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 (Scholarship tickets available, see info below – more available as of March 24, 2025)
Estimated Attendance: 60-90
Tickets Closed
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

>>> View the schedule here.

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). More information about Friday night activities can be found on this awesome Friday Night South Street Guide.

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 connect with a global community through a party at the Portal and check out the Philadelphia Maker Faire Sunday afternoon.

Workshop Topics

Learn more about the exciting collection of workshops at this year’s MALC:

• Taking Your Fire Idea from Vision to Reality: A Virtual Conversation with Crimson Rose and DaveX. Taking Your Fire Idea from Vision to Reality: A Virtual Conversation with Crimson Rose and DaveX. Fire is the very heart & essence of all life. The simple act of releasing one’s art by fire reminds us of the immediacy and the fleeting nature of existence. We release our ownership over any art that we liberate by fire & give it to the community. But what is the responsibility and the work that must be done to create a work of art and to set it on fire?
• Being Intentional with Immersive Experience. Presented by Lyn Godley. Creating immersive experiences isn’t just about spectacle — it’s about impact. Lyn Godley, artist and researcher, explores how intentional design decisions can shape emotional, psychological, and even physiological outcomes. Drawing from her work at the intersection of art, light, and well-being, she invites participants to consider how immersive environments can heal, transform, and connect us to something larger than ourselves.
• Community Leadership in a Time of Moral Crisis. Facilitated by David Koren (“Not That Dave”), Meg O’Toole (“MegO”), and Jennie Kay Banta. As community leaders, we take on the responsibility to convene and nurture our community members, activate our culture, and project our shared values into the world. This is a profoundly personal and moral role in our society. We are guides for those around us. We are examples and measures for how others will act and engage. In a time in which our society is experiencing an acute moral crisis, with our shared values under assault, how can we as leaders continue to convene inclusive and authentic events in which people feel safe and where they can freely express themselves in a context in which they can be supported, even as their expression may be triggering for others? How do we structure our engagements to welcome this dialogue, rather than shutting it down before it even starts?
• Drink Water! The Power of Hydration, presented by David Wilson (“Neptune”) The history of Black Rock City, as seen from the perspective from the Fire Conclave, and told through the pages of the webcomic, DRINK WATER! An exploration into the history of a recurring playa art project sustained over the course of 25 years. Examine Burning Man history both in the light of the fugitive nature of immediacy, and the enduring potential of the underlying concepts and creative ideas. Dive into ways to bring the Burn home, and what the experience can teach us about the nature of self reliance, inclusivity, gifting, and the risks of commodification. For fans of playa art, fire arts, hydrating & dreaming; and for those who attempt the often harrowing task of organizing volunteers in a communal effort to create lasting and unique artworks.
• Decommodification, facilitated by Bardia Saeedi (“The Artist”) Decommodification has long been a cornerstone of Burning Man culture, but in recent years, it has become one of the most debated principles. From unsanctioned Regional Burns to the rise of plug-and-play camps and the growing trend of Burners profiting from the community, the line between participation and commercialization is increasingly blurred. In this roundtable, we’ll explore the evolving challenges of decommodification in today’s Burn landscape, discussing what practices honor the spirit of the principle and what crosses the line. How do we uphold the ethos of gifting and radical self-reliance while navigating the realities of funding, accessibility, and sustainability? Join us for an open discussion on where we should draw the line and how we can preserve the integrity of the Burn experience.
• Radical Vulnerability, facilitated by monster. As a leader, folks often expect you to have it all together. But we all experience hidden challenges, and sometimes community expectations make those even greater. This session will allow folks to share what makes them feel vulnerable as a leader, without judgment from the rest of the group and without the need to “fix” it. Strict “Vegas rules” apply (what happens in the group stays in the group). You may find that you have more common experiences that you realized.
• Strengthening Conduct Committees: Best Practices & Regional Collaboration, facilitated by Kelly McMahon (“Lotus”) and Joy Nichols. Conduct committees play a vital role in maintaining integrity and accountability within our events. In this interactive session, we’ll work together to identify best practices and establish clear procedures for improving the effectiveness of our committees. Additionally, we’ll explore the benefits of creating a regional network to share critical information about misconduct, ensuring a safer and more informed community. Join us for a collaborative discussion on strengthening our committees and fostering a culture of transparency and support.
• Fire Safety: The View from 10,000 Feet. Presented by Eric Griswod (“EricG”). Presented by Eric Griswold (Eric G). Here we will connect the dots between basic liability theory, Duty of Care at events, risk management tools, the steps toward writing effective safety protocols, interfacing with your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), obtaining permits…. and the effect of all these factors on the ultimate insurability of your event. Also, some tips on how to build your group’s Legitimacy Portfolio.
• Art in 4D: Presented by Diane Edbril (“FnuLnu”), Dan Drelich, Dan Wilkleman (“Wink”), Sharon D’Angelo (“Gigglz”). This session will share and discuss their journeys around bringing art to Black Rock City.  The inspiration, design stage, building it out, where to find resources, challenges, tip and tricks, working with the org.
• Opening a Forum: Coordinated by Reese Crawley – This open forum (session) will focus on radical expression through group conversations. This is a safe space to talk about yourself, your community or our world at large! We ask that all participants keep an open mind and be respectful. Come prepared to talk AND listen.
• Leadership, the Music Industry, and Burning Man. Presented by Rob Schwartz, the co-founder and Chief Music Officer of ACX1 Studios and Jay Hill, a Philadelphia-based underground house and techno producer, DJ, and remixer.
• Improv Your Life, presented by Darryl Spencer. This workshop is a fun, supportive, inclusive, and engaging experience that boosts confidence by exposing participants to  improv comedy as a tool for creativity and building connections. Workshop attendees will gain a sense of accomplishment by stepping outside their comfort zone and seeing what hilarious places their imaginations might lead them. Participants of this fun, supportive, and inclusive workshop will come out of this event with an understanding of the fundamentals of improv comedy, tips and tricks to encourage collaboration, creativity, and quick thinking, as well as a boost of confidence in public speaking and self-expression.
• Behind the Scenes at Burning Man. Presented by Ranger Splinter, Ranger Uncle Dave, and Tiffany Echo Wolf. Ever want to know more about all the different departments that together make sure the art is built and the fires are fueled? Behind the Scenes at Black Rock City is your ticket in. Join Ranger Splinter, a 25 year Black Rock Ranger with deep experience across the Ranger network, Ranger Uncle Dave, who coordinates between ESD, DPW, BPS, as well as with artists and art teams to make sure that art burns beautifully and safely, and Tiffany Echo Wolf a long time Burner and production designer, who’s spent years working with ASS and Petrol to support artists across Black Rock City, to finally learn what all those acronyms really mean.
• What is BurnerSphere? A Living Documentary of Our Community in the Metaverse” Presented by Athena Demos. BurnerSphere is a new immersive social VR experience designed by and for the Burning Man community. At its core, it is a living documentary—a dynamic fusion of real-world storytelling and interactive virtual space that celebrates the communities, creativity, and culture that make up the broader Burning Man ecosystem. In this session, we’ll share how BurnerSphere came to life. And give a sneak peak of one of the videos created on playa. We returned to the playa, filmed onsite, used photogrammetry to capture incredible works of art, and built highly detailed 3D models of the playa and its landmarks to recreate the experience in VR. You’ll learn how BurnerSphere is not just a platform, but a storytelling experience where the culture lives, evolves, and can be explored by Burners everywhere. Join us to see how this project invites deeper connection, participation, and the possibility to extend the playa beyond the dust.

IGNITE the Mid-Atlantic Leadership Conference!

Applications Closed: MALC Civic Ignition Grant

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, Geri Omni, Gabriel Schwartz, Reese Crawley, and Ambra Robinson

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

Individual seeking a place to stay are invited to complete this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Iz0CxhkIktPHHf3WJWAQWI0niPN-73KOkkPq7JWJfV8/edit

We recommend trying the following hotels (unfortunately the group rate is closed) – our team can also help you identify options.

If you’re interested in sharing a room or a larger rental, you can post on the MALC Facebook or Discord 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

UPDATED 4/2/25 – All Scholarship tickets have been allocated.
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UPDATE 3/25/25: Deadline removed – additional scholarship tickets available. A handful of additional discounted $60 tickets have been made available. Please contact us if the $100 ticket price is a barrier to your participation.
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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.