{"id":190711,"date":"2025-08-06T14:02:34","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T18:02:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=190711"},"modified":"2025-09-16T17:11:32","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T21:11:32","slug":"more-than-2400-attendees-from-around-the-world-united-for-best-buddies-international-leadership-conference-in-bloomington-indiana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/2025\/08\/06\/more-than-2400-attendees-from-around-the-world-united-for-best-buddies-international-leadership-conference-in-bloomington-indiana\/","title":{"rendered":"More Than 2,400 Attendees From Around The World United For Best Buddies International Leadership Conference In Bloomington, Indiana"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\">[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong><em>&#8220;Wickedly Inclusive&#8221; Celebration of Change and Empowerment at Indiana University<\/em><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;190714&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>Bloomington, IN \u2014 July 31, 2025<\/strong> \u2014 From July 18\u201321, 2025, more than 2,400 student leaders, volunteers, and advocates from across the globe came together at <strong>Indiana University<\/strong> for the annual <strong>Best Buddies International Leadership Conference<\/strong>. This year\u2019s theme, \u201c<strong>Wickedly Inclusive<\/strong>,\u201d brought a bold, magical energy to the weekend, uniting participants in the name of friendship, leadership, and true inclusion. The weekend offered attendees innovative new ideas to share with their local communities, inspiring speeches, networking opportunities and lasting friendships.<\/p>\n<p>Best Buddies International is a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).<\/p>\n<p>Hosted annually at Indiana University, the Best Buddies Leadership Conference once again proved to be a transformative experience. The 2025 conference empowered thousands of young people to break barriers, build community, and return home ready to lead change\u2014and carry the \u201cWickedly Inclusive\u201d spirit into their schools and communities worldwide.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis was more than just a conference\u2014it was a movement,\u201d said <strong>Stephanie Moore<\/strong>, Senior Vice President of Mission Advancement &amp; Field Operations at Best Buddies International. \u201cThe energy was electrifying and the conference captured everything we hoped to ignite in these amazing young leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The conference celebrated the incredible impact volunteers with and without IDD have made in the world as a result of their leadership. Attendees received lessons from global leaders in the disability rights movement; watched inspiring performances; witnessed moving testimonies; and attended compelling and empowering leadership sessions.[\/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=&#8221;6&#8243; gap=&#8221;10&#8243; css=&#8221;&#8221; grid_id=&#8221;vc_gid:1754503818820-f9d06325-f999-5&#8243; include=&#8221;190725,190719&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>A Star-Studded Event Filled with Inspiration<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The conference featured an exciting lineup of special guests who shared their talent, stories, and commitment to inclusion:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Abbie Stockard<\/strong> \u2013 Miss America 2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kinley Shoemaker<\/strong> \u2013 Miss Indiana 2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tanner Smith<\/strong> \u2013 Reality star from Netflix\u2019s Love on the Spectrum<\/li>\n<li><strong>Garin Flowers<\/strong> \u2013 TV host &amp; former Bachelorette contestant<\/li>\n<li><strong>Echo Picone<\/strong> \u2013 Singer, Actress and Social Media Influencer<\/li>\n<li><strong>Riki Stevens<\/strong> \u2013 Singer and Actress<\/li>\n<li><strong>Marlana Vanhoose<\/strong> \u2013 Acclaimed musician and Best Buddies Global Ambassador<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lisa Smith<\/strong> \u2013 Renowned sign language performer and Best Buddies Global Ambassador<\/li>\n<li><strong>David Burnham<\/strong> \u2013 Broadway performer and advocate<\/li>\n<li><strong>Richard Goodall<\/strong> \u2013 America\u2019s Got Talent Season 19 winner (2024)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Billy Blanks, Jr.<\/strong> \u2013 Fitness expert and wellness influencer<\/li>\n<li><strong>Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Cirque Indiana<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;190722&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>Highlights from the \u201cWickedly Inclusive\u201d Weekend<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Attendees experienced a weekend packed with powerful moments, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Opening Ceremonies<\/strong> \u2013 A high-energy Friday night kickoff with live performances and motivational speakers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Workshops &amp; Trainings<\/strong> \u2013 Hands-on sessions focused on leadership, advocacy, fundraising, and creating inclusive communities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Best Buddies Friendship Walk<\/strong> \u2013 Held Saturday night at Assembly Hall, where participants walked in unity for inclusion.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keynote Addresses<\/strong> \u2013 Delivered by global disability advocates and Best Buddies Ambassadors who inspired with their messages of resilience and leadership.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Networking Opportunities<\/strong> \u2013 Students and leaders from around the world connected, shared ideas, and built lasting friendships.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Wickedly Inclusive Dance Party<\/strong> \u2013 A joyful and welcoming celebration where everyone hit the dance floor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Best Buddies mission is led in part by student volunteers who serve as dedicated leaders for the organization. During the conference, select schools and promoter chapters were honored for their service and commitment to Best Buddies.<\/p>\n<p>During the conference, the Outstanding Chapter Awards were given to the following chapters for the 2024-2025 school year. For elementary schools: <strong>Little Harbour Elementary School<\/strong> in New Hampshire; middle schools: <strong>Sunset Middle School in Tennessee<\/strong>; for high schools: <strong>Brewer High School in Maine<\/strong>; for colleges: the <strong>University of Tennessee &#8211; Knoxville<\/strong> and for the International Programs chapters: the <strong>Universidad Cat\u00f3lica Boliviana<\/strong> in the country of Bolivia.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best Buddies Jobs participant David Hubert<\/strong>, currently employed with Jersey Mike\u2019s Subs, was honored with the 2025 Jobs Employee of the Year Award, and <strong>Best Buddies Global Ambassador Mikayla Holmgren<\/strong> was recognized as the 2025 recipient of the Spirit of Courage Award; one of the most prestigious awards given to Best Buddies Ambassadors for their impact in the organization. This year, <strong>Best Buddies in Canada<\/strong> was recognized as the International Program of the Year.<\/p>\n<p>The Best Buddies Leadership Conference inspired and energized the students and volunteers as they witnessed the positive changes being made across the globe and the ways their friendships have changed lives. Conference attendees left more motivated to make the world a more inclusive place for people with IDD.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about the Best Buddies Leadership Conference, visit <a href=_-109.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.bestbuddies.org\/lc<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<p style=\"font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;\"><strong><u>About Best Buddies<\/u><\/strong><br \/>\nBest Buddies<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated\u202fto establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. <span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">Today, Best Buddies\u2019 12 formal programs \u2014 <\/span><\/span><em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies\u00ae, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions, Inclusive Living <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">and <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">Eunie\u2019s Buddies<\/span><\/span><\/em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">\u2014 engage participants in<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">\u202f<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">each of the 50 states and in 45<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">\u202f<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">countries, positively <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">impacting<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\"> the lives of <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\">nearly one<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW74171243 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body\"> million people with and without disabilities around the world.<\/span><\/span> In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit bestbuddies.org or connect with us via <a href=_-337.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a>, <a href=_-338.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a> or <a href=_-339.html target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">###<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Bloomington, IN \u2014 July 31, 2025<\/strong> \u2014 From July 18\u201321, 2025, more than 2,400 student leaders, volunteers, and advocates from across the globe came together at Indiana University for the annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":190716,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[475,132,18,819,228],"tags":[146,726,735,141,4675,115,854,4551,158,153,1678,1724,90,4679,117],"class_list":["post-190711","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-indiana-news","category-leadership-conference","category-news","category-news-front-page","category-press-releases","tag-anthony-kennedy-shriver","tag-best-buddies-international","tag-best-buddies-leadership-conference","tag-bloomington","tag-family-support","tag-friendship","tag-inclusion","tag-inclusive-living","tag-indiana-university","tag-integrated-employment","tag-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities","tag-leadership","tag-leadership-development","tag-one-to-one-friendships","tag-volunteering"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>More Than 2,400 Attendees From Around The World United For Best Buddies International Leadership Conference In Bloomington, Indiana - Best Buddies International<\/title>\n<!-- Added by HTTrack --><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /><!-- /Added by HTTrack -->
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