ACA, Southern California/Hawaii Spring Leadership Conference
Date
Location
CECs
14.00Please Join Us in Palm Springs for the Spring Leadership Conference!
Spring Leadership Conference (SLC) is known for excellent professional development, unrivaled social events, and an incredibly relaxing and energizing conference location. Participants will leave with innovative ideas and practical takeaways that can be implemented upon their return to camp. Bring your full team to improve staff training, staff management, and retention with proven techniques shared by industry leaders. For excellent educational content, and the very best networking, join us at Riviera Resort in Palm Springs!
Join us for:
- 3 Keynote Presentations
- 40+ Education Sessions
- 3 Incredible Networking Socials
- National Conference Caliber Speakers
Our participants aren't just from Southern California/Hawaii anymore...And we like it! We've been so pleased to have participants from all over the country at the Spring Leadership Conference. We hope you'll join us too!
Call for Proposals Now Open!
The conference planning committee is now accepting proposals for innovative and dynamic sessions for the Spring Leadership Conference. The program planning committee is seeking proposals on the following topics, but not limited to: staff hiring and retention, camp culture, camper support & behavior management, innovative programs, staff training, leadership, DEIJ and belonging, risk management, parent communication and support, employee engagement, property management and facilities Lectures, hands-on presentations, and panel discussions are welcome. The call for proposals closes January 10, 2025.
Registration coming soon!
- Full Conference Registration - Includes the opening Playnote on Tuesday through closing on Friday. Registration also includes socials and networking events.
- Not an ACA member? Join today for FREE and get the best rates for this event!
Type | Early-Bird | Regular |
---|---|---|
Member | $375 | $410 |
Non-Member |
$460 |
$495 |
Additional person from same Organization - Member |
$210 |
$260 |
Additional person from same Organization - Non-Member | $295 | $345 |
Student/Retiree Member | $185 | $220 |
Student/Retiree Non-Member | $220 | $255 |
Speaker | $180 | $180 |
Monday, April 14, 2025
- Arrive early to enjoy this beautiful resort!
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Pre-conference Training
- 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration open
- 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. New Attendee Orientation
- 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Opening “Playnote”
- 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Welcome Reception-free appetizers & cash bar
- 7:30 p.m. – Dinner/Time on your own
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
- 7:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration open
- 9:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m. Educational Breakout Sessions #1
- 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Keynote
- 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch on your own--Get some pool time
- 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Educational Breakout Sessions #2
- 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Educational Breakout Sessions #3
- 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Time On Your Own
- 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Cocktail hour and Snacks in the Exhibit Hall
- 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Included Dinner
- 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Dance
- 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Chilling at License to Chill
Thursday, April 17, 2025
- 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Registration Open
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Educational Breakout Session #4
- 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Keynote
- 11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Lunch on your own--Get some pool time
- 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Educational Breakout Session #5
- 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Snack Break
- 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Educational Breakout Session #6
- 4:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Meet with your team (conference rooms available)
- 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Dinner on your own / Night on the Town (Palm Springs Street Fair)
- 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Trivia Night Social
- 10:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Chilling at License to Chill
Friday, April 18, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Educational Breakout Session #8
- 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Educational Breakout Session #9
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. SLC Closing Campfire
Featuring a special appearance by Bob Ditter. Bob will join us for a keynote presentation about how camps can leverage their unique ability to develop character with their participants and staff and how critically important this is right now. Bob has been a major contributor to the excellence of the Spring Leadership Conference's education over the years. He is a prolific contributor to Camping Magazine and his books have been a mainstay for staff selection, training and supervision. Bob is a thought leader on ACA's Character Initiative and we are very excited for his triumphant return to SLC!
Stay Tuned! More Keynote Speakers to Come!
Tuesday
"Playnote" and Welcome Reception
Learn by doing and get to know your other conference attendees! We will kick off the conference with an interactive and energizing “playnote” followed by our welcome reception with complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.
Wednesday
Spring Leadership Conference Cocktail Hour, Dinner, and Dancing
A highlight for many! Wednesday evening activities include a themed cocktail time followed by an included dinner, and costume dance party. For those who want to continue the fun, join others at License to Chill Bar in the hotel lobby following the dance.
Thursday
Night on the Town followed by Trivia Night Social
Go downtown for the Palm Springs Street Fair. Have dinner with friends both old and new. Then come back for a fun and challenging trivia social. Following trivia join us for an informal gathering at License to Chill Bar in the hotel lobby.
Friday
Closing Campfire
A Spring Leadership Conference tradition! Join the conversation for our closing general session that will feature an inspirational talk and a chance to get energized for Summer 2024!
Welcome to Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs. We can't wait for you to explore this outstanding hotel, which features a state-of-the-art conference facility, stylish upscale accommodations, and lots of great spaces to relax and enjoy the perfect April weather in Palm Springs! Lounge by 2 sparkling pools, schedule a spa treatment or indulge in innovative craft cocktails at the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar.
Some other exciting features of Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs:
- Beautiful modern hotel with two pools, hot tubs, and a poolside bar.
- Great location - 1 mile from downtown and 4 miles from Palm Springs International Airport.
- Award-winning full-service spa.
Hotel Reservation Information
How to Book:
- Use the exclusive booking link: Click Here to View Exclusive Rates
- Call the Central Reservations Team at 877-834-3613
Important Details:
- A credit card is required at the time of booking.
- Reservations Cut-Off Date: March 28, 2025. Please book by this date to secure the group rate. Availability cannot be guaranteed after the cut-off or once the block is full.
Fees:
- A resort fee of $40 will appear when booking; however, this will be reduced to $15 at check-in.
We look forward to seeing you at the conference!
Exhibits:
Booth cost: Member $725 / non-member $1,075
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- $3,000 Title Sponsor*
- $2,000 Keynote sponsor*
- $1,500 Meal sponsor*
- $1,000 Session sponsor
- $500 Snack/Break sponsor
All sponsorships come with logo recognition on signage at the event, and on the events web page.
Sponsorships with an (*) also include a booth and two- minutes to address the participants.
Please contact Kim Fitzgerald, kfitzgerald@acacamps.org with any exhibit or sponsorship inquiries.
Event Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring an ACA event will extend your brand identity and marketing capabilities. For questions regarding sponsorship opportunities, contact Kim Fitzgerald, kfitzgerald@acacamps.org.