Georgia Association for Volunteer Administration (GAVA) invites you to our 2026 Annual Conference, Evolving Together: 40 Years of Connection, Change & Community.
This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 40 years of GAVA and the leaders of volunteers who have strengthened communities, championed volunteer engagement, and shaped our profession across Georgia. Join us for a day of learning, reflection, and connection as we honor our past, embrace change, and look ahead to the future of volunteer engagement.
Date & Time
Thursday, October 29, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET
Location
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
This special gathering will bring together volunteer engagement professionals from across the state for a day of community building, collaborative learning, and practical conversations about leading through change. Lunch will be provided, and attendees will also have the opportunity to celebrate GAVA's 40th anniversary together.
Featured Keynote
We are excited to welcome Jared Peer, Community Volunteer Engagement Senior Specialist for the Tennessee Region of the American Red Cross. As a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA), he has led volunteers across nonprofit sectors as diverse as faith communities, zoology, social services, and disaster response. He loves using volunteer leadership skills to leverage the efforts of community volunteers who desire to make a difference by connecting them with the Red Cross mission. In his free time, Jared loves gardening and reading, enjoys public speaking, and is an avid Lego aficionado. Fun Fact: Jared worked at the Knoxville Zoo for four years and volunteered there for ten!
In his keynote,
Wanted: Agents of Change, Jared will explore how small actions can create meaningful impact in a constantly changing world. How do we adapt and stay ahead of it all? Not all of the change is positive. How do we channel our own efforts to improve the things we see wrong in the world? Volunteer leaders are the powerhouses that make nonprofits work, mobilize communities, and bring visions to reality. Together, let's explore how we improve ourselves, inspire our volunteers, and bring improvements to our communities in a world that is amidst constant change.
Early Bird Registration (July Only)
- GAVA Member: $30
- Non-Member: $60
- Event + GAVA Membership: $65
- Event Volunteer: Free (limited availability)
Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate 40 years of connection, gain fresh perspectives on navigating change, and spend a memorable day with fellow leaders of volunteers at Zoo Atlanta. We can't wait to evolve together with you!
Interested in volunteering for this event? GAVA will waive the cost of your ticket for help volunteering for this event. Please note this will require arriving before and staying after publicly-listed times. You will receive approval after registration.
Pre-registration is required to attend this event.
