The Importance of Conferences for Volunteer Program Leaders

Conferences like the Local Impact Summit and the Connected Communities Hybrid Conference provide invaluable opportunities for volunteer program leaders to grow, connect, and innovate. These events bring together professionals from diverse public sector organizations to exchange ideas, learn best practices, and gain fresh perspectives on addressing the challenges of volunteer engagement in government settings.

Conferences foster professional development by offering expert-led sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities tailored to the needs of those managing public service volunteer programs. They empower participants with actionable strategies to enhance program impact, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change in their communities.

In addition to NAVPLG-hosted events, we encourage members to explore the rich variety of conferences offered by our community partners, such as Points of Light and NACo. While not all partner conferences are listed on our website, these events complement NAVPLG’s mission and provide additional avenues for professional growth and networking.

Together, these conferences serve as vital platforms to inspire leadership, promote innovation, and strengthen the collective impact of volunteer engagement professionals nationwide. Whether through in-person summits or hybrid gatherings, conferences are a cornerstone of building a more connected and resilient community of leaders.

Local Impact Summit

Local Impact Summits are in-person events crafted to empower volunteer leaders with the tools, strategies, and connections needed to drive meaningful change in their communities. This one-day summit brings together leaders from across the public sector for hands-on learning, practical insights, and powerful networking with local colleagues and NAVPLG members. Sessions will focus on real-world challenges and opportunities unique to government volunteer programs, providing actionable takeaways that can be implemented immediately. Whether you’re looking to boost program effectiveness, foster partnerships, or create lasting impact in your community, the Local Impact Summit offers the inspiration and expertise to help you make a difference.

Connected Communities Hybrid Conference

The Connected Communities Hybrid Conference is a unique event designed to unite volunteer program leaders across the nation. This innovative conference combines the best of virtual and in-person experiences, connecting participants from local host sites to a nationwide network of government volunteer engagement professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from expert speakers, share insights, and collaborate on pressing issues facing volunteer programs in the public sector—all while engaging with peers in their local community. The Connected Communities Hybrid Conference is more than an event; it’s a movement to strengthen and inspire community impact through volunteerism at every level of government. Together, let’s reimagine what’s possible when communities connect and collaborate for a common purpose.

NACo Annual Conference and Exposition

The National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference is the premier gathering of leaders from the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs. Conference content includes discussion of federal policies impacting counties, workshops lifting up county best practices, engaging general sessions, mobile tours across our host county, and more.

Upcoming Annual Conferences and Expositions

July 11–14, 2025
City and County of Philadelphia, PA		July 17–20, 2026
Orleans Parish/New Orleans, LA

 

Learn more on the NACo Website

2025 Points of Lights: Social Impact Conference

The Points of Light Conference is a global convening of nonprofit, government, business, and civic leaders who connect, collaborate, gain, and share the knowledge and resources needed to galvanize the power of people to create change. The 2025 Points of Light Conference is scheduled to take place in New Orleans from June 3–6, 2025. This event empowers leaders to make a bold impact in their communities, providing resources and inspiration for every step of the journey. The conference features social impact leaders who spark innovative ideas that showcase how service strengthens the fabric of our world and ignite bold conversations defining the future of volunteerism. Attendees can expect a diverse range of topics designed to cater to different interests and social impact experts, including volunteer and community engagement, service and volunteering, social innovation and change, equity, corporate social responsibility, civic engagement, and activism. Early bird registration opens on March 1, 2025.

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Join NAVPLG – Empowering Leaders in Volunteer Engagement

Are you ready to transform your volunteer program and advance your career? NAVPLG is your trusted network for the tools, resources, insights, and connections you need to excel.

When you join, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of professionals committed to driving meaningful change in public sector volunteerism. Together, we inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and amplify the impact of volunteer engagement.

Exclusive Member Benefits Include:

Together, let’s strengthen the impact of volunteerism in government!