Conference Schedule

Opening Ignite Speaker

Ian Symmonds Founder & President Ian Symmonds & Associates

Ian Symmonds is a strategist, author, and advisor to leading independent schools and colleges around the world. After 15 years in senior leadership roles at private schools, colleges, and universities—driving enrollment growth and institutional turnarounds—he founded Ian Symmonds & Associates (ISA) in 2003. Over the past two decades, Ian has advised thousands of clients, flown over four million air miles, and gained a perspective on schools, colleges and nonprofits that few consultants globally can match. Ian’s leadership career spans Pacific University, Culver-Stockton College, Saint Mary’s Hall, and Trinity University, where he served as a senior officer, executive director, and dean. A true global citizen, he has lived in major cultural centers such as Boston, San Antonio, Portland, Chicago, and San Diego and has worked with institutions across Europe, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South America, Canada, the Middle East, and Asia. His expertise in educational strategy has led to transformative change for countless organizations. A recognized global thought leader in education, Ian is known for his culturally relevant, forward-thinking approach that balances innovation with enduring impact. He frequently speaks and writes on the intersection of education, community-building, and social change. In 2011, he launched #JustCause, a campaign that connects ISA with organizations tackling a variety of social issues through education.

General Schedule

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

1:00-4:00         Pre-Conference Workshops

4:00-6:00        Registration

5:00-6:30        Welcome Reception

8:00-9:00       Campfire Session
 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5

7:30-8:30          Continental Breakfast

8:30-9:15          Welcome and Introduction

9:15-10:15         Ignite General Session

10:15-10:45       Refreshments with Sponsors

11:00-12:00       Breakout Sessions 1

12:15-1:15          Lunch on the Lawn

1:30-2:45          Breakout Sessions 2 (Deep Dives)

2:45-3:15           Refreshments with Sponsors

3:30-4:30          Roundtable Discussions

5:00-6:30         Sky Line Rooftop Reception

8:00-9:00        Campfire Session

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6

6:30-7:30          Sunrise Yoga and Fun Run

7:30-8:30          Continental Breakfast

8:30-9:00         Excellence in Auxiliary Awards

9:00-10:00       Ignite General Session

10:15-10:45       Refreshments with Sponsors

10:45-12:00      Breakout Sessions 3 (Deep Dives)

12:00-1:00        Lunch on the Lawn

1:00-2:00          Breakout Sessions 4

2:15-3:15            Breakout Sessions 5

3:15-3:45           Refreshments with Sponsors

3:45-5:00          SPARCbursts

5:00-6:00         Courtyard Reception with Sponsors

8:00-9:00         Campfire Session

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7

5:30-8:00         Sunrise Camelback Mountain Hike

7:45-8:45         Continental Rooftop Breakfast

9:00-10:00      Breakout Sessions 6

10:00-10:30    Refreshments and Networking

10:30-11:30      Ignite General Session

11:30-12:00      Conference Closing Session

"Thank you for a fantastic experience. I'm grateful for all that SPARC is doing to elevate our work in schools and support us in our roles."

• 2024 Conference Attendee