Networking, Wellness, and More

Explore L.A.

Early arrivers will have the opportunity to venture out on a guided excursion led in partnership with Trust for Public Land. The excursion will be Tuesday, May 4 during our pre-conference programming. More details will be announced soon.

Welcome to L.A. Reception

Immediately following the Opening Plenary, join fellow attendees for the Welcome Reception, a fun opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and kick off the conference experience together. This year’s reception will celebrate the vibrant culture, creativity, and diversity of Los Angeles, and will offer a welcoming atmosphere to gather and build relationships with peers from across the philanthropic sector. The reception is included in the full conference registration, and tickets for the reception only are also available. To register for the Welcome Reception only, select Reception Only as your Registration Type during registration.

Peer Gatherings

Ready to take a break from sessions and meet both old and new friends? This hour provides dedicated time for specific roles across types of funders to connect and build new relationships with no set agenda.  

Additional spaces may be confirmed at a later date.  

• Communications Staff
• Community Foundation Insights – Plus Members
• Corporate Grantmakers
• Donor Services and Fundraising Staff
• Grants Management Staff
• Operations, Technology, Finance, and HR Staff
• Programs and Community Impact

Arts, Wellness, and Fun

At Leading Locally, wellness and fun is woven into the conference experience to help attendees recharge, connect with each other, and bring their best selves to each day. Participants have access to a wide variety of opportunities designed to support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, including  puppy cuddling (!), a paint-by-number mural, opportunities to enjoy the local environment, outdoor activities such as walks and runs, and access to a quiet room to decompress. These opportunities provide meaningful ways to balance learning, connection, and personal wellbeing throughout the conference. Who knows, you might meet a new friend while having a puppy “paws” between sessions.  

Breakfast Programming

Opportunities to learn with and from each other expand beyond our pre-conference and peer-led sessions! Our partners and collaborators will offer morning programming on a variety of topics that will be announced closer to the event.