This year’s National PAL Conference in Memphis delivered everything I could’ve hoped for and more: inspiration, connection, and just the right amount of BBQ sauce.
I had the joy of attending with Kitty, our passionate Executive Director, and from the minute we arrived at the hotel (at 1am in the morning) and saw attendees still hanging out and laughing in the lobby, I knew we were in for a fun time. The conference kicked off with powerful sessions—especially the ones on Psychological First Aid, which were both thought-provoking and deeply grounding. They gave us space not only to reflect on how we support our youth, but also to open up with other PAL chapters from across the country in new, personal ways.
Of course, we couldn’t resist a little local flavor on our first night, so we slipped away to Beale Street—and the guidebooks do not lie. At every venue we passed you could hear live music so good it sounded professionally recorded. I’m not saying we danced in the streets, but… okay yes, there may have been some subtle head bopping (see picture reference of Kitty below ;)).
Between sessions, Kitty and I reveled in the time to unpack all the big questions: how to deepen our impact, support our team, and ensure we are making a meaningful difference for our families. At the breakfasts and lunches we got to meet incredible people from all over the country who love this work as much as we do, and who were refreshingly honest about the tough stuff too. We shared wins, traded ideas, and had the kind of conversations that stay with you long after the conference lanyards come off.
One of the unexpected highlights? The West Coast regional meeting—we left feeling energized and full of ideas on how to better support one another. We’re already dreaming up ways to get our kids connected across chapters to learn, grow, and maybe even go camping together (West Coast PAL wilderness adventure anyone?).
Of course no trip to Memphis would be complete without a visit to Graceland. As an Aussie who didn’t grow up on the King I now can see why Elvis was so beloved (though i’m not sure any one person should have that many gift shops in their honor). Beyond the jumpsuits and jungle rooms, we were struck by his heart for philanthropy, family, and big dreams—something we in the PAL world can relate to.
So thank you, Memphis and NPAL, for giving us the space to connect, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible. We left with full hearts, impressive step counts, and a renewed sense of purpose.
