20th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference:
Champions for Friendship

July 24-27, 2009
Indiana University - Bloomington, IN

Best Buddies Founder and CEO, Anthony K. Shriver addressing the audience at last year's conference The Best Buddies International Leadership Conference will bring together top leaders from high school and colleges worldwide to discuss topics on social inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, leadership, communication, fundraising, and a variety of other topics. Students will experience team-building at its best, be challenged to explore their full potential, tap into their power to motivate and encourage others, and translate awareness into quality friendships between students with and without intellectual disabilities. Leadership Conference is a once in a lifetime experience that unites students from around the globe. Students will gain knowledge in order to take effective action both individually and as part of a group for a common cause. Attendees will discover the importance of their actions, responsibilities, and energy. Creating an inclusive community As students participate in workshops, seminars, and evening events, they will gain skills and learn how to enhance their own community by including people with intellectual disabilities in all of their activities. Students will network with other leaders from their own home states and local Best Buddies staff while creating a nationwide network to plan their activities for the upcoming year. Many times students that live in the same city will meet at the conference and form lifelong friendships based on their compassion and desire to include people with intellectual disabilities in their own commmunities. Students will leave the conference prepared and ready to implement all they have learned. They will have gained necessary skills, connected with people with similar interests, and generated enthusiasm to last a lifetime. Conference Highlights • Conference kick-off by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, founder and CEO of Best Buddies International, Inc. • Musical performance and special guest speakers • Leadership development classes • Outstanding Chapters Recognized • Making new friends from around the world • Learning about people with intellectual disabilities •New, fun, trendy merchandise to be unveiled at LC '09! •For a more detailed schedule and updates click here Conference Details Registration: All participants must complete a Leadership Conference Registration Form online. To access this form please click here. Chapter President, College Buddy Director and BUILD participants registration fee: $300 plus the cost of travel Additional Registrant registration fee: $400 plus the cost of travel Advisor Registration fee: $400 plus the cost of travel For great information about fundraising ideas click here Housing: During the conference students are housed at the resident halls at Indiana University. Every attendee will share their room with one of their peers. Students will receive their housing assignment upon arrival. * Students please note that a $65 room key credit card or check deposit is required at check-in. Best Buddies International takes the safety and security of our conference participants very seriously. Throughout their stay at Leadership Conference students will be chaperoned by over 160 Best Buddies staff members and in addition, Indiana University security will be patrolling the campus grounds 24 hours a day. Meals: Throughout the weekend attendees will dine on campus. Meals will be provided at the dining halls throughout the university. Any attendee requiring special dietary arrangements should make sure to identify their needs on their registration form. Please visit our FAQ, and for more information on this event please contact your local state office. For more information about sponsoring a student or chapter call David Quilleon at 1-800-89-BUDDY The mission of Best Buddies International is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. Best Buddies International, Inc. 100 Southeast Second Street Suite 2200 Miami, FL 33131 Phone: 1-800-89-BUDDY Fax: 305-374-5305 www.bestbuddies.org