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

Creating a Better Shopping Experience: Organizing Your Free Store

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

Learn how to organize your free store to improve efficiency and create a better experience for teachers. This session will cover practical strategies for layout, product flow, signage, and restocking, with real examples you can apply right away. Walk away ready to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks, and create a more welcoming and effective shopping environment.

By the end, participants will:
· Learn alternative ways to organize their free store / resource center products.
· Learn alternative ways to distribute bulk products to their free store / resource center.
· Have discussed their free store / resource center's obstacles in a collaborative and generative environment.
· Have discussed their centers' product distribution goals and how that aligns with building their community.
· Have identified ways to sharpen their centers' store strengths while keeping their unique identity.

Speakers

Marco Femiani

Teacher Resource Center Program Coordinator, The Education Partnership

Marco Femiani is the Teacher Resource Center Program Coordinator at The Education Partnership, located in Pittsburgh, PA. He is on the Programs team that helps lead Teacher Shopping, The Education Partnership's Creative Corner shopping, as well as TEP's Summer Camp program, which... Read More →

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

Operations

11:15am EDT

Managing High-Volume Donations

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT

Learn how to effectively manage high volumes of donations without overwhelming your team or space. This session will cover practical strategies for intake, sorting, quality control, and storage, with real examples you can apply right away. Walk away ready to streamline your processes, improve efficiency, and ensure donations move quickly from arrival to the hands of those who need them.

Speakers

Gregory Hill

Executive Director, Empty Stocking Fund

With 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Greg is deeply committed to creating lasting, positive change for communities, particularly for children and families.

Most recently, Greg served as the founding Executive Director of Aurora Day Camp, where he established and le... Read More →

Jessica Johns

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Storehouse of Community Resources

Jessica has a background in education. She has a passion for resourcing individuals with the tools needed to be successful. She co-founded the Storehouse in 2016 with a focus on connecting resources for both nonprofits and schools. She is actively engaged in using systems-linking... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT

Operations

1:30pm EDT

Managing Warehouse Teams: Roles, HR Considerations, and Team Dynamics

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

Learn how to effectively manage warehouse staff in a resource center environment, including defining clear roles and responsibilities, navigating HR considerations such as employee benefits, safety, and what happens when someone gets hurt, and addressing cross-department challenges and what to do when things aren’t working. This session will offer practical strategies, peer insights, and open discussion to help you build a strong, effective warehouse team, regardless of your organization’s size.

Speakers

Dwayne Brake

Chief Logistics Officer, Greater Cleveland Food Bank

Dwayne Brake was announced Chief Logistics Officer for the Food Bank in 2023. He oversees the management of the delivery program, warehouse distribution, and facilities management. He joined the Food Bank in February 2010 to manage day-to-day inbound/outbound operation as well the... Read More →

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

Operations

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