Building Together 2026 - Experiences
Experiences
Don't miss these unique experiences taking place during Building Together.
Outings and Gatherings
Monday, May 4 | Time TBD
Enjoy casual, fun opportunities to explore Seattle and connect with other early arrivers. More details to come.
May the 4th Build Community: Career Pathways Alumni Outing
Monday, May 4 | Noon - 4:30 p.m.
Career Pathways Alumni are invited to come together to connect, build community, and gather The Force to prepare for Building Together 2026. We will build relationships, grab a meal, and explore a galaxy far, far, away... from the hotel, and step into local, rejuvenating outdoor spaces. Join us and bring your full self and maybe a rain jacket.
Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort Welcome Lounge
Monday, May 4 | 2 - 4 p.m.
Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort members (2026) and alumni (2023, 2024, 2025) are invited to connect and relax in a casual setting. Stop by to say hello to Council staff and fellow cohort members throughout the afternoon. We will host a short program around 3:15 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you as we prepare for Building Together, together.
Opening Night Reception and Concert
Monday, May 4 | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Kick off Building Together 2026 with light bites, beverages and great company! Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere as you meet fellow attendees and start building the connections that will grow throughout the event.
Sponsored by:
The People’s Supper
Tuesday, May 5 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Join us for a People’s Supper Experience, hosted by Trust Labs, where we'll have the chance to reflect together on the themes of Building Together, and the stories and experiences we each bring to the table. Since 2017, more than 20,000 people have sat down for People's Suppers in over 100 cities and towns nationwide, in partnership with dozens of local government and civic groups, faith-based organizations and communities, colleges and universities, workplaces, and more.
Sponsored by:
Seeking Volunteers!
We’re looking for attendees to provide light facilitation and guidance to each table. All facilitators will be invited to a pre-event training session to help prepare them for their role. Sign up when you register.
Connection Breakfast
Wednesday, May 6 | 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
The decline in connection and trust is perhaps the greatest danger in the world today. To reverse it, we’ll learn how to connect again as we “break bread.”
During breakfast, Aaron Hurst, Founder and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Connection, will facilitate table conversations to reconnect us to one another and begin developing a shared vision for reconnecting humanity.
Together, each table will explore:
- Our own experiences building connection and community in our lives.
- The role we play in building connection in the lives of our teams (inside and outside of work).
- How the decline in connection is impacting the communities we fund, and how we can help.
By the end of breakfast, you will have made new friends and gained insight and inspiration into how to build connection in your life, leadership, and impact strategy.
Federal Policy Brief
Wednesday, May 6 | 8 - 8:45 a.m.
With shifts and pivots coming almost daily, we’ve been keeping an eye on the news out of Washington, D.C. and its impact on the charitable sector. This policy briefing will provide a space for the Council and foundation leaders to brief attendees on the latest policy changes and what they're hearing on the ground.
Dine-Arounds
Wednesday, May 6 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Want to explore the city and get to know fellow attendees over delicious food and great conversation? Join a dine-around! These small group gatherings offer opportunities to connect over dinner at local restaurants.
The list of dine-arounds with the ability to RSVP will be available to attendees in the event app.
Learn about hosting a dine-around
Breakfast Conversation: Investing Effectively in Connection Across Difference
Thursday, May 7 | 7:30 - 8:45 a.m.
Join the funder collaborative New Pluralists (a Building Together 2026 Bridging Sponsor) in an interactive session discussing what the collaborative has learned about how to effectively fund connection across difference at the local, regional, and national levels. New Pluralists will provide brief context and landscape data from its five years of investing in strategies that foster belonging, cooperation, and social trust, including sharing emergent threats to these efforts.
Wellness and Reflection
Throughout the Event
Inside of each day’s schedule, we’ve set aside opportunities for wellness activities and breaks. Each attendee will also receive a practice guide with prompts to support their learning and reflection.