The Community Rec Leadership Summit created connections among 50 leaders throughout the industry.
“We don’t rely on other CEOs enough. We’re too isolated right now. We need to check in with each other and learn our stories. In our positions, it’s incumbent upon ourselves to be vulnerable. We’re here for one another. What do we as leaders bring back to one another?”
These words were said by Andrew Page, the president and CEO of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, during the very last roundtable of the 2024 Community Rec Leadership Summit at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas.
While the focus of this specific roundtable was leadership development, the essence of Page’s remarks — that rec center leaders are most successful by striving to be accessible and helpful to one another — could be found throughout the Summit.
For two-and-a-half days, leaders from YMCAs, JCCs, the Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army, and Parks and Rec, alongside limited sponsors, convened on the topics of the future is youth, community engagement, innovative spaces, staffing solutions and leadership development. The conversations and insights gained from these roundtables were pertinent to the industry due to how open participants were in each session and the thoughtful leadership of the event’s moderator Jon Kidwell.
While plenty of meaningful work was accomplished, there was also ample time to enjoy the resort, connect with fellow attendees and have a ton of fun.
Starting from the initial welcome reception, industry leaders and partners created a consistent, palpable atmosphere. Whenever it was time to join for a new group activity, good times and exuberant camaraderie soon followed.
This was most notable during the BBQ sauce competition sponsored by Augusta Sportswear Brands, a tour of the facilities at the YMCA of Greater San Antonio and a private Texas state fair-themed dinner party sponsored by Arly.
Overall, one of the biggest takeaways attendees left with from the Community Rec Leadership Summit was the commonalities found between all types of rec centers. The branding of YMCA, JCC, etc. makes no difference. All areas of the industry are attempting to solve similar problems to better assist their communities.
And as Page said, what better way to improve your community than by connecting with leaders from around the country? It’s these connections made at the Summit that can possibly make all the difference.
The Summit Is Back in 2025!
If you’re interested in such valuable networking opportunities, then mark your calendar. The 2025 Community Rec Leadership Summit will be held at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, a luxury, four-star resort in Tucson, Arizona, March 3-5. New attendee and sponsor spots are now open. Email john@peakemedia.com to learn how you can join us. Hope to see you there.
