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Join us for the 10^th First Place Global Leadership Institute Symposium, Oct. 13–15, delivered in person and via webinar. Benefit from decades of research and community-building know-how, along with experiences and strategies for navigating opportunities and challenges inherent in real estate and community development.

Take advantage of our powerful and in-depth three-day program—and build momentum for your supportive community, vision, funding needs and healthy outcomes. Learn how to inspire and engage others to be part of changing the world for those we serve.

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Agenda Overview

Wednesday, October 13
^{_{3–7:30 p.m. PDT / 6–10:30 p.m. EDT}}

Changing the World, One Community at a Time

Presented by the First Place Global Leadership Institute
Mulzet Center for Expression/Communication

12:30 p.m. (PDT)

In Person Only

First Place–Phoenix Property Tour

First Place–Phoenix helps connect residents to community opportunities—including jobs and volunteer work—along with retail, restaurants, recreation, arts and culture and a variety of venues for continuing education. Experience all First Place–Phoenix offers first-hand.

First Place–Phoenix, 3001 N. Third St., Phoenix

3:00 p.m. (PDT)

In Person & Online

In A Different Key: The Movie–Screening

Enjoy an exclusive screening of “In A Different Key: The Movie,” the first-ever full-length documentary to travel the timeline of society’s tense and sometimes misguided response to people on the autism spectrum.

AMC Arizona Center - 565 N. Third St., Phoenix

Artful Approaches to Community Building

Bringing together essential special ingredients to build strength, resiliency, collective memories and forever points of pride.

The Future Starts with You

The producers of “In A Different Key: The Movie” are launching their Multi-City Mission Tour in Phoenix. From First Place in Phoenix, AZ to the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation in Nashville, TN and several cities in between, learn more about the film and how you can be involved. "We are excited to partner with committed organizations and community leaders to share In A Different Key with their audiences, working together to inspire the world to have the backs of people on the spectrum."

5:30 p.m. (PDT)

In Person Only

Evening In-Person Experiences

Reception, discussion with authors/filmmakers and networking

Snell & Wilmer 400 E. Van Buren St., Suite 1900, Phoenix

Thursday, October 14
^{_{9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. PDT / 12–3:30 p.m. EDT}}

Your Story from Prologue to Epilogue

Presented by the First Place Global Leadership Institute
Center for Real Estate & Community Development

9:00 a.m. (PDT)

In Person & Online

Critical Markers and Milestones Along the Way

What to know before getting started on and during your real estate and community development journey.

First Place–Phoenix, 3001 N. Third St., Phoenix

9:10 a.m. (PDT)

In Person & Online

Advancing Policy Priorities and Pioneering Change

Ensure we express what’s needed now in terms others understand—by local, state and federal governments—to fuel a new marketplace of housing and community options everywhere.

9:40 a.m. (PDT)

In Person & Online

Broaden Your Reach by Accessing Trusted Sources and Content

Expand your search beyond Google and ad-sponsored platforms to discover vetted sources, empowering you to advance your research and inform your plans, process and funding streams.

10:05 a.m. (PDT)

In Person & Online

Keynote Speaker: Expand Your Peripheral Vision

Be the change agent in your community and beyond, embracing innovation and disruption. “Having perspective is really important. Use peripheral vision to see what is around, allowing you to enhance the effectiveness of your work and organization.”

10:50 a.m. (PDT)

In Person & Online

Defining Affordable Housing 2.0

What’s needed and how it gets funded, built and supported through tri-sector leadership and collaboration.

11:30 a.m. (PDT)

In Person & Online

Fortify Your Community

Learn about available tools and trainings that help police officers bridge the communication gap and interact more effectively, and positively, with individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Noon (PDT)

In Person & Online

Your Story. Our Story.

Meet Arizona Republic breaking news reporter and woman with autism, who regularly covers topics that include disability and religion, along with producers of "In A Different Key: The Movie," whose multi-city film tour begins in Phoenix. Discover their passion and how you can be part of their shared mission to connect communities and support everyone on the spectrum. Learn what influences news content and placement across various platforms and how to represent all voices.

1:30 p.m. (PDT)

In Person

Starting Your Story

Draft your most desirable headline(s) along with the major points of your press release and envision corresponding images; benefit from approaches by fellow pioneers and journalists’ input.

2:15 p.m. (PDT)

In Person

Navigating with Knowledge

Impact the culture of your police force through training and tools addressing challenging behaviors, sensory processing issues and strong partnerships: Nancy Martinez, Investigative Specialist for Chandler Police, trainer of more than 2,000 first responders and mother of a son with an I/DD.

2:45 p.m. (PDT)

In Person

What’s Standing in Your Way

Beyond bricks, mortar and funding, explore what may be holding you back—and what can get you through the detours and over the speed bumps.

6:00 p.m. (PDT)

In Person

Dinner, Discussion & Networking with Keynote Speakers

Building Community Through Autism + One

Alexi's Grill - 3550 N. Central Ave. #120, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Friday, October 15
^{_{9 a.m.–Noon PDT / 12–3 p.m. EDT}}