VisionServe Alliance’s Focused on the Future 2024 Leadership Conference, April 14 – 17, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri was a tremendous success.
Hundreds of leaders joined us to help chart the course for our field.
Collaborative Conference Format – Attendees helped drive the Agenda!
Our conference demonstrated the power of the dynamic Open Space format, which allows you to help set the conference agenda and engage in deep discussions throughout the day, each session focused on a crucial issue or opportunity in our field. The Open Space format is ideal for complex, strategic issues. Open Space expands participation, maximizes team building, and offers invaluable networking opportunities.
Our Incredible Keynote – Jane Wei-Skillern
Our 2024 featured keynote speaker, Jane Wei-Skillern wrote the book on non-profit network leadership! A Senior Fellow at the Center for Social Sector Leadership at the Haas School of Business at University of California, Berkeley, Jane Wei-Skellern has served on the faculty at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School, and London Business School.
Networking Leadership Panel Discussion
In addition to the keynote presentation, Jane led an interactive workshop on the principles of Networking Leadership. A panel discussion followed, with these VisionServe Alliance member leaders sharing how they most effectively use the principles of networking leadership: • Craig Meador, President, American Printing House for the Blind • Kyle Johnson, President and CEO, Lighthouse Central Florida/Lighthouse Works • Courtney Plotner, President and CEO, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina, and • Jeanie Farmer, COO, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina
VisionServe Alliance 2024 Annual Awards
2024 Annual Award Winners were commemorated at the conference. Read the Press Release.Learn more about the awards, criteria, nominations and winners.
Cleanlogic Inspiration Foundation’s 2024 Assistive Technology Grant Recipients
The Cleanlogic Inspiration Foundation announced their 2024 Grant recipients at the conference. Read the Press Release to learn more about the awards, and winners.
Why attend a VisionServe Alliance conference?
Hear directly from Past conference attendees.
“Each time I attend, I gain knowledge and insight from leaders in our field, which ultimately will allow Xavier Society to better serve our patrons. As important, this collective of organizations is working as one, to educate the many stakeholders in our field, and influence policy and legislation for the benefit of blind and visually impaired people in the U.S. and Canada. It is always an honor to represent Xavier Society and our patrons at this event, and to be a member of this organization.”
Malachy Fallon, Executive Director Xavier Society for the Blind
“I am a strong believer in the value of partnerships and collaborations. Attending the VSA conferences has been a great way to find partners and collaborators, learn new information to be a better administrator and steal good ideas from colleagues around the country. Bring along your executive team for even greater impact!”
Nancy D. Miller, Executive Director/CEO VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
“I appreciated attending conference sessions on leadership development, including practical applications such as creating a culture that fosters innovation; a session on the importance of research to gather data on those we serve to help demonstrate where we can have impact; and tips for effective advocacy and influencing public policy. The networking opportunities helped me connect with CEOs new to the field and I brought ideas and resources back to my organization that will help propel us forward.”
George Abbott, President and CEO The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
“As a relatively new executive director of an organization that serves the VI community, my membership in the VisionServe Alliance has been helpful and supportive. Last year was my first VSA annual conference, and I learned a great deal while I was there, and have continued to engage with the professionals I met. I am excited to be going back this year to deepen my knowledge, and my relationships.”
Join SOAG Workshops and Webinars. SOAG addresses important issues impacting VisionServe Alliance Member organizations with annual operating expenses of $2M or less.
