ACA Spring Leadership Conference
Date
Location
Cost
Registration, scholarship, & Campfire Deal details below!
CECs
14.00Join 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!
Why attend SLC?
- Two powerful keynote experiences
- 40+ breakout sessions
- Evening socials and intentional networking
- A rejuvenating Palm Springs setting
- Real tools you can bring back to your camp immediately
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!
Campfire Deal — Bring 4 people for the price of 3!
Total: $1,070 — that's a savings of $360!
Here's how it works:
- Register 3 participants by April 10
- Email [email protected] with your 4th team member
- We’ll register them for free!
| Type |
Early Bird |
Cost |
Final Wave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member | $390 | $430 | $480 |
| Additional Member | $275 | $320 | $370 |
| Nonmember | $485 | $525 | $575 |
| Additional Nonmember | $370 | $415 | $465 |
| Speaker | $200 | $200 | $250 |
Looking to share costs for SLC? Our EPIC leaders are coordinating room shares. Fill out the google form here and they will be in touch.
As we continue to move towards the conference, additions and changes will be made. Please check back often. The general overview is below.
Monday, April 13, 2026
- 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Character Academy Preconference
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
- 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — WAIC SoCal section meeting
- 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Registration open
- 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — New Attendee Orientation
- 2:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Welcome & Opening “Playnote”
- 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Welcome Reception — appetizers and cash bar
- 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. — Dinner/time on your own (We will have some organized dinner "meet-ups")
- 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. — BINGO! and connection time
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
- 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 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- Coach BE
- 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 Sessions #2
- 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Educational Breakout Sessions #3
- 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. — Educational Breakout Sessions #4
BREAK- Time to get on your evening attire!
- 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. — Happy Hour
- 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. — Awards + Included Dinner
- 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. — Dance
Thursday, April 16, 2026
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Registration Open
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. — Educational Breakout Session #5
- 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. — Keynote- Dr. Jessica Pfeiffer
- 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 #6
- 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Exhibit Hall — fun raffles throughout, food + cocktails
- 6:30 p.m. – onward — Dinner on your own / night on the town (Palm Springs Street Fair)
- 6:30 p.m. - EPIC Dinner Meet-up!
Friday, April 17, 2026
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. — Educational Breakout Session #7
- 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. — Educational Breakout Session #8
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. — SLC Closing Campfire
Wednesday, April 15: Coach BE
Bryan E. Stephens, widely known as Coach BE, is a keynote speaker, coach, and youth development practitioner dedicated to helping organizations build strong, people-centered cultures. As the founder of BEStwenty4 and Other People’s Kids (OPK), his work focuses on leadership, belonging, accountability, and the everyday choices adults make that shape young people long after the season, school year, or camp session ends. His background spans classrooms, juvenile probation, parks and recreation, and competitive youth sports, giving him a rare ability to connect with professionals at every level — from frontline staff to directors and leadership teams.
At the core of Coach BE’s message is a simple truth: programs don’t transform young people — people do. His keynotes blend real stories, movement, humor, and reflection with practical tools staff can use immediately to build trust, strengthen culture, and create environments where young people feel safe, seen, and supported. Known for sessions that are engaging, honest, and actionable, Coach BE leaves audiences energized, grounded, and clear on how their daily presence and consistency truly matter.
Thursday, April 16: Dr. Jessica Pfeiffer
Dr. Jessica Pfeiffer is a licensed psychologist and clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience in mental health and education. She is the founder of Intricate Roots, where she brings a neurobiological, developmentally sensitive, and trauma-informed lens to psychological evaluation and therapy. Licensed in both Colorado and Iowa, Dr. Pfeiffer is committed to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces and values deeply understanding each client’s story to guide thoughtful, meaningful support. She also serves as Director and Clinical Supervisor of Network Community Counseling Services at Iowa State University.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Pfeiffer partners with schools, mental health organizations, and educational systems worldwide to embed neurobiological and trauma-informed approaches into services and staff training. She is an adjunct professor in the School of Education and Human Development at University of Colorado Denver and an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Psychology at Iowa State University. She also co-hosts Education Suspended, a podcast dedicated to reimagining education through compassion, connection, and care.
Welcome to Riviera Resort and 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 two sparkling pools, schedule a spa treatment, or indulge in innovative craft cocktails at the 5 o'Clock Pool 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 — one mile from downtown and four miles from Palm Springs International Airport.
- Award-winning full-service spa.
Hotel Reservation Information
Important Details:
- Our reservation block is open until March 27th! Book here for a reduced rate and please book early!
- Are you looking for a roomate or buddy to share costs? Complete this google form. Our EPIC reps will be in touch to help coordinate.
-
Call the Central Reservations Team at 760-327-8311 and ask to speak to a person if you need to modify or cancel a reservation.
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 / nonmember $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, [email protected] with any exhibit or sponsorship inquiries.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Event Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring an ACA event will extend your brand identity and marketing capabilities. For questions regarding sponsorship opportunities, contact Kim Fitzgerald, [email protected].
