Belmont University is set to host The Hope Summit October 24-26. The three-day event is a continuation of a focus on the execution of the strategic visioning process for 2030 set by the University’s president Dr. Greg Jones earlier this year, that includes five Strategic Pathways identified as integral to accomplishing the institution’s Aspirational Aim to be the leading Christ-centered university in the world.
The event’s cornerstone is Data-Informed Social Innovation to Help Regions Thrive – the second Pathway of the strategic vision.
“Data-Informed Social Innovation so Regions can Thrive is best understood in three ways. It’s a calling for everyone, a craft everyone can learn, and a career for many,” explained Josh Yates, Executive Director of the Transformational Innovation Hub. “This is an opportunity for us all to explore how to love our neighbors and neighborhoods in practice, and not just in theory – as individuals, at Belmont and in Nashville.”
Included in the week’s festivities is a campus-wide celebration and Day to Dream as the Summit closes on Wednesday, October 26. The event was designed so that all members will identify ways to increase their personal abilities to cultivate lasting impact, and ultimately, leave inspired.
“The Hope Summit is an interactive gathering designed to allow us to build, innovate and dream together–all focused on how to make hope real on our campus and in our lives, work and community,” said Dr. Jones. “We are excited to welcome many guests with meaningful insights as we continue our efforts to become people of character, flourish as individuals and as a community and impact the world in meaningful ways.”
An outline of events for the week can be found below. CLICK HERE for a full listing of events.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 24
9 A.M – 10 A.M.
Pastries and Coffee + Welcome by Greg Jones
Location: Fisher Center Grand Foyer
10 A.M. – 10:50 A.M.
Unleashing Creativity and Innovation to Help Regions Thrive
Location: Fisher Center Performing Arts Hall
President Greg Jones hosts a discussion with leading voices in the social innovation sphere.
Discussion participants include Kim Tan: Co-Founder of Transformational Business Network, and Alice Rhee: Chief Communications and Partnerships Officer of the Skoll Foundation.
2:30 P.M. – 3 P.M.
Connection + Coffee
Location: Fisher Center Grand Foyer
3 P.M. – 4:15 P.M.
Helping Regions Thrive: Through Creativity and Storytelling
Location: Fisher Center Performing Arts Hall
An imaginative conversation around creativity and storytelling featuring Rick Rekedal: Former Chief Creative for DreamWorks Animation & CEO of StoryCrate, and Alice Rhee: Chief Communications and Partnerships Officer for Skoll Foundation.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25
8:30 A.M. – 9:30 A.M.
Pastries and Coffee
Location: Fisher Center Grand Foyer
A time to gather and connect.
9:30 A.M. – 11 A.M.
Helping Regions Thrive: The Importance of Leadership and Friendship
Location: Fisher Center Performing Arts Hall
A discussion with influential leaders on the topics of leadership, the role of character in your career and calling, an entrepreneurial mindset and the importance of community and friendship. Speakers include: Former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Belmont President Greg Jones.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26
A DAY TO DREAM
8:30 A.M. – 10 A.M.
BASIC + Lumos + Pillar Projects Showcase + Breakfast
Location: Fisher Center Grand Foyer
Come celebrate your colleagues’ work, join an interest session and have breakfast, hosted by Greg and Susan Jones.
10 A.M. – 11:15 A.M.
Unleashing the Power of Creativity and Innovation to Help Regions Thrive
Location: Fisher Center Performing Arts Hall
A recap of the Hope Summit hosted by Greg Jones.
11:30 A.M. – 4 P.M.
A Day to Dream – Fall Festival
Location: Belmont Campus
Do you love fall? Pumpkins will abound along with music, food, rides, inflatables, games, costumes and all the things we love about the season. You won’t want to miss it.
12 P.M. – 5 P.M.
Next Level Women’s Conference
Location: Janet Ayers Conference Center
Presented by the Jack C. Massey College of Business, the Next Level Conference was developed in response to the rising need to explore, discuss, and support women in business and leadership roles. This 5-hour conference, open to all Middle Tennessee business executives and greater Belmont community will feature keynote speaker Sheri Salata and two 1-hour long workshop sessions, covering a wide range of relevant leadership topics. CLICK HERE to register.
3:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
Community Trick-Or-Treating
Location: Belmont Campus
Details to come.
7 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.
Writers Round
Location: Fisher Center Performing Arts Hall
Join us for a night of songs and stories as we hear from some of Music City’s most creative songwriters.
