3 Reasons to Attend the Points of Light Conference This Year

The Points of Light Conference 2023 is a gathering for changemakers, like you, who are passionate about civic engagement. With over 50 workshops with actionable takeaways led by industry experts, and the opportunity to connect with 1,000+ fellow changemakers in the nonprofit, business and government spheres from all 50 U.S. states and nations around the world… this opportunity is not one to be missed!

There are plenty of reasons to attend the Points of Light Conference this year… and here are a few more things you can look forward to! Don’t wait to reserve your spot – registration closes June 10.

Inspiring Speakers and Workshops

The Points of Light Conference is known for being a power-packed event full of inspiration and education from industry-leading experts. Our Opening Plenary offers an engaging lineup of social impact experts to support and inform the individuals, companies and organizations all rallying toward real, sustainable change. Participate in workshops on advancing equity and inclusivity, training and engaging volunteers, successfully partnering with other organizations, measuring impact and more.

So Much to Explore at Conference

• Conference Attendees: Last chance to register for the Idea Exchange Dinners, specially curated conversations hosted by Points of Light and Chicago Cares.
• Civic Engagement Leadership Summit: A Theatre Stage Page Metaphor for Leadership
• Civility & Civic Engagement: The Opportunity for Business to Help Find Common Ground, Inside and Outside Your Company
• The Hidden Power of Purpose: A Special Screening and Discussion with AARP: This feature-length documentary film offers inspiring stories with the latest scientific research, interweaving insights from the world’s leading health experts whose work affirms that living a life of purpose and living longer are inextricably intertwined. Join members of the AARP Purpose Prize team following this special screening for a discussion about applying your lived experiences to find your purpose in life.

Enjoy moving conversations that explore how our lives have changed amidst the complex challenges we’re collectively working to solve. Hear from Sheryl Lee Ralph, Emmy-Award Winning Star of ABC’s Abbott Elementary, singer, producer and activist; Johnny Cupcakes, CEO and brand hysteria expert; Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps; Neil Bush, board chair, Points of Light; Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, historian and founder, Chicago Mahogany Foundation, and more.

Digital Offerings

This year, you have the chance to get real-time access to anything and everything about the 2023 Points of Light Conference with our complimentary app. Download it by clicking this link on your mobile device to view sessions at a glance, read details about each one and “favorite” those you plan to attend. You can also send messages and network with colleagues within the app, as well as view a venue map of the conference space.

Can’t attend in person in Chicago and still looking to ensure you’re up to date on the latest ideas and trends in social impact? Our on-demand option is perfect for you. You can choose from 20+ sessions including exclusive, new workshop content just for on-demand access, replays of our mainstage moments and access to top-rated sessions from our 2022 Points of Light Conference.

Enjoy learning and professional development — in your location of choice and on your schedule — while getting a taste of what the Points of Light Conference offers. If you are attending in person, you will have access to all of the on-demand content as part of your registration. Access to on-demand content will be available from June 21–Sept 30.

Bustling Location

This year’s conference will be held at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile from June 14 to 16, 2023. With lake and city views and walkability to many attractions around town, you’ll be right in the center of all the action. Plus, Points of Light Conference attendees can unlock special discounts just by showing their conference badge at select attractions, restaurants and events, from the Museum of Contemporary Art to the Chicago Cubs to the Hard Rock Café.

If you’re looking for things to do while you’re in Chicago, take notes from the experts. Three Chicago-based Points of Light Global Network affiliates are co-hosting this year’s event, and we asked them for input on some of their “can’t miss” Chicago foods, experiences.

Ready to get registered? Head over to the Points of Light Conference page to reserve your spot and get the education, tools and networking you need to reignite your passion so you can continue to drive real and sustained change.