The Collective's Fall Conference 2026: Full Schedule

Registration - $150 for Collective Members | $175 for Non-Members*

Hotel Accommodations:
A limited number of rooms are available at the Tru by Hilton in Midtown Cleveland
Room Rate: $119 - Select 1 King or 2 Doubles (includes complimentary breakfast)

Need assistance?
Email our Conference Hosts from Shoes and Clothes for Kids at [email protected]

*To become a member of the Collective & receive the lower registration rate, email Robert Moxley before completing your registration.

2026 Schedule Note: Tuesday & Wednesday are full days with a half-day on Thursday

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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9:00am EDT

Main Session - Tackling School Attendance

Thursday October 22, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Shoes and Clothes For Kids

With panelists from the Cleveland Browns Stay in the Game! Attendance Network, a dynamic statewide movement and learning network to dramatically improve student attendance.

Stay in the Game! Network was designed to support increasing student attendance. It launched in 2019 with the leadership of the Cleveland Browns Foundation, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Harvard’s Proving Ground, and went through an inclusive strategic planning process in 2023 to better address the urgent needs of district members.

Thursday October 22, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Shoes and Clothes For Kids 15500 S Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH 44110, USA

Main Session

11:00am EDT

Morning Break

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:15am EDT

11:15am EDT

Beyond Surveys: Fun, Fresh, Creative Approaches to Gather Feedback and Build Dialogue

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT

Explore creative, people-centered ways to gather meaningful feedback beyond traditional surveys. This interactive session will explore engaging approaches to collecting insights from teachers, partners, and stakeholders, including participatory methods, word walls, and other hands-on techniques that surface deeper insights. Walk away with fresh ideas, practical tools, and strategies to turn feedback into action, strengthen engagement, elevate voices, and make your data collection more inclusive and impactful.

Speakers

Stephanie Lloyd

Founder, Mosaic Eval

Stephanie Lloyd (she/her) is a seasoned consultant who has spent nearly two decades working alongside countless nonprofit organizations with a focus on uplifting unheard voices, collaborative learning and creative solutions, and data-based results. Her ambition and expertise are... Read More →

Colleen Kassouf Mackey

Evaluator, Data Shine

Colleen Kassouf Mackey (she/her) has more than 16 years of consulting experience—with a focus on program evaluation and measurement services—for local, national, and international entities across sectors. Colleen has worked in content areas including:

Civic engagement and plac... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT

Cross-Track

11:15am EDT

Building a Strong Volunteer Program: Recruiting, Mobilizing, Engaging & Retaining

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT

Learn how to build and sustain a strong volunteer program that supports your operations and mission. This session will cover practical strategies for recruiting, engaging, and retaining volunteers, including creating meaningful experiences and managing expectations. Walk away ready to strengthen your volunteer pipeline, improve retention, and maximize impact.

Speakers

Sarah Gregory

Volunteer and Program Manager, Teachers' Treasures

Hi, I'm Sarah! As a Volunteer and Program Manager, I spend my time overseeing all aspects of our volunteers and groups. As well as program outreach, silent auctions, and volunteer/teacher appreciation. I love finding creative solutions to promote our volunteer opportunities. When... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT

Cross-Track

11:15am EDT

Building Successful Annual Appeals & Campaigns

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT

Learn practical strategies for planning and executing annual appeals and campaigns that engage donors and drive meaningful results. This session will cover what makes an appeal effective, from messaging and timing to segmentation and follow-up, with real examples and practical tips you can apply right away. Walk away ready to strengthen your next campaign, increase response, and turn one-time gifts into lasting support.

Speakers

Staci Lowell

Principal, Giving Insight LLC

Staci Lowell has over 20 years experience as an information professional with a JD from the Cleveland Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University and a BA in Political Science from Taylor University. Her professional background includes time at two of Cleveland Ohioʼs largest... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT

Development

11:15am EDT

Equipping Organization Storytellers with Messaging that Connects

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT

Learn how to harness the power of storytelling to connect with your audience and inspire action. This session will cover practical ways to identify, shape, and share stories across your organization, and how to equip staff and volunteers to tell your story with confidence and consistency. Walk away ready to strengthen your messaging, engage your audience, and turn your impact into meaningful support.

Speakers

Jessica Miller

Head of Learning, AI Academy, SmarterX.ai

Jessica Miller, MBA, is Head of Learning at AI Academy by SmarterX, where she leads the strategy and delivery of AI education for professionals and enterprise teams. She focuses on helping organizations move from AI experimentation to real-world impact through applied learning and workforce enablement. Miller brings nearly 20 years of ex... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT

Marketing/Communications

11:15am EDT

Bulk Purchasing & Product Procurement

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT

Learn practical strategies for sourcing, purchasing, and managing products to meet the needs of your organization and the communities you serve. This session will explore approaches to bulk purchasing, vendor relationships, donations, and procurement planning that can help maximize resources and increase impact. Walk away with ideas and tools to strengthen your purchasing processes, improve efficiency, and make more strategic product decisions.

Speakers