Symposium Overview

Cost: $250 USD
Canada colleagues use the code CAN to account for the exchange rate

Refund/Cancellation Policy:
50% refund for cancellations
No refunds after October 19

This gathering is designed to strengthen how we collectively communicate the value of Waldorf education and uplift of brand. Participants will work directly with findings from the Waldorf Brand Perception Survey and move through a facilitated process focused on public perception, audience, differentiation, segmentation, local market realities, reputation, admissions, and ultimately the development of stronger messaging strategies.

This is not a traditional conference built only around a series of stand-alone presentations. It is a collaborative working symposium, intentionally designed so that each session builds on the one before it. Through facilitated brand strategy work, keynotes, practical workshops, peer exchange, and applied activities, participants will develop messaging strategies that they can take directly back to their schools.

Facilitators Elissa Salk Castaldo and Beverly Amico will guide participants through five Brand Strategy Sessions, beginning with an exploration of current brand perceptions and public narratives. From there, participants will examine changing audiences and demographics, explore segmentation strategies and local market considerations, and ultimately translate these insights into stronger value propositions and key messaging strategies.

The symposium will also bring together an exceptional group of keynotes and workshop hosts, with expertise in educational research, branding, reputation management, admissions, digital marketing, and tech messaging. 

Rather than a series of stand-alone presentations, this symposium offers a connected, hands-on experience where each session build upon the one before it, combining facilitated brand strategy, peer exchange, and applied activities. Participants will learn from experts in educational research, branding, admissions, reputation management, digital marketing, and technology while building a stronger, more coherent approach to telling their school's story.

Featured keynote speakers and workshop leaders include Kiran Bhai, PhD; Chris Lukach, APR; Vicki Larson; Soni Albright; and Theo Groh. Participants are encouraged to attend the full symposium to experience the complete strategic arc—from understanding audience perceptions to developing stronger messaging—and will also have opportunities for networking and informal connection.