Membership Innovation Summit
Join us on May 13-15, 2025
After a two-year hiatus, the Membership Innovation Summit for YMCAs returns in May of 2025 with a visit to the YMCA of Greater Tulsa! As with past Summits, we'll use multiple locations to ensure an array of inspiring venues across the community including the brand new, one-of-a-kind Anne & Henry Zarrow YMCA, the beautiful Herman & Kate Kaiser YMCA campus, and the innovative Tandy Family YMCA. Additionally, any trip to Tulsa should include a visit to the Greenwood District & Black Wall Street as well as treating yourself to the experience of The Gathering Place where we will celebrate our time together at the OneOK Boathouse.
We are still working out many of the details including hotels (we'll use several), Keynote speakers, sponsors, and of course our slate of Big IDEA Talk presenters featuring colleagues from inside and outside of the YMCA Movement, but all assured to make you think a little differently about our work of strengthening communities. As always, the Big IDEA Talks will be livestreamed on the Y's proprietary digital platform and our co-host, YMCA360.
Like with our past two summits, we expect a sellout with registration capping out at 175 participants. Registration is on a first come - first served basis. Please note that each YMCA Association is limited to three participants and CEO and/or COO participation is encouraged through special team pricing when one of those leaders is included!
To register a team today, we only need payment plus the name and contact information of one team member, so don't wait and end up missing out on an inspiring and innovative "Tulsa Time!"
Interested in becoming an exclusive category sponsor?
Interested in presenting your Big IDEA?
Or have questions in general? Email [email protected]
We are still working out many of the details including hotels (we'll use several), Keynote speakers, sponsors, and of course our slate of Big IDEA Talk presenters featuring colleagues from inside and outside of the YMCA Movement, but all assured to make you think a little differently about our work of strengthening communities. As always, the Big IDEA Talks will be livestreamed on the Y's proprietary digital platform and our co-host, YMCA360.
Like with our past two summits, we expect a sellout with registration capping out at 175 participants. Registration is on a first come - first served basis. Please note that each YMCA Association is limited to three participants and CEO and/or COO participation is encouraged through special team pricing when one of those leaders is included!
To register a team today, we only need payment plus the name and contact information of one team member, so don't wait and end up missing out on an inspiring and innovative "Tulsa Time!"
Interested in becoming an exclusive category sponsor?
Interested in presenting your Big IDEA?
Or have questions in general? Email [email protected]
The beautiful Herman & Kate Kaiser YMCA and outdoor center will act as our main location during the 2025 Membership Innovation Summit for YMCAs. This will be the site of the much-anticipated Big IDEA Talks on Wednesday, May 14th, graciously hosted by the YMCA of Greater Tulsa.
Location
Tulsa, OK
Date & Time
May 13 -15, 2025
COST
Cost: $350/Individual*
*Discounts for multiple registrants from a single YMCA as well as for CEO/COO participation
*Discounts for multiple registrants from a single YMCA as well as for CEO/COO participation
Co-Hosted By: Triangle2, YMCA360, YMCA of Greater Tulsa
Schedule
Join us for 48 hours of inspiration, new thinking about YMCA work, and stories of innovative efforts to serve communities from colleagues both inside and outside of the Movement. There are many more details to come, but here is how our next Innovation Summit is shaping up:
Tues
May 131:00 PM Check-In / Program Showcase at Anne & Henry Zarrow YMCA
3:30 PM Free Time / Check-In at Hotels
3:30 PM Free Time / Check-In at Hotels
5:00 PM Opening Reception & Special Event at ONEOK Field - Gates Open
6:00 PM First Pitch - Tulsa Drillers vs NW Arkansas NaturalsWed
May 14
May 14
8 - 8:45 AM Gather for Breakfast at the Herman & Kate Kaiser YMCA
8:45 AM Welcome
9:00 AM Big IDEA Talks
- Invocation - Jack Minton, Hope Force International
#1 - Darcy Celletti, Triangle2 Solutions
#2 - Levi Patrick, Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance
#3 - Jim Paro, Operational Fit
#4 - Shaq Brown, Greater Austin YMCA
#5 - Joe Kovalchek,YMCA of the USA
#6 - James Warren, Share More Stories
Break - 15 Minutes
#7 - Ronn McMahon, Greater Wichita YMCA
#8 - Jeff Heeley, YMCA of Greater Tulsa
#9 - Christine Mulder, YMCA of Greater Charlotte
#10 - George Warren, YMCA of Greater Rochester
#11 - Andrew Rogers, Traction Rec
#12 - Sean Doles, Greater Austin YMCA
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Keynote/ Big IDEA Panels
3:00 PM Tours of Herman and Kate Kaiser YMCA
4:00 PM Free Time / Explore The Gathering Place
6:00 PM Celebration at the ONEOK Boathouse / The Gathering Place
8:45 AM Welcome
9:00 AM Big IDEA Talks
- Invocation - Jack Minton, Hope Force International
#1 - Darcy Celletti, Triangle2 Solutions
#2 - Levi Patrick, Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance
#3 - Jim Paro, Operational Fit
#4 - Shaq Brown, Greater Austin YMCA
#5 - Joe Kovalchek,YMCA of the USA
#6 - James Warren, Share More Stories
Break - 15 Minutes
#7 - Ronn McMahon, Greater Wichita YMCA
#8 - Jeff Heeley, YMCA of Greater Tulsa
#9 - Christine Mulder, YMCA of Greater Charlotte
#10 - George Warren, YMCA of Greater Rochester
#11 - Andrew Rogers, Traction Rec
#12 - Sean Doles, Greater Austin YMCA
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Keynote/ Big IDEA Panels
3:00 PM Tours of Herman and Kate Kaiser YMCA
4:00 PM Free Time / Explore The Gathering Place
6:00 PM Celebration at the ONEOK Boathouse / The Gathering Place
Thurs
May 15
May 15
8 - 8:45 AM Breakfast at Living Arts of Tulsa
8:45 AM Welcome / Invocation
Three "Power" Keynotes
#1 - Karlie Intlekofer, PhD - The Power of Group Exercise
#2 - Teri McGuill, CFRE - The Power of Philanthropy
#3 - Jay Buckmaster, CEO - The Power of the Youth Experience
10:30 AM Adjourn
8:45 AM Welcome / Invocation
Three "Power" Keynotes
#1 - Karlie Intlekofer, PhD - The Power of Group Exercise
#2 - Teri McGuill, CFRE - The Power of Philanthropy
#3 - Jay Buckmaster, CEO - The Power of the Youth Experience
10:30 AM Adjourn
Event Venues
During the Innovation Summit we will visit several venues throughout Tulsa. Some are within walking distance of hotels,
others will require a short drive or rideshare. Please plan accordingly.
Anne and Henry Zarrow YMCA 909 W 23rd St
ONEOK Field Tulsa World Entrance 201 N Elgin Ave
Herman and Kate Kaiser YMCA 5400 S Olympia Ave (please note construction in the area)
The Gathering Place / ONEOK Boathouse 2900 S John Williams Way E
Living Arts of Tulsa 307 Reconciliation Way
ONEOK Field Tulsa World Entrance 201 N Elgin Ave
Herman and Kate Kaiser YMCA 5400 S Olympia Ave (please note construction in the area)
The Gathering Place / ONEOK Boathouse 2900 S John Williams Way E
Living Arts of Tulsa 307 Reconciliation Way
Recommended Accommodations
We will be utilizing numerous hotel options in the downtown Tulsa Arts District. Registered YMCAs will receive communication when final details become available.
The Guthrie Green is an urban community park located in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District.
Fairfield by Marriott
111 North Main Street
Tulsa, OK
(981) 879-1800
Tulsa, OK
(981) 879-1800
Holiday Inn Express
310 Archer Street
Tulsa, OK
(918) 728-2444
Tulsa, OK
(918) 728-2444
Hotel Indigo
121 South Elgin Avenue
Tulsa, OK
(918) 779-4445
Tulsa, OK
(918) 779-4445
Hyatt Regency
100 East 2nd Street
Tulsa, OK
(918) 234-1234
Tulsa, OK
(918) 234-1234
Hampton Inn
211 West 3rd Street
Tulsa, OK
(918) 949-6900
Tulsa, OK
(918) 949-6900
Sponsors
Without the generous support of our Sponsors, this event would not be possible. Representatives will be present throughout the event, adding their creativity, knowledge and unique points of view to our dialogue. Please join us in thanking them as you get acquainted!
News & Updates
THE TULSA TOP TEN!
Did you know that Tulsa, Oklahoma ...
- ... is home to over 1 million people and has a large International Airport with direct flights to over 20 locations in the US?
- ... has typical high and low temps between 60 - 80 degrees during May?
- ... is known for its Art Deco Architecture?
- ... was where the 1983 cult classic "The Outsiders" was filmed?
- ... is site of the $465 Million "The Gathering Place," America's #1 public park?
- ... features the historic Greenwood District, the site of "Black Wall Street?"
- ... marks its location on the famous Route 66 with a number of related attractions?
- ... is home to two folk music museums that celebrate the artistry of Woody Guthrie & Bob Dylan?
- ... has the fourth largest Community Foundation in the country?
- ... and is the location of our next Summit of Ys, hosted by the innovative YMCA of Greater Tulsa!
Innovation Summit Weekly Update
Posted April 21
Good Afternoon!
In this Innovation Summit email, please find the following:
As we shared in our last email, the dress recommendation for the Program Showcase on Tuesday Afternoon (4/13) is Workout Casual and there are changing facilities at the Zarrow YMCA. Please come prepared for some light play or to get in a serious workout if that is what you want to do.
The Dress Code for the remainder of the Summit is Casual. Jeans are fine, as are shorts. The weather can be quite warm in Tulsa, and we want you to be comfortable.
We will be outdoors for the Tulsa Drillers Ballgame (4/13) as well as the Innovation Summit Celebration at the ONEOK Boathouse (4/14), so a pullover or jacket would be a good item to pack.
Things to do in Tulsa:
Here are some additional recommendations that you can check out using your search engine of choice (* indicates walkable from our recommended hotels):
THANK YOU for doing this: So that we may work efficiently with our caterers for the events, please use the link supplied below to quickly RSVP for our Summit Special Events. Note: Only one person need reply for each organization.
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8283217/Innovation-Summit-for-YMCAs-RSVPS
In this Innovation Summit email, please find the following:
- Dress Code Details
- Things to do in Tulsa
- Arts District Dining Experiences
- Important: Request for RSVPs for Summit Special Events
As we shared in our last email, the dress recommendation for the Program Showcase on Tuesday Afternoon (4/13) is Workout Casual and there are changing facilities at the Zarrow YMCA. Please come prepared for some light play or to get in a serious workout if that is what you want to do.
The Dress Code for the remainder of the Summit is Casual. Jeans are fine, as are shorts. The weather can be quite warm in Tulsa, and we want you to be comfortable.
We will be outdoors for the Tulsa Drillers Ballgame (4/13) as well as the Innovation Summit Celebration at the ONEOK Boathouse (4/14), so a pullover or jacket would be a good item to pack.
Things to do in Tulsa:
Here are some additional recommendations that you can check out using your search engine of choice (* indicates walkable from our recommended hotels):
- Greenwood Rising: Black Wall St. History Center*
- Bob Dylan Museum*
- Tulsa Botanical Gardens
- Philbrook Museum
- Mother Road Markets
- The Outsiders House Museum
- Bull in the Alley
- Amelia's Wood Fired Cuisine
- The Tavern
- Prhyme Downtown Steakhouse
- Sisserou’s Caribbean
THANK YOU for doing this: So that we may work efficiently with our caterers for the events, please use the link supplied below to quickly RSVP for our Summit Special Events. Note: Only one person need reply for each organization.
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8283217/Innovation-Summit-for-YMCAs-RSVPS
Day 1 at the Innovation Summit - Things You Need to Know
Posted April 12
On Tuesday May 13, the Membership Innovation Summit for YMCAs will open at the brand-new Anne & Henry Zarrow YMCA.
Check-in will begin at 1:00 PM and will be immediately followed by the Program Showcase event.
Here's what you need to know about the Program Showcase:
The Zarrow Y is located at 909 W 23rd St, Tulsa, OK 74107, a short 8-10 minute ride from the hotels in the Tulsa Arts District. If you haven't booked a hotel yet, you can find links and information on the event website.
The dress code for the Program Showcase is a new one: "workout casual." Please come prepared to move about, have fun and be active. At the very least, sneakers are a must.
From 1 PM to 3:30, you'll enjoy different opportunities to experience the unique Zarrow YMCA. Activities will range from trying out the Y's 20-minute workout class, participating in a match of "Walking Soccer," trying your hand at pickleball, clocking your best individual time at T2's Viii Sports, or any of a number of other fun activities.
The Zarrow Y has individual changing facilities so no worries if you are coming straight from the airport or lunch.
Our sponsors and co-hosts will be present sharing information about the ways in which they partner with and support YMCAS. Matrix Fitness, Traction Rec, YMCA360, Soulheart, Mixdesign, and GH2 Architects would love to meet you and learn more about your Y and share with you how they are providing innovative, compelling solutions for YMCAs.
Tours of the Zarrow Y will also be available from our friends at the YMCA of Greater Tusla.
Following the Program Showcase, you will have time to return to your hotel, check-in if you have not already done so, and explore the Tulsa Arts District before we gather at 5 PM at ONEOK Field for food, drink, and some minor league baseball. Food will begin being served at 5 and the first pitch is at 6 PM.
Important Note: ONEOK Field is a short walk from most of the hotels and a short Uber from the main Downtown Area. You'll want to enter the park at the Tulsa World Gate. For best directions to this entrance, put "Elgin Park Brewery" into your mobile device map or Uber app.
Keep your eyes peeled for more email updates as we approach our gathering in Tulsa.
See you soon!
Check-in will begin at 1:00 PM and will be immediately followed by the Program Showcase event.
Here's what you need to know about the Program Showcase:
The Zarrow Y is located at 909 W 23rd St, Tulsa, OK 74107, a short 8-10 minute ride from the hotels in the Tulsa Arts District. If you haven't booked a hotel yet, you can find links and information on the event website.
The dress code for the Program Showcase is a new one: "workout casual." Please come prepared to move about, have fun and be active. At the very least, sneakers are a must.
From 1 PM to 3:30, you'll enjoy different opportunities to experience the unique Zarrow YMCA. Activities will range from trying out the Y's 20-minute workout class, participating in a match of "Walking Soccer," trying your hand at pickleball, clocking your best individual time at T2's Viii Sports, or any of a number of other fun activities.
The Zarrow Y has individual changing facilities so no worries if you are coming straight from the airport or lunch.
Our sponsors and co-hosts will be present sharing information about the ways in which they partner with and support YMCAS. Matrix Fitness, Traction Rec, YMCA360, Soulheart, Mixdesign, and GH2 Architects would love to meet you and learn more about your Y and share with you how they are providing innovative, compelling solutions for YMCAs.
Tours of the Zarrow Y will also be available from our friends at the YMCA of Greater Tusla.
Following the Program Showcase, you will have time to return to your hotel, check-in if you have not already done so, and explore the Tulsa Arts District before we gather at 5 PM at ONEOK Field for food, drink, and some minor league baseball. Food will begin being served at 5 and the first pitch is at 6 PM.
Important Note: ONEOK Field is a short walk from most of the hotels and a short Uber from the main Downtown Area. You'll want to enter the park at the Tulsa World Gate. For best directions to this entrance, put "Elgin Park Brewery" into your mobile device map or Uber app.
Keep your eyes peeled for more email updates as we approach our gathering in Tulsa.
See you soon!
Event Venue / Hotel Proximity Communication
Posted April 4
We look forward to hosting you soon at the 2025 Membership Innovation Summit in Tulsa!
During the coming weeks, please be on the lookout for regular communications from us to prepare our attendees for an inspiring and enjoyable professional development experience in Tulsa.
Today, we are providing useful information about the hotels in and close to the Tulsa Arts District where two of our event venues are located and where you will find a vibrant entertainment district full of food, nightlife, and inspiring attractions.
The grid herein details the proximity of six area hotels to the five venues at which our Summit will be taking place. For the most convenient and enjoyable experience at the Summit, we recommend staying as close to ONEOK Field and the Living Arts of Tulsa Gallery as you can. Doing so will place you in the heart of the Arts District which is a much more active area than the rest of downtown Tulsa, which carries all of the hallmarks and challenges of a large city.
If you have not attended the Innovation Summit before, you will see that we purposefully forgo holding our event at a single location like a hotel conference center in the belief that a more inspiring experience can be created by tapping into less traditional conference venues in a community. This requires some navigating on the part of our attendees, but Y folks are adventurous by nature!
Whether you elect to rent a car or plan to rideshare, the good news is that our three venues outside of the Arts District are all within a ten-minute drive or rideshare from the hotels on the list above.
Please let us know if you have any questions ([email protected] or [email protected]) and please be on the lookout for other important emails from us as we make our way through April and into May!
During the coming weeks, please be on the lookout for regular communications from us to prepare our attendees for an inspiring and enjoyable professional development experience in Tulsa.
Today, we are providing useful information about the hotels in and close to the Tulsa Arts District where two of our event venues are located and where you will find a vibrant entertainment district full of food, nightlife, and inspiring attractions.
The grid herein details the proximity of six area hotels to the five venues at which our Summit will be taking place. For the most convenient and enjoyable experience at the Summit, we recommend staying as close to ONEOK Field and the Living Arts of Tulsa Gallery as you can. Doing so will place you in the heart of the Arts District which is a much more active area than the rest of downtown Tulsa, which carries all of the hallmarks and challenges of a large city.
If you have not attended the Innovation Summit before, you will see that we purposefully forgo holding our event at a single location like a hotel conference center in the belief that a more inspiring experience can be created by tapping into less traditional conference venues in a community. This requires some navigating on the part of our attendees, but Y folks are adventurous by nature!
Whether you elect to rent a car or plan to rideshare, the good news is that our three venues outside of the Arts District are all within a ten-minute drive or rideshare from the hotels on the list above.
Please let us know if you have any questions ([email protected] or [email protected]) and please be on the lookout for other important emails from us as we make our way through April and into May!
Let us take you out to the ballpark!
Posted JANUARY 22
We'll cap off the opening night of our Summit at ONEOK Field with an evening of food, fellowship, and fun as the Tulsa Drillers take on the Naturals of Northwest Arkansas. Located in the Tulsa Arts District, this venue is just a short walk from all of the recommended hotels and adjacent to the historic Greenwood District of Tulsa.
Call for Big IDEA Talk Speakers!
Posted December 26
Call for Big IDEA Presenters!
Do you have or know of a Big IDEA that has an opportunity to advance the work of developing youth, increasing healthy living, or advancing social responsibility to strengthen communities? Are you up for the challenge of presenting your idea in 12 minutes or less? If so, we want to hear from you! Please use the button below to submit your brief Big IDEA proposal and we'll be in touch. All ideas are welcome, but in particular we are looking for new ideas to build mental health & reduce loneliness in communities, advance the YMCA cause through technology, inspire YMCA to YMCA collaboration, and spur program participation that fuels membership growth!
Do you have or know of a Big IDEA that has an opportunity to advance the work of developing youth, increasing healthy living, or advancing social responsibility to strengthen communities? Are you up for the challenge of presenting your idea in 12 minutes or less? If so, we want to hear from you! Please use the button below to submit your brief Big IDEA proposal and we'll be in touch. All ideas are welcome, but in particular we are looking for new ideas to build mental health & reduce loneliness in communities, advance the YMCA cause through technology, inspire YMCA to YMCA collaboration, and spur program participation that fuels membership growth!
Celebrate with us at the OneOK Boathouse
Posted December 26
Tulsa has taken community parks to an entirely different level, with The Gathering Place. You'll have a chance to explore America's #1 Public Park on Wednesday afternoon where after stretching your legs, we'll gather at the stunning OneOK Boathouse inside the park for an evening of food, fun, beverages, and music! It is sure to be an afternoon and evening you won't soon forget.