Virginia Boys & Girls Clubs

2026 Capacity Building & Sustainability Symposium

November 13–14, 2026 | Richmond, Virginia

A statewide professional development experience bringing together Boys & Girls Club leaders and staff from across Virginia to strengthen leadership, exchange practical strategies, and build stronger organizations for the young people they serve.

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Statewide Leadership • Learning • Collaboration

Building Stronger Clubs Across Virginia

The 2026 Capacity Building & Sustainability Symposium will bring together approximately 100 to 120 professionals representing Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the Commonwealth.

Across two days, participants will engage in focused learning, peer exchange, and practical conversations designed to strengthen leadership, program quality, communications, fundraising, and long-term organizational sustainability.

100–120
Participants
2
Days
3
Learning Tracks
Statewide
Collaboration

Symposium Schedule

Friday, November 13

Executive Leadership Experience

11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Check-In & Arrival
Check in, receive symposium materials, and connect with fellow attendees.
1:00–1:30 p.m.
Light Refreshments & Networking
Begin the symposium with light refreshments and informal networking.
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Welcome & State of the Movement
Welcome remarks, an overview of the symposium, and a conversation about the current state and future of Boys & Girls Clubs.
2:30–2:45 p.m.
Break
2:45–4:00 p.m.
Statewide Leadership Discussion
A facilitated discussion focused on shared challenges, emerging opportunities, and priorities for Clubs across the state.
4:00–4:15 p.m.
Break
4:15–5:45 p.m.
Collaborative Action Sessions
Attendees will work in smaller groups to identify practical actions and opportunities for collaboration.
5:45–6:30 p.m.
Break & Transition to Dinner
6:30 p.m.
Dinner & Evening Conversation
Enjoy dinner, refreshments, and an evening of conversation with Club leaders and invited guests.
Saturday, November 14

Professional Development Day

8:45–10:00 a.m.
Breakfast & Structured Networking
Connect with peers at networking tables organized by role and area of responsibility.
10:00–10:15 a.m.
Morning General Session
A shared conversation designed to set the focus and intended outcomes for the day.
10:15–10:30 a.m.
Break
10:30–11:20 a.m.
Concurrent Learning Sessions
Choose from concurrent sessions focused on executive leadership and administration, programs and youth development, or fundraising and communications.
11:20–11:30 a.m.
Break
11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Keynote
A keynote on addressing timely issues, opportunities, and emerging challenges for Club leaders.
12:45–1:00 p.m.
Break
1:00–1:50 p.m.
Role-Aligned Learning Session
Participate in a practical learning session aligned with your role, interests, or Club priorities.
1:50–2:05 p.m.
Break
2:05–2:55 p.m.
Applied Strategies Session
Explore strategies and ideas that can be applied within your Club and community.
2:55–3:05 p.m.
Break
3:05–3:50 p.m.
Solutions Lab: Facilitated Peer Discussion
Join a facilitated discussion with peers around a shared challenge. Topics may include:
Staff recruitment and retention Fundraising Youth mental health Board engagement Artificial intelligence Program quality Corporate partnerships Data and outcomes
3:50–4:20 p.m.
Closing Reflection & Commitments
Reflect on key insights, identify practical next steps, and close the symposium with commitments for continued collaboration.
The symposium concludes at 4:20 p.m.
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Learning Tracks

Executive Leadership & Administration

Leadership, organizational management, financial sustainability, governance, and navigating change.

Programs & Youth Development

Program quality, youth engagement, staff development, impact measurement, and service delivery.

Marketing, Communications & Fundraising

Brand storytelling, donor engagement, communications strategy, partnerships, and revenue development.

Speakers & Facilitators

Featured speakers and subject matter experts will be announced as the program is finalized.

Our Meeting Space + Lodging

Exterior of The Westin Richmond
The Westin Richmond
Meeting and event space at The Westin Richmond
Symposium meeting space
Hotel Name
The Westin Richmond
Hotel Address
6631 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23230
USA
View Hotel Website

Nearby Lodging

Nearby guest accommodations will be provided at Embassy Suites by Hilton.

Exterior of Embassy Suites by Hilton in Richmond
Embassy Suites by Hilton — Richmond
Guest room at Embassy Suites by Hilton in Richmond
Guest room accommodations
Lodging Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton
Hotel Address
2925 Emerywood Parkway
Richmond, VA 23294
View Lodging Website

Registration

Complete the official symposium registration form below. Your response will be securely submitted and saved.