North American Regional Conference 2026 Memphis, USA
Experience the spirit of Friendship Force in Memphis—networking, discovery, and community at the 2026 Regional Conference.
April 24 - 27, 2026
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Hyatt Centric Hotel
The things that need to change in Friendship Force are changing, but the things that truly matter – our core mission, values, focus – remain constant.
Dear members in Canada, Mexico and the United States:
For much of the world, 2025 has been a year of turbulence — from U.S. tariff escalations and trade retaliations, to intensifying conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, to the rapid rise of AI reshaping how we connect. So where is Friendship Force in this moment? FFI is evolving its structure to meet these challenges, yet our mission and focus remain steadfast. This is our time to listen, learn, and act together. Welcome to the 2026 North American Conference. 
Jeremi Snook
CEO and President
Friendship Force International
Agenda
Friday, April 24
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Optional excursion - Pre-registration required.
3:00 PM
3:00 PM
Event Start
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
FFI Conference Registration
Hyatt Centric Hotel - Pre-function Area (outside of the Foundry Ballroom)
Come sign in to receive your name tag and conference gift bag.
4:00 PM
4:00 PM
Hyatt Check-In
Check-in for those who have booked rooms at the Hyatt properties
5:15 PM - 6:15 PM
5:15 PM - 6:15 PM
Optional excursion - Pre-registration required.
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
Free evening
Settle into your room, explore the area, or meet with friends for dinner
Saturday, April 25
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Latecomers' Registration
If you arrived too late to register on Friday, please visit our table in the Pre-function area outside the Hyatt Centric Hotel's Foundry Ballroom
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Welcomes from FFI leaders and hosts, uplifting performances, and introductions, highlighted by remarks from FFI President & CEO Jeremi Snook and an inspiring keynote from Dr. Rob Bowman.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Enjoy a relaxed lunch with friends at one of the many eateries along and around Beale Street.
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Straight from the Horse’s Mouth - A Post Board Meeting Discussion on the Future of Friendship Force
>> Foundry Ballroom
>> Andrew Kelly, Board Chair and Member of FF Greater Manchester
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Technology and Our Mission
> Foundry Ballroom
Strategic Planning for Club Leaders (A) The Reality Check
> Pattern Shop I
Making Every Connection Count
> Pattern Shop II
2:50 PM - 3:20 PM
2:50 PM - 3:20 PM
Coffee break
Hyatt Centric Hotel, Prefunction Area
3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
"Unconference" Topic A (tbd on site)
> Foundry Ballroom
Strategic Planning for Club Leaders (B) The Action Plan
> Pattern Shop I
Membership for All: A Global Equity Initiative
> Pattern Shop II
4:20 PM - 5:10 PM
4:20 PM - 5:10 PM
"Unconference" Topic B (tbd on site)
> Foundry Ballroom
Why Do They Do That? Understanding Culture to be a Better Friendship Force Ambassador
> Pattern Shop I
Technology and Our Mission (repeated session)
> Pattern Shop 2
5:10 PM
5:10 PM
Free evening
5:20 PM - 6:00 PM
5:20 PM - 6:00 PM
Optional: Dance Lesson! (no pre-registration required)
Join Edgar Mendez from The Rumba Room for a fun, hands-on dance lesson! All skill levels are welcome—learn some new moves, get your feet moving, and enjoy a lively session of rhythm and fun.
> Foundry Ballroom
> No pre-registration required
6:45 PM - 8:15 PM
Sunday, April 26
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Making Journeys Work
> Welding Shop
Navigating MyFF & the FFI Website
> Pattern Shop I
Growing Our Clubs
> Pattern Shop II
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Coffee break
Hyatt Centric Hotel, Prefunction Area
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Making Journeys Work
> Welding Shop
Navigating MyFF & the FFI Website
> Pattern Shop I
Growing Our Clubs
> Pattern Shop II
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch on your own
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Optional excursion - Pre-registration required.
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Optional excursion - Pre-registration required.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Optional excursion - Pre-registration required.
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Farewell Dinner & Drinks Reception
Celebrate the finale with a festive reception - Memphis-style! Closing words and a conference toast, followed by a buffet dinner and an unforgettable night of music and dancing with local band, Memphis Funk-n-Horns.
Monday, April 27
11:00 AM
11:00 AM
Hyatt Check-Out
Please be sure to check out of your hotel by noon if you are leaving on this day
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
Event End
