We're excited to see many advocacy leaders from our member organizations at the 2014 Leadership Retreat. Even if you won't be joining us, follow along on Twitter at #LR14. Click here for a full agenda.
Here's what you'll find on this page:
What to expect
The 2014 Leadership Retreat will take place September 5-8 at Antiochian Village Conference Center in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands region, just 60 miles outside Pittsburgh and 90 miles from the Pittsburgh Airport. Set among some of the highest mountains in Pennsylvania, the Center features hiking trails, a fitness center, and beautiful views. Registration includes shared accommodations, all meals from dinner on Friday through breakfast on Monday, shuttle service from the Pittsburgh Airport to Antiochian Village, and shuttle service back to Pittsburgh for those who will be traveling on to the Pro Walk/Pro Bike/Pro Place Conference.
Where will I be staying?
Participants will stay in modest hotel-style rooms with three beds. About 20 people will be placed in cabin housing. If you have any roommate preferences, or if you have any special needs, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Can I bring my bike?
Unfortunately, if you are taking a shuttle, you cannot bring your full-sized bike. If you have a folding bike you'd like to bring, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to check about space availability. However, if you are driving yourself, you can bring your bike and store it in your room.
Is alcohol allowed at the Retreat center?
Yes, alcohol is allowed at the Retreat center. If you are in the main conference building, you must purchase alcohol from Antiochian Village Conference Center. You can bring your own alcohol if you are in the fire pit / pavilion area. Alcohol is not allowed in the shared cabins. No drugs are allowed at Antiochian Village.
What is the food situation?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided in a cafeteria-style setting. Our group will share the dining area with other guests at Antiochian Village, so no programming will happen during this time unless otherwise noted. If you have special dietary needs that you did not note in your registration, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as soon as possible. If you have any favorite foods or staples that you can’t live without (e.g. dried fruit, loose-leaf tea, or peanut butter), plan to pack them in your bag. Coffee and some snacks willl be available between sessions and there is a café on-site open until 11 p.m. that sells snacks and beer. There will not be access to a public kitchen, including refrigerators.
What if I forget something, or need to buy anything? What is the nearest town?
We understand if you forget something (or need to make a beer run). If that’s the case, first contact Alliance staff – we will be making emergency shopping trips into town as needed. If you need to go out on your own, ask to borrow someone’s car and plan your trip during a break. The nearest town is Ligonier, PA - 7 miles (10-15 minutes) away.
Is there WIFI?
Yes, free internet is available throughout the Conference Center. There is no password to access the internet.
Is printing available onsite?
Yes, you can print small jobs at the Center. But, please plan to arrive with all materials you may need.
Is Antiochian Village a religious camp?
Antiochian Village is owned and operated by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. They provide services to all who wish to utilize their facilities, and there are no religious expectations or special considerations during our Retreat, a secular event.
Travel logistics
If you haven't already made or shared your travel plans, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as soon as possible.
Tell me more about this shuttle.
As you already know, the Retreat is taking place in the Pennsylvania Laurel Highlands. This is up to a 2-hour drive from downtown Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh airport. The Alliance is providing a complimentary shuttle service to the retreat center from the Pittsburgh Airport (PIT), the train station (PGH), and Greyhound bus station on Friday, September 5th. The shuttles will also provide return service back to Pittsburgh on Monday, September 8th.
Why do you need my travel information?
Short answer: We will compile all responses to schedule shuttle times that coincide as closely as possible with your arrival.
Long answer: The Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) requires that all commercial vehicles picking up and dropping off passengers have a passenger list that includes every passenger’s full flight information. You will not be able to board the shuttle at the airport unless we have your full flight information. If you will want a ride to the Retreat and you are not arriving at the airport, you still must complete the survey so we can coordinate an outside pick-up location.
What happens when I arrive at the airport?
Look for Elliott Caldwell. He'll be past baggage claim with a big “Alliance” sign.
What time are the shuttles?
We have scheduled the shuttles according to the arrival and departure information of the majority of participants. Shuttle times are below – contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any questions or change in your plans.
| Pick ups | Drop offs | |||
| Date | Location | Time | Location | Est. time |
| Thursday, Sept 4 | PIT airport | 4:30 PM | Retreat Center | 6:30 PM |
| PIT airport | 6:30 PM | Retreat Center | 8:30 PM | |
| Friday, Sept 5 | PIT airport | 10:00 AM | Retreat Center | 11:30 AM |
| PGH Amtrak station | 10:30 AM | Retreat Center | 12:00 PM | |
| PIT airport | 12:00 PM | Retreat Center | 2:00 PM | |
| PIT airport | 2:30 PM | Retreat Center | 4:30 PM | |
| PIT airport | 4:00 PM | Retreat Center | 6:00 PM | |
| PIT airport | 5:00 PM | Retreat Center | 7:00 PM | |
| PIT airport | 7:00 PM | Retreat Center | 9:00 PM | |
| Monday, Sept 8 | Retreat center | 7:30 AM | Pro Walk / Pro Bike | 9:00 AM |
| Retreat center | 11:30 AM | PIT & Pro Walk / Pro Bike | 2:30 PM | |
Note: Attendees will be assigned a shuttle based on your flight arrival and departure times. Seats are limited, so please do your best to make your assigned shuttle.
What if I miss dinner on Friday?
If you are schedued for a shuttle that arrives (drops off) after 7:00 p.m. on Friday, you will miss dinner. Plan to eat at the airport or in the shuttle.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I miss a shuttle? What if I miss the last shuttle?
We've got you covered. Please let us know as soon as possible if your plans change or your flight has been delayed, so we can schedule you on a later shuttle or arrange an alternate pick up.
- If your plans change BEFORE Thursday, September 4, contact Leah at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
- If your plans change LAST-MINUTE on Thursday the 4th or Friday the 5th, call Elliott at , or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Note: Shuttle seats are limited, so please try your best to make your scheduled shuttle time.
What if I am going to the Pro Walk/ Pro Bike/ Pro Place Conference after the Leadership Retreat?
Many of us are! Shuttles leaving Monday will get you to Pittsburgh in time for the opening reception at Pro Walk/ Pro Bike/ Pro Place.
What if I have to arrive late or leave early?
We hope you can stay with us for the entire duration of the Retreat. If for some reason you must arrive late (after 6 p.m. on Friday or leaving Antiochian Village before 12 p.m. on Monday), you will need to arrange your own travel. We recommend a rental car. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as soon as possible if you have special travel needs.
What if I am driving to Antiochian Village?
If you plan to drive to the Retreat, still let us know your travel plans. Please plan to arrive before 6 p.m. on Friday and leave after 12 p.m. on Monday. If you have extra room in your car and are willing to carpool, let us know! For your GPS, the Antiochian Village is located at 140 Church Camp Trail, Bolivar, PA 15923 or please view the directions on their website.
What if I don't know my travel plans yet?
If you haven’t made reservations yet, that’s ok — just tell us when you think you’ll be arriving and departing. You can send us an update with your confirmed travel information later if needed. Please let us know your final plans by August 29th.
Packing list
The Leadership Retreat is a casual event; prepare to dress comfortably. Average temperatures in early September are highs of 80 degrees and lows of 55 degrees. In addition to your standard travel items, please make note to pack the following items, as they are not provided the Center:
- Comfortable clothing for both cool and hot temperatures
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Toiletries including shampoo and soap (towels will be provided)
- Hairdryer (these will not be provided)
- Resuable bottle for water
- Reusable travel cup / mug for coffee
- Camping chair or blanket for the bonfire
- Sunscreen and insect repellant (recommended if you plan to explore outdoors)
- Snacks, especially if you have any dietary needs (see the note about food in the “What to Expect” section above)
Agenda
The Leadership Retreat agenda reflects feedback from the 2012 Retreat evaluations and the 2013 member survey. Thanks to everyone who proposed fantastic session ideas. And, thanks to the spirit of the Alliance, the Leadership Retreat – true to form – is not your average conference. Be prepared to meet, be awed by, and awe your peers around North America.
To take a peek at the complete agenda and session tracks, please read our blog post.
Schedule at a Glance
Friday 9/5
All day: Shuttles arrive
11:00a - 6:00p: Registration; Optional games and activities
6:00 - 7:00: Dinner
7:00 - 8:00: Introductions (large group session)
8:00 - 11:00: Social time
Saturday 9/6
8:00 - 9:00: Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00: Setting the stage (large group session)
10:00 - 10:30: Moneyball for (bike) advocacy (large group session)
10:30 - 10:45: Break
10:45 - 12:00: Topic breakout #1
- Bikeshare: An advocate's dream scheme
- Making public speaking more effective (and fun)
- Getting to the ask: Conversations with major donors
- Promoting diversity in bicycle education and encouragement
12:00 - 1:00: Lunch
1:00 - 1:45: Open time
1:45 - 3:00: Topic breakout #2
- (Re)branding your organization: It's not (just) about the logo
- Leveraging your volunteers to grow your movement and expand your scope
- Framework for rocks
3:00 - 3:15: Break
3:15 - 4:00: Introduce unconference
4:00 - 4:45: Unconference session #1
4:45 - 5:15: Debrief and plan unconference session #2
5:15 - 6:00: Unconference session #2
6:00 - 7:00: Dinner
7:00 - 8:00: Pecha kucha
8:00 - 11:00: Social time and campfire
Sunday 9/7
8:00 - 9:00: Breakfast
9:00 - 10:30: Gender, diversity, and inclusion (large group session)
10:30 - 10:45: Break
10:45 - 12:00: Topic breakout #3
- The Bicycle Equity Toolkit: A new resource for bike advocates
- Uncapping the private sector's potential
- Building a regional structure and tools for advocacy in suburban communities
12:00 - 1:00: Lunch
1:00 - 1:45: Open time
1:45 - 3:00: Topic breakout #4
- Inspiring innovation in cities: Lessons from the Green Lane Project
- Make your case (with data!)
- Building diverse coalitions to advance community-driven transportation policies
- Risky business: Overcoming your toughest opponents and mastering the art of conflict resolution
3:00 - 3:15: Break
3:15 - 3:45: Introduce tracks
3:45 - 4:45: Track #1: Organization type
4:45 - 5:00: Break
5:00 - 6:00: Track #2: Role in organization
6:00 - 7:00: Dinner
7:00 - 8:00: Talent show / improv
8:00 - 11:00: Social time and campfire
Monday 9/8
8:00 - 9:00: Breakfast
9:00 - 10:30: Maturing the movement (large group session)
10:30 - 12:00: Susie tree planting
12:00 - 3:00: Shuttles to downtown Pittsburgh and airport (boxed lunches will be provided)
Afternoon: Start of Pro Walk / Pro Bike / Pro Place
Tell me more about the different session formats
Large group sessions
Goal: Cover topics that are relevant to the entire movement and the Alliance as the collective organization. What steps will we take to “mature our movement” to take the next steps in its growth? This will include a session on gender, diversity, and inclusion.
Topic sessions
Goal: Learn about and discuss current issues in small groups (but – in a more creative way than standard presentations). There will be four 75-minutes sessions with 3-to-4 topics per session, plus two unconference sessions.
Track sessions
Goal: Advocates of similar organizational and staffing background will share challenges, lessons, and best practices in a faciliated session.
Who planned the agenda?
The Retreat agenda was developed by Alliance staff, consultant Celia Kutz from Training for Change, and the Leadership Retreat Planning Committee. Thank you to Committee members:
- Erin O’Mellin, HUB and Alliance board
- Tony Dang, California Walks
- Brent Buice, GeorgiaBikes!
- Stephani Noll, Bicycle Transportation Alliance
- Scott Bricker, Bike Pittsburgh
- Terry Preston, WalkSacramento and Alliance board
What is the Unconference and how do I plan for it?
Feel free to either plan something ahead of time – or allow something to arise in the moment. The Alliance – and the Leadership Retreat specifically – is based on elements of popular education; that participants learn from each other.
The Unconference (or “Open Space”) is a time to bring forward topics that you've been having on the breaks that you want more time on, an issue you came to this event seeking more information or clarity, a conversation you started and want to finish. It's a chance to have focused time to think and discuss and learn on a specific topic. You may either prepare something ahead of time or offer a session on the spot.
Will there be any free time?
We have only a short time together every two years. We are also active transportation advocates that appreciate the need to rest, relax, run. There is unscheduled time and breaks built throughout the weekend, and meals are unprogrammed. Sessions are “at-will,” and only you can determine when you need a break. Use the unscheduled blocks of time to gather in self-identified groups, plan follow-up steps, take walks, rest, continue conversations, etc.
What is the Susie tree planting?
Susie Stephens was an original attendee of the 1996 Thunderhead Retreat and served as the Alliance’s first managing director. Read more about Susie here.
In 2002, Susie traveled to St. Louis on her second consulting job. The task at hand: train National Forest Service employees on better planning for bicycle and pedestrian use. While in town, she walked across the street to make copies and grab a cup of coffee. On her way back across the street, she was fatally struck by a turning tour bus. She was 36.
Since Susie’s untimely passing, Susie’s mother Nancy MacKerrow has used funds from an insurance settlement to plant trees in Susie’s name - creating a Susie Forest that reaches around the world. Nancy also donates funds to the Alliance to award scholarships for new and growing advocates to attend trainings.
The Alliance continues to honor Susie’s foundational support for the biking and walking movement. At each Alliance Leadership Retreat, leaders plant a Susie Tree to mark Susie’s lasting impact on our movement. The Alliance also awards scholarships to the Leadership Retreat in Susie's name.
I am presenting / facilitating a session. What do I need to know or prepare for?
If you have any questions about or changes to your presentation, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
More questions? Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . See you soon!
