Join us in the Sails Pavilion for a fun, informal, networking lunch. We will have food stations strategically located throughout the hall to allow you to grab a bite to eat and mingle with attendees and exhibitors. Take a seat by the performance stage, move through the Connection Hub, snap a photo at the photo booth, or take a break outside on the terrace.

Live Performances

Don't miss out on live performances during lunch from Ballet Folklorico El Tapatio, the San Diego Chorus, West African Drumming and Dance, and Gregory Page!

Ballet Folklorico El Tapatio is a Mexican traditional dance ensemble established in 2008 by Nadia Arambula with the support of Bayside Community Center. It develops dancers that project passion, precision, and grace, but also helps to develop future leaders through a partnership with Bayside Community Center’s Resident Leadership Academy program.

For over 70 years, the San Diego Chorus has distinguished itself as a passionate, award-winning advocate of music, education, and community. They are a competitive chorus performing 4-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style led by Master Director Kathleen Hansen.

The Center for World Music is a San Diego nonprofit fostering intercultural awareness through the world’s performing arts traditions. Join master djembe drummer Dramane Koné from Burkina Faso and dancer Neferka Mitchell from his Southern California troupe, Djelia Kadi, for an electrifying performance of ancient West African rhythms and movements.

Gregory Page was born and grew up in North London and moved to America at age 14 where he wrote poetry and learned to play guitar. He eventually dedicated himself to songwriting as a means of personal freedom and creative expression. His music has brought joy to audiences around the world and in his hometown of San Diego.

Valise Project
The Institute for Contemporary Art Valise Project is inspired by renowned 20th century French artist, Marcel Duchamp, who designed miniatures of his works and carried them in suitcases to share with others. Each valise provides students a complete experience: from seeing, discussing, and touching the art to creating works of their own. With curricular connections to math, language arts, social studies and science, the Valise Project offers a powerful interdisciplinary learning opportunity.

Poster Art Contest
Artist of all ages were invited to submit their original artwork celebrating the conference theme “Ripples of Change: The Power of Partnerships.” Top entries were selected for display at this year’s Advance. Join us in learning about each poster and artist.

Exhibitors in this area will offer short, 15-minute demonstrations during our wellness breaks, including:

• 10:30 am - Tai Chi with the County of San Diego
• 1:30 pm - Chair Yoga with OG Yoga
• 2:45 pm - Chair Pilates with Movement Matters Collective
• 2:45 pm - Drumming for Well-being with Resounding Joy (Located at the Pavilion Terrace)

We are excited to have Zach Rausch join us in the Sails Pavilion immediately after the Keynote Session at 10:30 am to sign copies of the book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Zach contributed to the book as lead researcher to Social Psychologist Jonathan Haidt, the book’s author.

Learn more about Zach and the keynote session.

Join the event’s social media feed by taking a photo at our Partner Logo Step and Repeat banners! As of October 31, 2024 we have a total of 585 Recognized Partners who have committed to creating healthy, safe, and thriving communities together.

You’ve seen our digital social media wall at past events, now you will have it in the palm of your hand. Available with this year's Attendee Mobile App, you can take selfies with colleagues and friends and post them directly to the event feed. You’ll also be able to interact with the wall by liking photos and participating in live polls!