid ads required. We'll share real examples, including how one SPARC member built their site strategically and saw program enrollment increase dramatically in year one.

You'll walk away with a practical Website Health Check you can use immediately, plus data and language to build the investment case for your CFO or head of school—because getting budget approved for a website is half the battle. This session will change how you think about your school's most underutilized enrollment asset.

Speakers

Jenn Richey Nicholas

CEO, Pixel Parlor

Lou Stuber

UX Design Director, Pixel Parlor

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Marketing and Communications

3:30pm MST

Top 10 Failures

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST

TBA

We all experience failure… it's inevitable. But what's important is how we respond to those failures. Come to this poolside discussion to share recent professional failures and what you've learned as a result!

Speakers

Dan O'Neil

Director of Auxiliary Programs, Episcopal High School

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Leadership and Staffing

3:30pm MST

Unique Program Ideas

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST

TBA

Speakers

Sarah Merianos

Director of Extended Learning, Washington International School

Sigita Newsom

Director of Community Programs, The John Thomas Dye School

Charley Pelissier

Director of Auxiliary Services, St. Andrew's School

I am the Director of Auxiliary Services at The St. Andrew's School in Barrington, RI. I run the school's summer programming, after-school programs, facility rentals, the school store, challenge course, safety programs, and some evening programming.

Monday October 5, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Program Design

1:00pm MST

A Strategic Pivot: Maymester Pop Ups

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

TBA

Building on the recent success of Pop Ups at Pine Crest School, we launched "Maymester Pop Ups"—a month-long series of Pop Ups in May. This initiative served a dual purpose: internally advertising our summer programs and acting as a concrete example of pivoting on success. The school has consistently found Pop Ups, which are single events requiring minimal time commitment, to be highly effective for encouraging faculty and students to explore new activities.

Speakers

Jana Blackwell

Executive Director of Community Engagement, Pine Crest School

Caitlin Hampton

Director of Community Engagement and Alumni Connections, Pine Crest School

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Program Design

1:00pm MST

Camp Hiring- A Full Cycle Journey

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

TBA

Camp staffing can be one of the biggest headaches for Auxiliary Departments, with yearly turnover and significant needs across the board. This session will take you through the full cycle of camp hiring, from budget projections and compensation to onboarding/orientation, with a look at returning staff outreach and retention, as well as job posting and interviewing for new staff. We will take a look at what has worked well for The Berkeley Carroll School, and how we have shifted our process in the face of new staffing challenges. After a deep dive into our process, we will shift to a roundtable discussion where schools can share what has worked for them and where there have been difficulties.

Speakers

Nick Tosh

Sabrina Harris

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Leadership and Staffing

1:00pm MST

Marketing Systems for One-Person Teams

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

TBA

Speakers

Aubrey Bursch

Founder & CEO, Easy School Marketing

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Marketing and Communications

1:00pm MST

Pardon the Interruption: Auxiliary Edition

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

TBA

Join the dynamic (and occasionally discordant) duo of Dan O’Neil and Bob Rojee as they return to the SPARC stage for the second edition of this fan-favorite session. Inspired by the rapid-fire pace of sports talk media, Dan and Bob will dive headfirst into the world of Auxiliary Programs, covering everything from summer programs and school stores to facility rentals and auxiliary revenue.

Expect a high-energy atmosphere as they discuss, disagree, and joke their way through our industry's most pressing "Hot Takes." No topic is off-limits, and no consensus is guaranteed. Plus, new for this year: we’re taking it to the next level with a very special remote guest joining us for our own version of "Five Good Minutes." Whether you’re here for the expert insights or the inevitable banter, you won’t want to miss this sequel!

Speakers

Dan O'Neil

Director of Auxiliary Programs, Episcopal High School

Bob Rojee

Senior Advisor, SPARC

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Business and Operations

1:00pm MST

The Dynamic Duo: Director of Summer & Auxiliary and CFO

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

TBA

Join the Dynamic Duo and explore the relationship between CFO and Auxiliary Director. Together we will discuss ways to approach new ideas, budgets, and more! Learn to speak the language of finance to secure the resources your programs deserve. Whether you are pitching a high-risk pilot program or refining your auxiliary budget, you will leave with a framework for interpreting data that aligns with your CFO’s expectations and have fun during the process!

Speakers

Danielle Tripp

Director of Summer & Auxiliary Programs, Oak Hall School

Andrea Newman

CFO, Oak Hall School

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Business and Operations

1:00pm MST

The Fine Print Matters: Legal Essentials for Auxiliary Agreements

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

TBA

Whether you're contracting with vendors, renting facilities, partnering with outside organizations, or launching new programs, every agreement carries legal and financial implications. This session will provide a practical framework for evaluating contracts and understanding the provisions that matter most, including indemnification, insurance requirements, liability limitations, cancellation terms, payment provisions, and risk allocation. Participants will learn what to look for before signing agreements, when to seek additional legal review, and how thoughtful contract management can protect both their programs and their schools. Leave with a stronger understanding of common contract provisions and greater confidence in navigating agreements that support successful auxiliary operations while minimizing institutional risk.

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Business and Operations

2:15pm MST

"Party of One": When After-School and Summer Camp Programs Land on Your Plate

Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

TBA

Ever feel like you’re losing your mind trying to run an auxiliary program all by yourself? Step into our kitchen and discover how to turn the chaos into a well-balanced, crowd-pleasing recipe for success. This session is designed for after-school and summer camp professionals working as a “party of one,” and we’re serving up practical strategies with a fun, food-inspired twist. You’ll learn how to stay organized, reduce stress, and keep your program running smoothly. Expect a full menu of tips, tricks, and time-saving tools you can actually use.

Speakers

Liz Anglin

Auxiliary Program Coordinator, St. Agnes Academy- St. Dominic School

Ashley Scott

Director of Auxiliary Programs, St. George's Independent School

Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Business and Operations

2:15pm MST

Boots On The Ground Leadership: Culture. Commitment. Connection.

Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

TBA

In today’s fast-paced educational environments, leadership cannot live in an office—it must be visible, relational, and responsive. Boots on the Ground Leadership challenges leaders to move beyond theory and into daily, intentional practices that strengthen culture, increase staff commitment, and improve operational flow.

This interactive session is designed for early childhood, auxiliary and school leaders who are ready to lead alongside their teams, not above them. Participants will explore what it means to be a present, people-centered leader while still maintaining high expectations and operational excellence. Through real-life scenarios, reflective moments, and collaborative discussion, attendees will leave with practical strategies to build trust, reduce staff burnout, and create environments where both children and adults thrive.

Speakers

DeBorah Henry

Director of the Child development Center & Extended Day, Greenhill School

After School Programs
Child Development Centers
Safety and Security & Risk Management
Strategic Staffing
Teaching Certification: Classroom Teacher 1st Grade-8th Grade
Administrative certificate-PK-12th Grade

Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Leadership and Staffing

2:15pm MST

Mapping the Camp Marketing Year

Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

TBA

Speakers

Aubrey Bursch

Founder & CEO, Easy School Marketing

Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Marketing and Communications

2:15pm MST

Too Cool for Camp: Summer Offerings for 7th-9th Graders

Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

TBA

Have you noticed your camp enrollment trending younger? Designing programs that appeal to older middle school students (Grades 7–9) can be a challenge—but with the right framing and strategic partnerships, you can capture this elusive demographic. In this session, Jim Patterson (Harvard Westlake) and Kat Yorks (Lakeside School) will share how they developed offerings that resonate with older students, including programs like Entrepreneurship Camp, Leadership Lab, and AI Innovators. You’ll learn how to leverage existing programs, faculty expertise, and community connections to expand and “level up” your current offerings. Participants will gain insight into our design process and leave with practical strategies for reimagining existing camps—or identifying untapped strengths within their own teams—to better engage older middle schoolers.

Speakers

Kat Yorks

Director of Summer Programs & College Essay Specialist, Lakeside School

Kat Yorks is Lakeside School’s Director of Summer Programs, developing and overseeing their many summer offerings, from Upper School courses to middle school STEAM and athletics camps. She has also taught Upper School English for nearly twenty years at independent schools, including... Read More →

Jim Patterson

Director of the Kutler Center and Summer Programs, Harvard-Westlake School

Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Program Design

2:15pm MST

What’s Your Threshold to Change?

Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

TBA

Transforming a summer or auxiliary program into a thriving, revenue-generating, mission-aligned operation does not happen in isolation. It requires a coalition of people, perspectives, and strategic buy-in across an organization. This dynamic panel brings together business partners, CFOs, community engagement leaders, and experienced summer and auxiliary directors to explore not only how to build successful program but also, when it’s time to rethink them.

What is the threshold for change when revenue plateaus or declines and pressure mounts to grow? When do you iterate, and when do you rebuild? Through candid conversation and real-world examples, panelists will share how they’ve navigated these inflection points, aligned stakeholders, and made strategic decisions that led to renewed growth.

Speakers

Lee Biear

Weston Outlaw

Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Columbus Academy

Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Business and Operations

2:15pm MST

Your Programs, Their Language: Communicating Auxiliary Value to Senior Leadership

Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

TBA

When did you last walk out of a conversation with senior leadership feeling like they truly understood what your programs are doing for the school? The work is there and the value is real. What's often missing is the translation - from the operational language auxiliary leaders live in to the strategic language senior leaders listen for. This session closes that gap.

Using a three-lens framework (financial sustainability, mission alignment, and leadership quality) we will examine how senior leaders actually evaluate auxiliary programs and assess how clearly you are currently communicating across all three. Through a structured self-assessment and peer exchange, attendees will identify their specific communication gaps and leave with a practical toolkit for translating their work into strategic value: whether they are a department of one or lead a team of ten. Let's ensure the programs you've built get the recognition, resources, and advocacy they've already earned!

Speakers

Euan Oswald

Director of Auxiliary Programs, Open window School

Euan Oswald is the Director of Auxiliary Programs at Open Window School in Bellevue, WA, where he has led the school’s after school enrichment, extended day, summer, athletics, and transportation programs for over 11 years. Euan facilitates auxiliary program roundtables for the... Read More →

Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Leadership and Staffing

3:45pm MST

Leading from the Middle: Influence, Legacy, and the Future of Auxiliary Leadership

Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

TBA

You've claimed your seat at the table. Now what do you do with it?

This session picks up where advanced leadership conversations leave off–moving beyond the mechanics of institutional influence and into the harder, quieter work of sustaining it. Designed for auxiliary professionals who have already begun operating at a strategic level, this workshop confronts challenges such as maintaining credibility through leadership transitions, advocating for your division when the institutional winds shift, and deciding what kind of leader you actually want to become.

Together we will wrestle with the ambiguities of senior leadership: when to push and when to hold, how to protect your team's culture while absorbing institutional change, and how to build a professional legacy that outlasts any single program or position.Because the most sophisticated leadership skill isn't getting to the executive level. It's knowing what to do once you get there. During this session we will explore how to:
- Sustain strategic influence through administrative turnover and shifting institutional priorities
- Lead auxiliary divisions through organizational change without losing program integrity or team trust
- Translate auxiliary program outcomes into language that resonates with boards, heads of school, and accreditation bodies
- Navigate the tension between division loyalty and institution-wide responsibility
- Define and communicate your own leadership identity beyond your program's metrics
- Build a professional legacy through intentional mentorship, knowledge transfer, and field contribution

Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Leadership and Staffing

9:00am MST

Beyond the Logo: Building a Lifestyle Brand for Your School

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MST

TBA

Does your school have a "store" or a brand? Creating merchandise that students actually want to wear off-campus is a unique challenge. This session provides a practical roadmap for transforming basic spirit wear into a professional retail operation. Using the Campbell Hall Viking Store as a case study, we will share how to manage a diverse vendor network—from local printers to specialty accessory brands—to create a curated product mix. We’ll discuss the "how-to" of apparel design, balancing in-person and online sales, and the logistics of inventory management. Whether you are starting from scratch or looking to refresh an existing shop, you’ll leave with a framework for building a brand that generates both community pride and sustainable auxiliary revenue.

Speakers

Jennifer Turner

Director of Auxiliary Programs, Campbell Hall

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Marketing and Communications

9:00am MST

Camp Is a Business: Building Buy-In, Driving Growth and Increasing Revenue

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MST

TBA

Camp is more than a program, it is a business. Like any successful business, it must balance experience, satisfaction and financial sustainability. This session explores how to approach camp through an entrepreneurial lens while maintaining the true heart of your program.Attendees will learn how to build a program that serves both campers and their families while also increasing engagement, participation and net revenue. A key focus will be on creating faculty and staff buy-in by transforming camp from an “extra duty” into a shared investment across campus.

This session will offer practical strategies for strengthening program design, increasing participation and aligning teams across your campus to support long-term growth. Attendees will walk away with actionable ideas for building a camp culture that is both highly valued and financially successful.

Speakers

Lenora Sansbury

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Business and Operations

9:00am MST

From Arts Camp to Strategic Growth Engine: How Data, Market Analysis, and AI Transformed Derby Summer Programs

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MST

TBA

What happens when a beloved but limited summer arts program is reimagined through the lens of data, market positioning, and emerging technology? This session tells the story of how Derby Academy transformed “Derby Summer Arts” into a comprehensive, revenue-generating, and mission-aligned Derby Summer Programs model. By combining internal data analysis, peer market research, and practical applications of AI, we redesigned programming, pricing, staffing, and marketing to better meet family demand and institutional goals.

Attendees will walk away with a replicable framework for evolving their own auxiliary programs using accessible tools and strategic thinking—not just intuition.

Speakers

TJ Coogan

Director of Auxiliary & Summer Programs, Derby Academy

After 25 years as an independent and public school teacher, as well as 10+ years as a camp director with the YMCA, I transitioned in 2024 to a full time position working with camps and before and after school programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, MA. From there I moved... Read More →

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Program Design

9:00am MST

Metrics that Matter for your Auxiliary Programs

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MST

TBA

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. (Peter Drucker) This session will explore the operational environment of schools and how auxiliary programs can effectively align their program offerings with the school's core mission and priorities. We will cover standard metrics used to measure and gauge the success of auxiliary programs, alongside specific considerations for measuring individual schools' programs to ensure both mission alignment and desired performance are achieved.

We will identify some common drivers for both auxiliary programs and your school and discuss how to determine the most relevant metrics when defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), evaluating program performance, and making strategic decisions related to auxiliary programming’s offerings, pricing, staffing, discounts, marketing, and more.

Speakers

Heather Murphy

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Business and Operations

9:00am MST

Stuck or Scaling? Reimagining the Veteran Auxiliary Role

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MST

TBA

You’ve built programs, scaled revenue, and navigated the complexities of auxiliary leadership. Now what? This session is designed for seasoned auxiliary professionals (10+ years) ready to move beyond operations and into deeper strategic impact. Together, we’ll explore what the next chapter looks like—for you and for the field. We’ll dig into questions around professional growth without clear advancement paths, redefining the value of auxiliary programs within schools, and sustaining innovation and energy over time.

This session will function as a facilitated think tank, not a presentation—bringing experienced leaders together to share candidly, challenge assumptions, and explore new ideas. Through guided discussion and reflection, participants will surface common challenges, exchange insights, and co-create forward-thinking approaches. You’ll leave with fresh perspective, actionable ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose in your work.

Speakers

Kate Vizen

Director of Student Life & Strategic Programs, Inly School

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MST
TBA

Breakout Session, Leadership and Staffing

11:00am MST

11:00am MST

11:00am MST

11:00am MST

11:00am MST

11:00am MST

3:30pm MST

3:30pm MST

3:30pm MST

3:30pm MST

3:30pm MST

3:30pm MST

1:00pm MST

1:00pm MST

1:00pm MST

1:00pm MST

1:00pm MST

1:00pm MST

2:15pm MST

2:15pm MST

2:15pm MST

2:15pm MST

2:15pm MST

2:15pm MST

3:45pm MST

9:00am MST

9:00am MST

9:00am MST

9:00am MST

9:00am MST

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