Save the Date for SPARK 2025: Oct. 20-21, with pre-conference sessions Oct. 19.
Save the date for SPARK 2025. Share your email to stay up to date on new details and make sure you’re among the first to know when registration opens.
SPARK 2025 will unite practice excellence, innovation, and federal policy advocacy to advance our sector’s impact and help all families and communities thrive. This in-person event will elevate important conversations around our most vexing challenges and showcase insight and expertise from the field.
This event is designed for leaders who are fueled by a commitment to advance equity and improve the well-being of all people. Together, we will share inspiration and practical tools for implementing innovative practice, policy, and research. Our keynote speakers and breakout sessions will address new insight and promising approaches related to:
Registration must be received on or before Sept. 20 to receive the early bird rate. After that date, regular rates apply.
Impact Partners and/or Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation
Early Bird Registration $625
Regular Registration $825
Other Organizations
Early Bird Registration $725
Regular Registration $925
Register five (5) full conference participants from the same organization and receive $50 off all subsequent full conference registrations from the same organization. Only one discount per person; no other discounts apply. Once all five full conference participants are registered, contact Social Current to receive the discount code for all subsequent full conference registrations.
All cancellation requests must be made in writing. Conference cancellations are subject to a $100 processing fee. Cancellation requests received after Oct. 1 will not be refunded. Credit toward future Social Current events is not currently possible. Participants unable to attend the conference may send an alternate participant. Notice of written cancellation or alternate participant requests must be emailed directly to Social Current.
If Social Current cancels this conference, all registration fees will be refunded in full.
Hilton Chicago
720 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
Social Current has arranged a special room rate of $259 for single or double occupancy, plus applicable taxes. To receive the discounted rate, book online or call the hotel at 877-865-5320 by Sept. 22 and mention the group name: Social Current SPARK 2025.
This rate is available for stays up to three days prior to and after the conference, but it is subject to hotel availability at the time of booking.
| Sunday, Oct. 19 | |
| 9 a.m.-Noon | Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) |
| 12:30-4 p.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 1-4 p.m. | Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) Training |
| 5:30-7 p.m. | Volunteer Appreciation Celebration |
| Monday, Oct. 20 | |
| 8 a.m.-3:45 p.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 8-9 a.m. | Breakfast with Exhibitors |
| 9-10:30 a.m. | Opening General Session |
| 10:30-11 a.m. | Break with Exhibitors |
| 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Session A Workshops |
| 12:30-2 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 1:15-1:45 p.m. | One-on-One Consultations |
| 2-3:30 p.m. | Session B Workshops |
| 3:45-4:15 p.m. | One-on-One Consultations |
| 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Networking Reception |
| Tuesday, Oct. 21 | |
| 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast with Exhibitors |
| 7:45-8:15 a.m. | One-on-One Consultations |
| 8:30-10 a.m. | Session C Workshops |
| 10-10:30 a.m. | Break with Exhibitors |
| 10:30 a.m.-Noon | Session D Workshops |
| Noon-1:45 p.m. | Lunch and Closing General Session |
Social Current’s robust network of organizations and individuals across the country provides a unique opportunity for sponsors to reach C-suite decisionmakers in their target demographics. Simultaneously, sponsorship will allow brands to assess challenges unique to the sector, collaborate, and access network expertise.
Through our network, we can reach more than 12,000 human services professionals representing more than 1,800 organizations that serve nearly 11 million individuals.
View the SPARK 2025 sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. Contact us to learn more.
Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT)
Oct. 19 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cost: $400
The Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) is designed to prepare organizations to get the most out of their COA Accreditation experience. It provides an overview of the COA Accreditation process and standards, tips on how to manage the work, and advice for preparing for the site visit.
Registration for IAT is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration.
Performance and Quality Improvement Training (PQI)
Oct. 19 from 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $400
This performance and quality improvement (PQI) training is designed to help organizations pursuing COA Accreditation develop a comprehensive approach to a quality improvement process that will advance an efficient and effective service delivery system and enhance organizational capacity to deliver quality services.
Registration for PQI is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. View details and register here.
Advocacy Amplified: Rapid Response & Readiness in a Shifting Policy Landscape
Oct. 19 from 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $295
As federal priorities shift, nonprofit leaders must be prepared to respond swiftly and strategically. This condensed version of Social Current’s Advocacy Amplified training equips participants with the essential tools to navigate today’s policy environment, which includes increasing threats to equity; equity, diversity, and inclusion programs; and core social services funding. Participants will gain practical skills in policy analysis, narrative framing, and grassroots mobilization.
Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
Oct. 19 from 5:30-7 p.m.
Cost: Free for active COA Accreditation volunteers
We could not do what we do without our COA Accreditation volunteers. All active COA Accreditation volunteers are invited to join us as we gather and celebrate all that you do. Catch up with colleagues, share site visit stories from the road, and get ready for the start of SPARK 2025. There will be food, drinks, prizes, and a host of swag – so you will not want to miss this event.
Registration for the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. To register, email Darrell Woodliff, director of volunteer engagement at Social Current.
Each workshop is identified as a “learner” or “doer” session:
A (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)
B (2-3:30 p.m.)
C (8:30-10 a.m.)
D (10:30 a.m.-Noon p.m.)
Enhance your SPARK 2025 experience by booking a one-on-one consultation with Social Current. Our leaders offer subject matter expertise and have extensive experience in partnering with human and social services organizations to achieve meaningful change.
Conference goers will be able to book consultations starting in mid-August. Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so register early to make sure you are among the first to book. Please only reserve one consult per registrant.
Monday – 1:15-1:45 p.m. and 3:45-4:15 p.m.
Tuesday – 7:45-8:15 a.m.
Suggested topics:
Monday – 1:15-1:45 p.m. and 3:45-4:15 p.m.
Tuesday – 7:45-8:15 a.m.
Suggested topics:
Monday – 1:15-1:45 p.m. and 3:45-4:15 p.m.
Tuesday – 7:45-8:15 a.m.
Suggested topics:
Monday – 3:45-4:15 p.m.
Tuesday – 7:45-8:15 a.m.
Suggested topics:
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