Blueprints of Brilliance: Unlocking Potential in Mind, Body, and Spirit
Join us in Alexandria, VA, July 24-25, 2025 for the
SENG Annual Community Conference & Retreat!
This intimate gathering brings together experts in the field, gifted adults, parents navigating their child’s gifted journey (while likely being gifted themselves), educators, counselors, gifted children and more—all with a shared mission to support and uplift our gifted and 2e community.
It’s a place to learn from one another, share your unique voice, gather valuable resources and build lifelong connections within the SENG family. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and create lasting relationships!
The pre-conference begins on July 23rd!
KEYNOTES
The World Needs
What Artists Know
Cally Flox, M.Ed.
ARTS Partnership Director, BYU
Cally Flox, teaching artist, educator, and administrator, is the founding director of the BYU ARTS Partnership, improving student learning and school culture through educator professional development in the arts. She is the lead author of A Teacher’s Guide to Resiliency Through the Arts. She spent many years teaching creative dance and the integrated arts to people of all ages in both private and public settings and has additional training in brain compatible multi-sensory learning strategies.
She is a licensed administrator and teacher of math, dance and PE and has an MEd in Educational Leadership. She is a past President of the Utah Dance Education Organization and serves on the Utah and National boards of Dance and the Child International (daCi). She has She is an award winner from the National Arts Education Association for service from outside the profession for her work promoting arts integration in schools. She received a mentoring award from BYU and a service award from the McKay School of Education. She and her spouse have raised a family of artists who enjoy the outdoors.
Gifted and Distractible 24/7
Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick, M.A., J.D.
Founder, With Understanding Comes Calm
Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick, M.A., J.D., Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, passionately guides parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, trains educators and advises professionals on how to bring out the best and raise self-confidence in their twice exceptional students and clients.
Julie is the author of Gifted and Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice Exceptional Child (TarcherPerigee), a beloved book lauded by parents, educators, and 2e adults alike.
A sought-after keynote speaker, Julie’s presentations are inspirational and engaging with audiences often commenting, “I feel seen!” A prolific write and beloved speaker, Julie hosts "The Haystack 2e Adult Membership Group" which welcomes all ‘2e adult needles,’ hosts book studies for educators, and publishes “Gifted & Distractible,” a free weekly newsletter.
Julie and her husband raise three twice exceptional kids who keep them on their toes and uproariously laughing!
Located in Maryland, USA, Julie's clients, and audience hale from all four corners of the globe.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Pre-Conference
Add on to your conference experience with these great options
SENG Community Group Courses
APA Courses
Community Connections
Welcome to the Community Night
Conference - Day 1
Theme - Unlocking Potential: The Importance of Arts, Creativity, & Wellness for the Gifted Brain
Morning Meditation and Mindfulness
Breakfast
Keynote Presentation
Breakout Sessions
Lunch
Panel Discussion
Breakout Sessions
Evening Reception & Vendor Showcase
Conference - Day 2
Theme - Unlocking Potential In Diverse Gifted Communities
Morning Meditation and Mindfulness
Breakfast
Keynote Presentation
Breakout Sessions
Lunch
Panel Discussion
Breakout Sessions
Evening Event
CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS
Wednesday, July 23rd
Pre-Conference
Option 1:
SENG Community Group Facilitator Training
$399
4 hour training live with additional asynchronous work
SCG Facilitator Trainings are four-hour sessions that are hosted by SENG and led by two SENG Certified SCG Facilitator Trainers in order to certify interested individuals to facilitate SENG Community Groups Online or in Person.
You must have an active paid SENG Membership and previously participated in at least one SENG Community Group (SCG) in order to sign up for an SCG Facilitator Training.
Please see the upcoming SENG Community Groups if you still need to meet that qualification.
*Pricing for in-person conference attendees only and limited to the first 25 registrants.
**Bonus**
Welcome to the Conference Night - First time attendees can join us from 6:30-7:30PM. Meet some of the Board Members, ask your questions, and get the lay of the land. Free Event!
Thursday, July 24 & Friday, July 25
Main Conference
$535
STANDARD & PREMIUM MEMBERS
$669
COMPLEMENTARY (FREE) MEMBERS
Your Registration Includes:
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Keynote Presentations
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Panel Discussions
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Choice of 36+ unique Breakout Sessions
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Breakfast
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Lunch
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Snacks
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Evening Event: Reception & Vendor Showcase on Thursday
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Evening Presentation on Friday
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Swag bag filled with books & goodies
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Morning Guided Meditation
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Chance to win prizes
And more!
Single Day Passes also available
Wednesday, July 23rd
Pre-Conference
Option 2:
APA Courses
$159
Two, 3Hour courses available at $159 each or both for $289
Topic 1:
Mental Health Needs Among The Gifted: Anxiety and Depression
Session Description: Anxiety and depression are unfortunately all too common among the gifted
population. During this session, Dr. Gardner will review research and delve into clinical case
studies to aid attendees in expanding their knowledge and appreciation of the intricacies involved in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and depression among gifted children, adolescents, and adults.
Topic 2:
Identifying & Supporting Gifted & Autistic Youth
Session Description: As a field, we are beginning to recognize that we have been “missing” many children with autism, particularly among intellectually gifted individuals. These children are at higher risk for suicidal ideation and victimization, as their significant strengths and difficulties cause misconceptions and make daily life challenging. This talk aims to build on foundational knowledge about autism to help clinicians identify those children we tend to overlook due to subtle observable autistic traits. Case review and data from gifted autistic children are reviewed along with examples
**Bonus**
Welcome to the Conference Night - First time attendees can join us from 6:30-7:30PM. Meet some of the Board Members, ask your questions, and get the lay of the land. Free Event!
Thursday, July 24
Main Conference
Evening Event
Reception & Vendor Showcase
Your chance to mingle, network, chat and relax!
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Vendor Trivia & Games
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Appetizers
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Cocktails - Cash Bar
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Chance to win prizes
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Children's STEM Showcase
And more!
Evening events are included with your registration!
Wednesday, July 23rd
Pre-Conference
Option 3:
SENGconnect
$159
SENGconnect groups with board members and others in the SENG community $159 for the whole day, you pick the groups you want to participate in.
Topic 1: Mental Health
Topic 2: Twice-exceptional Parent Support
Topic 3: Educators Update
Topic 4: Mental Health
1.5 hours each
**Bonus**
Welcome to the Conference Night - First time attendees can join us from 6:30-7:30PM. Meet some of the Board Members, ask your questions, and get the lay of the land. Free Event!
Friday, July 25
Main Conference
Evening Event
Failing to Launch?
The Unique Challenge of Being a Gifted Adult
Congratulations! As a brilliant thinker and natural outlier, you see the world differently. You have high standards—whether in education, lifestyle, career, wealth, or relationships. You’re not one to settle for the ordinary.
Yet, despite your potential, do you feel stuck or uninspired, almost like you’re in a midlife crisis before midlife?
Maybe you’ve tried to make a plan, but your mind shuts down.
Maybe you keep telling yourself, I’ll figure it out tomorrow—but tomorrow keeps slipping away.
The pressure, expectations, and fear of failing before you even begin can feel overwhelming.
And deep down, you wonder: What’s wrong with me?
Here’s the truth:
You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You’re not failing. Your mind craves challenge, purpose, and joy—it’s time to reconnect with them. Join us to uncover the hidden benefits of feeling stuck and walk away with five powerful, joyful steps to break through your personal glass ceiling and create a fresh, inspired start.
Presented by Otto Siegel
Evening events are included with your registration!
FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTEL
The Westin Alexandria Old Town
Get ready to immerse yourself in a perfect blend of historic charm and modern elegance at the Westin Alexandria Old Town, the official venue for the SENG Annual Conference! Located just a short walk from the Washington Metro station, you can easily hop over to DC to explore the nation’s capital, or, for our east coast friends who prefer the scenic route, the Amtrak station is equally walkable for a smooth train ride in. The hotel also is across the courtyard from the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum!
Staying at the Westin means you're not just attending the conference—you’re in the heart of historic Old Town Alexandria. Wander the cobblestone streets, discover quaint boutiques, and indulge in the delightful dining scene that ranges from cozy cafés to waterfront restaurants. You'll find plenty to do, from visiting the Torpedo Factory Art Center to taking a scenic stroll along the Potomac River. For even more fun activities, check out Visit Alexandria.
And don’t forget, being at the conference venue means maximizing your networking opportunities with fellow members of the SENG Family! Whether it’s over breakfast, during a casual evening walk through Old Town, or at one of the fantastic local restaurants, the chance to connect outside of conference sessions adds an extra layer to your experience. Be where the action is and make the most of your time in Alexandria!
Booking with the host hotel supports SENG!
SENG Group Rate
$179 +Tax per night.
SENG's Special Group Rates have been extended for you to enjoy Alexandria & DC even longer! Rates are available
July 19th-29th!
Book by July 1, 2025 to be secure the
SENG Group Rate.
Other charges: Overnight Parking is $40 - Daily Parking is $25
Invention Project Camp 2025!
SENG's Annual Summer Community Conference isn't just an event; it's a family adventure! Designed with the gifted in mind, our annual community conference transforms into a vibrant meeting spot for families, blending learning with leisure in some of the most family-friendly vacation spots around.
While adults enjoy insightful sessions and forge meaningful connections, kids embark on an exciting journey through this summer's youth program.
Our Invention Project Camp 2025 includes:
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2 Invention Project Kits from the National Inventors Hall of Fame
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One kit per day with projects children can build and take home
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Kit Themes - See videos below!
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Tour of the Hall of Fame Museum
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Certified teachers (with the support of board members) working with children each day
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Lunch & Snack (Pizza lunch or bring your own)
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Issue #1 of the STEAM Superheroes comic book (First 20 registered children)
Other
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Camp runs Thursday & Friday from 8:30AM-5:00PM
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Children can bring a book and/or tech for break time
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Located at the conference hotel, easy for parents to check in
Ages 5 - 12
Standard/Premium Member $395
Complementary (Free) Member $465
Sibling Discount - $20
All costs include:
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Registration for two days
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Instruction from a certified, gifted experienced teacher
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Lunch & Snacks
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All needed supplies
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2 Invention Project Kits
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Museum Tour
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Comic book (First 20 registered children)
Thursday Topic:
Champions - Innovation Dream Team
In this module, participants learn about the innovators who changed the way people experience sports and build their own functional tabletop game! They draft inventors and inventions to add to their Innovation Dream Team and use their inspiration to add elements including concession stands, equipment and seating for the ultimate sports complex. While all students create a similar project (i.e. the tabletop game), they will all have different features, and the students can speak to the different inductees that inspired their designs.
Children's projects will be shown at the Vendors Night!
Friday Topic:
Superhero - Innovation Force
Our Innovation Force module introduces participants to our Innovation Force of inventor superheroes as they work to outwit The Plagiarizer, their arch enemy who is stealing ideas. 😊 With inspiration from real-life inventions, the participants are empowered to design, build and market an invention that will save the world!
We will also tour and have a scavenger hunt in the National Inventors Hall of Fame this day!