Mid-Atlantic Leadership Conference 2025
When: Friday, April 4 – Sunday, April 6, 2025
Where: JKRP Architects: 100 East Penn Square, Suite 1080, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Cost: $100
Estimated Attendance: 60-90
Tickets on Sale Now: https://peacock.firepony.org/
Contact: Questions? Email malcplanning (at) gmail dot com or philadelphia (at) burningman (dot) org
Conference Overview
Since its first iteration in 2016, the Mid-Atlantic Leadership Conference has welcomed Burning Man and local community leaders from around the region to share ideas and best practices, and to inspire and learn from one another. MALC events have been hosted in Washington, DC (Keegan Theatre), Baltimore, MD (Creative Labs), and Old Town Alexandria, VA (private home). We are excited that MALC 2025 will be hosted at the beautiful Wanamaker Building in downtown Philadelphia!
MALC 2025 will consist of almost two full days of programming designed to promote knowledge exchange, skill enhancement, community development, and relationship building. Attendees include current and prospective Burning Man Regional Contacts, board members, producers and department leads of Regional events, theme camp leaders, other Burning Man and local community leaders, as well as artists who are interested in building art for Regional events and/or their local communities.
FirePony Creative Society is proud to be the sponsor for the Mid Atlantic Leadership Conference.
Is MALC right for me?
MALC is for anyone who is leadership-curious, ready to take their leadership skills to the next level, or comfortable in their leadership skin and ready to share their knowledge. Side effects may include an increased feeling of belonging to a global community, big and crazy dreams, and an uncontrollable impulse to make the world around you more awesome.
Conference Objectives:
- Explore the global impact of Burning Man and how we, as individual community leaders, fit into the larger picture.
- Discuss the specific successes and challenges we have and continue to face as a Burner community in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
- Discover just-in-time skills, tools, and resources from our Burn community that can be used to foster, grow, and support our local communities.
Conference Schedule
Friday, April 4: Participants are encouraged to meet up with fellow MALC participants for dinner on South Street prior to gathering at a local artist’s studio for the conference kickoff event. The evening will include networking, introductions, an interactive ice breaker, and a lively discussion followed by a cocktail hour (and we’ve been promised some dancing).
Saturday, April 5: Breakfast will begin at 8:00am at the Wanamaker Building. Programming will begin at 9:00am and run until 6:15pm. Lunch will be on your own. Conference attendees are invited to attend a nearby party with the Philadelphia burner community.
Sunday, April 6: Breakfast will begin at 9:00am. Programming will begin at 10:00am and run until 1:30pm. Participants are encouraged to check out the Philadelphia Maker Faire Sunday afternoon.
MALC 2018 at Creative Labs in Baltimore, MD
Workshop Topics
This year’s MALC workshops are shaping up to be compelling, inspiring conversations that we hope will motivate you to tackle that next big idea. Session topics will fall under six general categories, including:
- Event Planning and Execution
- Organizational Development
- Leadership Development
- Art Facilitation and Grants
- Volunteer Recruitment and Management
- Culture and Acculturation
We’ll continue to update the descriptions below as they’re finalized, so check back soon for more information!
IGNITE the Mid-Atlantic Leadership Conference!
We want to hear about the great work you’re doing in your communities. What excites you? What inspires you? Tell us about your art projects, your civic engagement projects, and how you kept the burner energy alive over the last three years.
Each IGNITE presentation can last up to 6 minutes and include no more than 20 slides.
** Please Note: MALC, IGNITE series / presentation, and FirePony Creative Society are not affiliated with Ignite! Burn.
Mid-Atlantic Leadership Conference Planning Team
Patty Simonton (Producer), Sharyn’ Giggles, David “Neptune” Wilson, David Wilkes, Diane Edbril, Brandon “Wax” Hall, Todd Gardner, Joy Nichols, Sara Tonin
Accommodations
We look forward to welcoming you to Philadelphia!
To make this an inclusive event accessible to all we are pleased to offer the following options for sleeping arrangements:
Local Philly Burner Hosts are offering a room, bed or couch space. If interested in this option please fill out this form to be connected with the best fit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1u5OS2Sp_uk7a36qUGGGEEhLpjBD3V78CQllMB7NBHmk/edit
Hotel blocks are available at the following hotels:
| Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia-Midtown, an IHG Hotel |
| 1305 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 https://maps.app.goo.gl/PfShAaJqgZf9TMVc6 |
| Booking code: MALC2025 |
| Closest hotel to the conference, rooftop pool & continental breakfast |
| Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District |
| 400 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 https://maps.app.goo.gl/FPhzvqaGxtA3XShg9 |
| Booking code: MALC2025 |
| Short walk through the historic district to the conference, has rooftop pool |
If you’re interested in sharing a room or a larger rental, you can post on the MALC Facebook or Dscord group to coordinate a room share with others.
You are also welcome to make your own arrangements. There are options for a private rental through vrbo.com for larger rentals for anyone interested in a group property share (2+ bedrooms).
Getting There
Saturday and Sunday daytime MALC events will take place at the Wanamaker Building, located at 100 E Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
MALC 2025 Scholarship Tickets
We have budgeted a limited number of discounted $60 tickets for individuals for whom the cost of the tickets are a barrier to entry. Please contact us if you would like to request a MALC 2025 scholarship with your request no later than March 2nd and we will do our best to accommodate. Applications are confidential and will not be shared or distributed outside of the MALC 2025 Planning Team.