a colorful background with black text that reads "SAVE THE DATE: Best Buddies Leadership Conference, July 17-20, 2026 | Indiana University"

Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) unites Best Buddies leaders, volunteers, and community advocates from around the globe to imagine, create, lead and empower the future of the disability rights and inclusion movement. 

Over the past 30 years, BBLC has inspired thousands of leaders to be Best Buddies advocates and to bring about social change in their communities.

Special guests this year: Tanner Smith (Love on the Spectrum), Broadway Performer David Burham, Miss America 2025 Abbie Stockard, keynote speakers Kevin Wanzer and Dr. Laymon Hicks, the Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders, fitness influencer Billy Blanks, Jr., The Improvaneers (World’s first ever Improvisation Troupe cast with individuals with disabilities), DJ Iron Mike, Richard Goodall – America’s Got Talent Season 19 Winner, and Broadway Performers and Actors – Echo Picone and Riki Stephens.

Live Stream Recordings

Tune-in here, on our website, during the following dates & Times

Friday, July 18
Opening Ceremonies: Watch Recording

Saturday, July 19
Educational Sessions: Watch Recording

Sunday, July 20
Educational Sessions: Watch Recording

Closing Ceremonies: Watch Recording

What people are saying about BBLC:

I had really really good time. 😊 I want to go back again and learn some more new things and I will love to meet some more new friends at Best Buddies Leadership Conference ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"

To be around so much love, inspiration, inclusion and positivity made going home so very hard. It makes you look at the world in a whole different light because you don’t see all that positive energy and acceptance.

This weekend was so emotional and I could only hope that I could foster an environment that Best Buddies strives for. I would encourage anyone to attend this conference. I am already counting down the days for BBLC 2024.”

I had a wonderful time at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference. It was better than I could have imagine.”

I hope I can come back next year, it was such an amazing experience!"

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES

Best Buddies International is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs help people and families living with IDD form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.

Best Buddies serves individuals with IDD and their families. The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities.

Learn more at bestbuddies.org