The Ripple Effect Summit

Connecting Professionals. Strengthening Communities. Creating Lasting Impact.

Hosted by the Early Childhood Resource Center, The Ripple Effect Summit is not your typical conference. This is a working summit designed for professionals who are ready to move beyond simply talking about the challenges facing children, families, and communities and start working together toward solutions.

Come prepared to speak up, share what you know, challenge ideas, ask questions, and learn from the experiences of your peers. Through interactive conversations, collaborative problem-solving, and practical strategy-sharing, professionals from across all sectors will explore what's working, what's getting in the way, and what we can do differently. 

Because meaningful change does not happen in isolation, ensure that your voice is part of the experience. One idea can spark another. One connection can lead to a new partnership. One action can create a ripple. 

Friday, November 6, 2026 | 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
American Red Cross | 501 West Market Street | Akron, Ohio 44303

Registration

  • Early Bird Registration: $65 per person, includes all sessions and breakfast. (available through September 30)
  • Standard Registration: $75 per person, includes all sessions and breakfast. (beginning October 1)

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support a collaborative event that brings together professionals dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities. Sponsorship opportunities provide visibility among nonprofit, education, healthcare, government, and community leaders while demonstrating your organization's commitment to community impact. 

Sponsorship Levels:

Payment must be submitted by October 16 to qualify for sponsor benefits.

Questions: Contact Candace Tell at 330.949.9093 or ctell@ecresourcecenter.org.

Why Attend? 

Through three rotating Action Lab experiences, participants will engage in facilitated discussions, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving focused on real-world challenges affecting children, families, and communities.

Participants will:

  • Gain practical strategies they can apply immediately
  • Learn from professionals across multiple sectors and disciplines
  • Explore challenges and opportunities through facilitated discussion
  • Hear diverse perspectives, including family and parent voices
  • Build relationships that support stronger community impact
  • Contribute ideas that can help inform future community efforts
  • Receive a post-event report capturing key insights, recommendations, and promising practices

You'll leave with new ideas, valuable connections, and actionable next steps that can strengthen your work and your community.

*Attendee names may be added after registering.