Yesterday morning, on August 16, 119 teen leaders from around the world arrived in Omaha, Nebraska for the 2023 International August Executives Conference and to kick off the centennial year of BBYO. This community is made up of representatives from various regions from around the globe, all joining together as one to start the year with a bang.

לאחר שהתמקמנו בחדרים והתארגננו ללילה, כולם יצאו מהמלון שלנו בארבעת האוטובוסים שלנו (אוטובוס ג'רום למעלה!) והגיעו לאולם הכנסת הסטודנטים כדי להתחיל את הערב. התחלנו עם ארוחת ערב שכללה סלט, חזה עוף, תפוחי אדמה, פוקצ'ה ותירס. (תודה לצוות הכנסת הסטודנטים!) לאחר מכן, נכנסנו לאודיטוריום כדי להתחיל את נאום ההשבעה וההשבעות של מועצת המנהלים של 99/79 גרנד ובינלאומי. 

Watching this address was unlike any other BBYO experience. Featuring speakers such as Matt Grossman, the Mid-America Region: Omaha Council presidents, past members of the Mother Chapter, Lisa Cohn, special video guests, and Courtney Saxe and TJ Katz, this opening was one to remember. The speeches alone were given with an incredible amount of drive and dedication, and I believe that what made this truly memorable was the experience itself. Getting to be in a room with passionate leaders from around the world, not only from the current boards but also from the past, was a fantastic bonding experience that made BBYO as a movement feel so much more connected and unified. Teens all around the world are taking these opportunities that provide experiences that truly impact them all throughout the rest of their lives, as proven by our numerous speakers. I hope that everyone can take away the same thing, because this organization truly creates life-changing experiences, friendships and memories. I am so beyond grateful for this opportunity, and I am so excited for the rest of this weekend!