Building Together 2026 - About
About Building Together
Building Together is a three-day leadership development conference designed for philanthropy professionals— at all levels and in all roles — who are committed to bridging differences and finding common ground. Attendees will develop the heart set, mindset, and skill set needed to build relationships across lines of difference — whether in values, perspectives, or lived experiences—to achieve shared purpose.
The Building Together Experience
Building Together is an immersive conference where you will learn, process, and practice in real time. You can expect:
- Powerful Plenary Sessions featuring some of the most respected voices on the work of building common ground in a climate of division.
- Skill-Building Workshops on topics from conflict resolution to campus dialogue, where you’ll explore tools, strategies, and practices for fostering understanding and working through differences to reach shared goals.
- Peer-Led Sessions highlighting funders that are actively applying bridging strategies in the field.
- Dedicated Practice Teams that meet throughout the conference to debrief, synthesize learning, and build a shared experience of growth and support.
- The People’s Supper, hosted by Trust Labs, where you’ll gather and reflect with other attendees over dinner.
The relationships you’ll nurture at Building Together will go beyond typical professional exchanges. You’ll build lasting connections rooted in a shared commitment to bridge divides and build common ground.
Attendee Expectations
We ask that all participants come to Seattle with an open mind and willingness to collaborate with those with different perspectives, experiences, and identities. You’ll be asked to challenge your thinking and disagree constructively. We’ll commit to cultivating a spirit of intellectual humility, honesty, and clarity of conviction. Together, we will create a pathway forward and model not only what is possible, but what our sector and society need—and deserve—from us.
About Practice Teams
All registrants will be part of a Practice Team of around 10 people who will support each other over the course of the event. Your teammates will come from different roles and regions and have varied perspectives. You will meet with your Practice Team over lunch each day to reflect on what you’re learning, practice new skills, and consider take-home strategies relevant to your work.
