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.

3:15pm EDT

Know Your How: Clarifying Your Impact Model & Strengthening Alignment

Tuesday October 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm EDT

Your “how” is the heartbeat of your organization. And when you lead with it, through story, data, and identity, you unlock clarity, connection, and momentum for your team and the people you serve. You will have time to discuss, engage and clarify the connective “how” across your organization. We will work on your Impact Model and practice sharing this externally and internally to build partnerships and scale impact.

Speakers

Alison Kling

CEO, Free 2 Teach

Alison Kling is passionate about helping people and organizations live out their purpose with clarity and confidence. She brings this work to life as the CEO of Free 2 Teach, a nonprofit that equips public school teachers with high-quality supplies so children have what they need... Read More →

Tuesday October 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm EDT

Leadership

1:30pm EDT

Building Strong, Healthy & Connected Teams

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

Learn how to build and sustain a strong, effective team that supports your mission and drives results. This session will cover practical strategies for improving communication, strengthening team culture, and increasing engagement and accountability, with real examples you can apply right away. Walk away ready to lead with greater clarity, strengthen your team, and create a more collaborative and productive work environment.

Speakers

John Paul Stephens

Theodore M. and Catherine C. Alfred Professorship in Management, Weatherhead School of Management; Associate Professor, Case Western Reserve University

John Paul (J.P.) Stephens, PhD is the Theodore M. and Catherine C. Alfred Professor in Management, and Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, John Paul completed... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

Leadership

3:15pm EDT

Planning for What’s Next: Succession Strategies for Nonprofit Leaders

Wednesday October 21, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm EDT

Learn how to proactively plan for leadership transitions to ensure continuity and long-term success. This session will cover practical approaches to identifying and developing future leaders, documenting key roles and processes, and preparing your organization for both planned and unexpected transitions. Walk away ready to strengthen your organization’s stability and confidently plan for what’s next.

Speakers

Monica Lloyd

Executive Director, Shoes and Clothes for Kids

Jane Thompson

President, A Gift for Teaching

Jane Thompson 
President, A Gift For Teaching 
 
Jane has been actively involved in the non-profit sector for the past 35 years, both as a Development Director and in an executive capacity. In April of 2004, Jane joined A Gift For Teaching as the Director of Development and after a national search, was chosen as the organization’s... Read More →

Amy Kopp

Executive Director, Crayons to Classrooms

Amy joined Crayons to Classrooms in 2020 as Fund Development Manager and was promoted to Director of Development in 2023. In 2025, she stepped into the role of Executive Director, where she now leads the organization’s mission to provide essential school supplies to teachers and... Read More →

Julie Clark

Chief Program Officer, Business Volunteers Unlimited

As Chief Program Officer, Julie is responsible for ensuring BVU’s mission is delivered through high-quality programs that drive meaningful impact for the businesses and nonprofits BVU serves. She oversees program design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement across... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm EDT

Leadership