If you were at Accelerate last year, you probably still remember the epic Rock, Paper, Scissors showdown of 2024. I mean, who knew that a simple playground game could get that competitive? ✊✋✌️ Watching educators, leaders, and learning enthusiasts cheering each other on over hand gestures was one of those “only at Accelerate” moments. The best part? If you missed your chance to claim rock-paper-scissors glory last time, you get another shot at Accelerate!
But that is just the warm-up.
This year, the engagement team has cooked up something I have personally been waiting forever to try: the “I Saw It on Instagram Competition.” You know all those viral challenges you scroll past and think, “Wow, that looks fun, but when would I ever actually do that?” Well, now you can. From ball-and-cup madness to magnets and marshmallows, you get your shot to prove that your scrolling skills were not just for fun. You were in training. 💪📱
Why Engagement Matters (Spoiler: It Is Not Just About Fun)
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, I’m definitely attending the Paper Airplane competition, but I really came here to learn.” Totally fair. The learning sessions are packed with content, research, and strategies to take back home. However, when you step into an engagement session, the rules shift.
Instead of quietly listening and taking notes, you will find yourself laughing, moving, teaming up with strangers, and maybe even making a complete fool of yourself (in the best way possible).
And if lively competition is not your thing, that is okay too. The Sanctuary is your space for quiet activities like morning yoga, mindfulness, and wellness sessions. It is the perfect balance to the buzz of the Engagement Hub, where the high-energy games and challenges take place.
Both spaces are designed with the same purpose in mind: helping you connect, recharge, and walk away with more than just information.
These sessions create space for:
- Building connections that last longer than your conference badge 🪪
- Breaking down the “I do not know anyone here” wall in about five minutes flat
- Sparking the kind of conversations that turn into collaborations later
- Reminding you that joy and play are powerful tools for learning
Whether you want to test the waters, prefer a slower pace, or are ready for high-energy interaction, there is a place for you. Talk to just one person, and you’ll be surprised how quickly your circle grows.
The Next 30 Years (with a Jetsons Twist 🚀)
This year’s theme, “The Next 30 Years,” got us thinking. Who knows the future better than the Jetsons? That is why you will want to swing by for a picture with George, Judy, and Rosie. It is part nostalgia, part sci-fi, and part “let us imagine where learning will take us in the decades ahead.” (Personally, I am still waiting on the flying cars, but one step at a time.)
A Peek Behind the Curtain
I have to let you in on a little secret. Your engagement team has had just as much fun planning these activities as you will have doing them. That’s on purpose. We want the vibe of Accelerate to reflect the joy, creativity, and collaboration we hope you will feel when you join in. Here’s a hint of what’s to come. Step into the futuristic scavenger hunt with this clue: In 2055, knowledge doesn’t just shine—it glows at your fingertips. Seek the light that guides learners through the unknown.
We have designed every activity with three goals in mind:
- Learning: Yes, even rock-paper-scissors has takeaways (strategy, focus, and teamwork sneak in there).
- Networking: Because the best insights often come from conversations, not slides.
- Fun: The kind that makes you want to come back year after year.
A Little Nudge to Join Us
So, here is my invitation. Whether you are a first-timer wondering how to break the ice or a seasoned Accelerate pro who is ready for another round of friendly competition, come to an engagement session. Try the Instagram challenge. Cheer someone on in Rock, Paper, Scissors. See how far your paper airplane flies. Join yoga or mindfulness in the Sanctuary. Snap a selfie with the Jetsons.
You never know, your favorite conference memory might not come from a keynote or a breakout, but from the moment you decided to jump in and play.
See you there.
