July 17-18, 2026
Join us this summer in the Classic City!
Advancing the Arch is excited to host you (and volunteers from across campus and across the globe) for a weekend of training and collaboration, all focused on instilling a Grow, Give, Guide mentality into the work you do. From keynotes to networking to breakout sessions, this strategy-filled weekend aims to strengthen one of our most important assets — you, our trusted volunteers — by equipping you to share UGA’s philanthropic mission with your larger Bulldog network.
Saturday, July 18
- 8:00 – 8:45 AM
Registration & Breakfast
Georgia Center Masters Foyer - 8:45 – 9:30 AM
The State of Public Service and Outreach with Vice President Stacy Jones
Georgia Center Masters Hall - 9:45 – 10:30 AM
Breakout Session 1- Councils (Room Q)
- Board Members (Room R)
- Chapter Leaders (Masters Hall)
Georgia Center
- 10:45 – 11:30 AM
Breakout Session 2- Career Center Services (Room F/G)
- Volunteer Roundtable Discussion (Room Q)
- The Trustee Impact Experience (Room R)
Georgia Center
- 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Breakout Session 3- The Student Scholarship Experience (Room F/G)
- School of Medicine and School of Nursing (Room Q)
- Annual Giving: Dawg Day of Giving and Beat Week (Room R)
Georgia Center
- 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Lunch (Hosted by the UGA Alumni Board Mentorship Committee)
Georgia Center - 2:00 – 3:00 PM
General Session- The Isakson Family: Building Impact Across Disciplines
- Speakers: Dean Matt Auer – SPIA, Dr. Kanthasamy, College of Vet Med
Georgia Center
- 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Afternoon Tours (Pre-Registration Required)- College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital Tour
Register → - New Track & Field Facilities Tour
Register → - Student Well-Being and Dining Facilities Tour
Register →
- College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital Tour
- 4:00 – 5:30 PM
BREAK
Georgia Center - 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Sendoff Reception
West End Zone
Hotel Information
The Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel is the official lodging provider for the 2026 Advancing the Arch Volunteer Leadership Conference. A block of Georgia Center rooms is available at a special rate, but we anticipate these will be reserved quickly, so reserve soon! Call (706) 542-2134 OR reserve through the Georgia Center website (www.ugahotel.com) using group code 62769. Rate expires June 26.
Shuttle Services
Groome Transportation: (706) 612-115
Athens Town Car: (706) 255-9643
Bulldog Limousine: (678) 661-0675
Southeastern Stages: (706) 549-2255
Local Rental Companies
Avis: (706) 543-3904
Budget: (706) 353-0600
Enterprise: (706) 546-8067
Hertz: (706) 543-5984
Athens Information
Athens is home to the University of Georgia and so much more! When you are on campus, explore some of the natural beauty of the area by walking through UGA’s Founders’ Garden or the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. During your visit, consider checking out the incredible restaurants, venues, and shops that Athens has to offer. Check out these collections from Visit Athens.
What You’ll Need
Apps You’ll Need
What to Pack
- A computer and charger
- Your Georgia Red and Black!
- Business cards
- Notecards
- A light sweatshirt – it can get chilly inside!
