More Than a Conference

What truly defined the 2026 Summit was the sense of community. Professionals from across sectors came together to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, tackle shared challenges, and build relationships that extend far beyond the event itself. Attendees left with:

• New strategies and practical resources to implement immediately
• Expanded professional networks and collaborative partnerships
• Fresh perspectives on volunteer engagement and organizational impact
• Renewed energy and inspiration for advancing the profession
• A stronger connection to the national AL!VE community

The conversations that began during the Summit continue to influence programs, partnerships, and leadership across the country, demonstrating that volunteer engagement is not simply about managing volunteers—it is about building stronger organizations and more resilient communities.

Summit Highlights

Participants explored a wide range of timely topics, including:

• Measuring and communicating volunteer impact
• Strategic volunteer engagement and organizational leadership
• Emerging technology and digital tools
• Corporate and community partnerships
• Skills-based and episodic volunteering
• Professional development and career growth
• Innovative programs and real-world case studies
• Networking and peer-to-peer learning opportunities

2026 Summit by the Numbers

A first-of-its-kind national gathering that strengthened connections and advanced the profession of volunteer engagement.

• 300 volunteer engagement professionals gathered from across the country - including an even mix of new and current AL!VE members
• 96.5% of attendees said the Summit met or exceeded their expectations
• Attendees represented a wide range of sectors, including nonprofit, government, education, libraries, health care, volunteer centers, and community organizations
• 91% said they would recommend the Summit to a colleague
  
  
  

Voices from the Summit

• "I have to say this was one of the best conferences I've attended in a long while. In part because 'my people' were there. And due to the positive energy surrounding the group sessions and fresh ideas in the breakouts. Like most first runs of events, there were glitches behind the scenes, but from an attendee's point of view, it was awesome! I can't wait for the 2nd edition! Thank you!"
  
• "I had such a wonderful time! I feel so motivated by the community that surrounded me during the conference. I've already implemented some of the things I learned, including the return-on-investment volunteer calculation, re-evaluating our volunteer recruitment and retention plan to center diverse populations, and building team morale through the Hope Theory lens."
  
• "I've attended many conferences, both large and small, and this one truly stands out... It genuinely felt like a community. That sense of connection inspired me to participate more actively and engage more deeply with the association."
  
• "It was one of the best conferences I have attended in a long time. Every single session I attended was excellent. The speakers were top notch and shared valuable insights and resources... I really hope this will just have been the start of a series of amazing conferences."
  
  
  

What Made the Summit Special

Attendee feedback highlighted four themes that defined the experience:

• Community & Connection - a welcoming space to exchange ideas and build lasting professional relationships and opportunities to learn from peers who understand the unique challenges and rewards of volunteer engagement
• Practical Learning -  real-world strategies, tools, and frameworks attendees could immediately implement in their organizations
• Diverse Perspectives - conversations that brought together professionals from nonprofit, government, education, libraries, health care, volunteer centers, and corporate settings
• Momentum for the Future - new partnerships, fresh ideas, and renewed energy to strengthen volunteer engagement in communities across the country

Looking Ahead

The success of the 2026 National Summit reinforced the importance of creating spaces where volunteer engagement professionals can learn, collaborate, and lead together. Feedback from attendees is already helping shape future programming, with interest in advanced leadership topics, practical workshops, impact measurement, and expanded opportunities for peer connection.

While plans for the next National Summit continue to evolve, AL!VE remains committed to providing meaningful professional development and strengthening the national volunteer engagement community.

The Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors for their invaluable support in making the Summit possible and empowering leaders in volunteer engagement nationwide. 

Platinum

Silver

Bronze

Copper

Conference App

Contributing

Supporting

Exhibitors

Shelli Beck, CVA
Summit Co-Chair

Nicole R. Smith, CVA
Summit Co-Chair

Jordanya Reeves, CVA
Summit Co-Chair

Alli Zuel, CVA
Program Lead

Beth Paul
Finance Lead

Will Webber, CVA
Development Lead

Bekah Aisenbrey
Marketing Co-Lead

Gina Edwards, CVA
Marketing Co-Lead

David Horwitz, CVA
Website Lead

Mary Lynn Perry
Hospitality Co-Lead

Twyla Teitzel
Hospitality Co-Lead

Monica Jasso, CVA
Affiliates Co-Lead 

Ashley Rieser, CVA
Affiliates Co-Lead

Grace Belizario, CVA
At-Large Member

Sue Carter Kahl
At-Large Member

Jenn Forristal, CVA
At-Large Member

Sarah Sukhram, CVA
At-Large Member

Plus, a special thank you to DOVIA Sacramento for helping AL!VE host the  2026 National Summit on Volunteer Engagement in Sacramento!

AL!VE (Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement) accepts paid advertisements/sponsorships across print and digital platforms. The appearance of an advertisement in any AL!VE publication, website, email communication, or event material does not constitute an endorsement by AL!VE. AL!VE does not evaluate or warrant the advertised product, service, or company, except as it relates generally to the organization’s mission and professional field. For additional information, please contact us directly.