Leveraging the cultural and technological forces of the day for
God’s glory and our good.
The CESA Symposium is designed to enliven our hearts, minds, and spirits through thought-provoking content and experiences designed to strengthen of leaders in Christian schools. This year, as we gather in Charlotte, NC, home of NASCAR, we will explore themes that will accelerate our ability to meet our distinctive missions in every way.
Who is the Symposium for?
The Symposium is designed for Christian school leaders to engage with like-minded leaders from across the country and the globe while also pouring into their leadership teams. This Symposium has been designed for heads, assistant heads, business office leaders, development, admissions, and marketing/communications leaders, principals, academic leaders, and Christian and Student life leaders, and this year, we have expanded our tracks for athletic directors and arts directors. You will find both content designed to accelerate leadership at every level and specific content for these groups.
What can you expect from the 2025 Symposium?
- You will engage with best-in-class content that will equip you to lead and inspire your practice;
- You will make new and nourish existing connections that will fuel the Christian school movement;
- You will have a ton of fun with your team and other leaders - you will leave with renewed joy and deep purpose in the work you do.
What's New this Year?
- Optional Tour of Charlotte Christian School on Sunday, Oct 5 at 1 p.m.
- An entire breakout session block dedicated to working with our parents well - there will be sessions for everyone!
- Opening night that will engage your entire team in some friendly competition - get your team uniforms ready!
Breakout Sessions coming soon!
Registration opens on February 28th! Be sure your team is ready to get in the race! View a sneak peek of the Symposium below...
Keynotes
Global Education Strategist,
Founder of Pave Education
With over 20 years of experience collaborating with industry leaders and policymakers, Giancarlo delivers strategic guidance that empowers audiences to thrive in an AI-driven world. Giancarlo's expertise spans technology, innovation, adoption, and social-emotional learning, working in over 30 countries to design AI policy that enables students to flourish.
Hayagreeva "Huggy" Rao
Coauthor of The Friction Project
Huggy Rao is the Atholl McBean professor of Organizational Behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a fellow of the Center for Advanced Study in Behavioral Science, the Sociological Research Association, and the Academy of Management. He has written for Harvard Business Review, Business Week, and the Wall Street Journal. He is also the co-author of the bestselling Scaling Up Excellence, and the author of Market Rebels.
 Greg Olsen
NFL Analyst
Greg Olsen is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Sports Emmy Award winner. Following retirement from the NFL, Olsen embarked on his rookie broadcast season in 2021 with Burkhardt and Oliver. In early 2020, during the offseason before his final season with the Seattle Seahawks, Olsen also partnered with Burkhardt to call five XFL games for FOX Sports.
Olsen twice was named a finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. Inspired by the challenges facing his son, T.J., who was born with a severe congenital heart defect, Olsen and his wife, Kara, founded the HEARTest Yard Program to offer support and services to those facing similar circumstances.
A Wayne, N.J., native, Olsen attended the University of Miami. He and Kara reside in Charlotte, N.C., with their two sons and daughter.
Schedule
Sunday, October 5
- 1:00 p.m. - Optional Tour of Charlotte Christian School (buses between The Westin and CCS will be available)
- 5 p.m. - Registration and Reception at The Charlotte Convention Center (2 blocks from The Westin)
- 5:30 p.m. - Dinner and Opening Session
- 7:30-9:30 p.m. - Dessert, Networking and NASCAR experience competition at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, attached to the Charlotte Convention Center
Monday, October 6
- 7:30 a.m. - Breakfast
- 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. - Breakout Sessions
- 9:45-10:15 a.m. - Refueling Break
- 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Keynote Session with Huggy Rao
- 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. - Lunch
- 1:15 - 2:30 p.m. - Breakout Sessions - Friction Project
- 2:30 - 3 p.m. - Refueling Break
- 3 - 4:30 p.m. - Breakout Sessions
- Dinner on your own - invite another school to dinner!
Tuesday, October 7
- 7:30 a.m. - Breakfast
- 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. - Breakout Sessions - Parent Partnerships
- 9:45 - 10:15 a.m. - Refueling Break
- 10:15 a.m. - noon - Closing Session: Panel Discussion with Greg Olson
*Please ensure you schedule your flights after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7.
Thank you to our Diamond Sponsors
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors
Thank you to our Gold Sponsors
|
