Join SPDG colleagues in Washington, DC, for two days of connection, curiosity, and shared learning. With a touch of Wonderland, we will explore practical ways to strengthen our work, share our impact, and learn from one another.
October 14–15, 2026
Friends Meeting of Washington
2111 Decatur Pl NW, Washington, DC
All times below are Eastern Time. An informal arrival meet-up takes place on October 13.
Program & Materials
View Full Program & Agenda (PDF) — Complete schedule, session descriptions, floor plans, and activity worksheets.
Meeting Objectives
Build a stronger network of SPDG projects.
Learn how to tailor SPDG activities for greater impact.
Schedule Highlights
Use these highlights to plan your visit. See the full program for the complete schedule and additional details.
Tuesday, October 13 — Arrival
| Time (Eastern) | Session & Details |
|---|---|
| 5:00–8:00 p.m. | Informal Meet-up Informal networking with SPDG colleagues. |
Wednesday, October 14 — Connect & Explore
| Time (Eastern) | Session & Details |
|---|---|
| 8:00–9:00 a.m. | Registration & Navigating Wonderland Check in at the Friends Meeting entrance, explore the venue, and get acquainted with SPDG colleagues. |
| 8:30–9:00 a.m. | Through the Looking Glass Conference and SIGnetwork orientation with Hadley Bachman, Ohio SPDG. Quaker House Living Room. |
| 9:00–10:15 a.m. | Opening & Keynote Engaging in Seriously Playful Curiosity with Jennifer Coffey, PhD, OSEP; Stronger Together with Christopher Littlefield, Beyond Thank You; and Hear it from the Mad Hatter with John Lind, PhD, SIGnetwork. Meeting Room. |
| 10:30 a.m.–noon | Connections & 15% Solutions Start with A Very Merry Unbirthday to You! in the Lower West Garden, then gather in small groups to identify actions you have the freedom and resources to take now. |
| Noon–1:30 p.m. | Cheshire Cat Conversations State team time and lunch on your own. |
| 2:00–3:00 p.m. | The Red Queen’s Race Forum presentations. See the breakout program below for session choices and rooms. |
| 3:15–4:00 p.m. | Spilling the Tea (Party) Connect with a new colleague over tea and coffee. Assembly Room. |
| 4:00–5:00 p.m. | Curious & Curiouser Share impact stories, tools, and ideas from SPDG projects. Lower West Garden. |
| 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Queen of Hearts’ Social Hour Continue connecting with SPDG colleagues. |
Thursday, October 15 — Learn & Reflect
| Time (Eastern) | Session & Details |
|---|---|
| 8:00–8:50 a.m. | Affinity Groups Teacher Apprenticeships: Decatur Place Room |
| 9:00–10:15 a.m. | The Playfulness Principle Innovation keynote with Dr. Max Wakefield, US Naval Academy. Meeting Room. |
| 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Advice from the Caterpillar Learn from an evaluator. See the breakout program below for topics and rooms. |
| 11:30 a.m.–noon | SIGnetwork Leadership Award & Closing John Lind, PhD, SIGnetwork. Meeting Room. |
Explore the Breakout Programs
Find session descriptions, presenters, and locations on the program webpages below.
The Red Queen’s Race — Forum Presentations
Wednesday, October 14 | 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Explore approaches and resources from SPDG colleagues and partners. Each 60-minute session includes up to 45 minutes of presentation and at least 15 minutes of discussion, questions, or other participant engagement.
View The Red Queen’s Race Breakout Program (webpage)
Curious & Curiouser — Sharing Our Impact Stories
Wednesday, October 14 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. | Lower West Garden
Discover impact stories, infographics, tools, and resources in an informal, poster-style sharing session. Connect with colleagues and explore ideas you can bring back to your own SPDG work.
View Curious & Curiouser Impact Stories Program (webpage)
Advice from the Caterpillar — Learn from an Evaluator
Thursday, October 15 | 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Learn from evaluators as they share tools, resources, methods, and lessons from SPDG evaluation. Bring your questions, exchange experiences, and discover approaches to support your project.
View Advice from the Caterpillar Evaluator Program (webpage)