Tips to Get Prepared for BBLC

 Image of a white and yellow banner. In the middle it says “Everybuddy Belongs. #BBLC2024. Bloomington, IN July 19-22.” Around the text are icons such as a happy face, a disco ball, headphones, tape, and record.

Are you ready for the biggest Best Buddies event ever? The Leadership Conference is just around the corner, and we will have great time celebrating inclusion! Leadership Conference takes place at Indiana University, Bloomington (except for 2020-2023 during Covid-19 Pandemic when it was virtual). The purpose of the conference is to bring together Best Buddies leaders, volunteers, and community advocates from around the world to discuss and learn about the Best Buddies movement and empowerment of disability rights and inclusion.

Before you go to Leadership Conference, it is important to be prepared and pack things you’ll need to have a great experience.

·      Clothes such as shirts, pants/shorts and a light jacket, etc.

·      Comfortable walking shoes and socks

·      Toiletries such as shampoo, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste , etc.

·      Flip flops for the showers

·      A blanket for the dorm

·      A photo ID

·      Electric chargers

·      Medicine and vitamins

·      Sunscreen

·      A backpack/drawstring bag/ fanny pack

·      Money for merch shop

·      Notebook and pen

·      Travel Documents

·      Wallet

·      Health insurance info

The following items will be provided for you: a set of sheets, a pillow, pillow case, and a towel.

Please double check to make sure you have everything you need.

If you haven’t already, Best Buddies has a free app available called BBLC2024. Where your schedule will be available. If you haven’t downloaded the app, here is a rundown of the general schedule.

 

Friday, July 19^tt, 2024

·      10:00 am: Campus Arrival and Registration

·      11:30 am: Lunch

·      12:00 pm: Social Squad Welcome Festivities

·      4:30-6:00 pm: Dinner

·      6:30 pm: Conference Welcome Meeting

·      8:00-10:00 pm: Opening Ceremonies

·      10:30 pm: Dorm Floor Meetings

 

Saturday, July 20^th

·      6:30-8:00 am: Breakfast

·      8:30 am: Conference Welcome: Every Buddy Belongs

·      8:45 am: Young Leaders Council

·      9:00 am: Fearlessly Different: Our Differences are our Strengths

·      10:00 am: Wellness Break

·      10:30 am: Inclusive Belonging: Building Communities Together

·      11:30 am: Lunch

·      1:00-2:00 pm: Classes

·      2:30-3:00 pm: Break

·      3:00-4:30 pm: Classes

·      5:00 pm: Dinner

·      7:30 pm: Inclusion Olympics

Sunday, July 21^st

·      6:30-8:00 am: Breakfast

·      8:30-10:00 am: General Session

·      10:30 am: Transition to Hodge Hall/IMU

·      11:45-1:00pm: Lunch

·      1:15-2:00 pm: Classes

·      2:15: Break

·      2:20 pm: Classes

·      2:4 -3:15 pm: Break

·      3:25 pm: Classes

·      5:00-7:00 pm: Dinner

·      7:30 pm: Closing Ceremonies

·      9:00 pm: Festival of Friendship

Monday, July 22^nd

·      5:00 am: Checkout and Departure

·      5:30 am: Breakfast

·      9:00 am: Social Squad Events

·      11:00 am: Lunch

If you have any questions, please contact your state staff

Let’s have a great time at Leadership Conference!

In Friendship,

Michelle Yoshimine

YLC Member, California