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A Community Built by Collaboration

About Elevate

More Than a Conference.
A Thriving Community.

Elevate is a professional community and annual conference designed exclusively for marketing and communication leaders at independent schools across North America. More than a professional gathering, it’s a community of peers who believe their work is a calling — coming together to learn, to share openly, and to encourage one another in the story God is writing through each of our schools.

What began in Nashville in 2022 with just 12 attendees has grown into something far richer than a conference. It has become a community — one rooted in faith, friendship, and a shared belief that the best ideas are forged through honest conversation, vulnerability, and the gift of being known by people who do this work alongside you.

5 Years of Collaboration

100+
Attendees
62
Schools Participated
24
States Represented
100s
Friendships Formed
Schools That Have Attended Elevate

The Elevate Community

Help Shape Elevate 2027

Where should we go in 2027?

We're planning the next Elevate Conference and we want your input. Take our quick survey and help us pick the city, dates, and experiences that matter most to you.

Why Elevate?

Built Different. By Design.

Elevate isn't your typical industry conference. Here's what sets us apart.

Intimate & Intentional

Capped at 50 attendees to ensure meaningful connections, not just surface-level networking.

Brainstorm, Don't Lecture

Interactive sessions focused on practical problem-solving, not one-way presentations.

Year-Round Community

Stay connected between conferences through our active Google Chat community for ongoing support.

Community Growth and Renewal

Elevate Through the Years

Leadership

Meet the Team

The people behind the Elevate movement.

Phil Goodman

Phil Goodman

Executive Director

15 years in marketing and communications at Brentwood Academy. Phil founded Elevate in 2022 to unite independent school marketing professionals. Known for creative thinking and challenging conventional approaches.

Contact Phil
Libby Alvarez

Libby Alvarez

Associate Director

Creative marketing leader at Lipscomb Academy. Libby brings expertise in social media, video production, photography, and web design. She specializes in authentic storytelling and strategic brand development.

Contact Libby
The Comm Dept. Podcast
Now Streaming

The Comm Dept. Podcast

Exploring marketing, communication, and creativity within private, independent schools. Featuring industry trends, best practices, and real conversations with education professionals.

Year-Round Connection

Elevate Digital Community

Stay connected between conferences through our active Google Chat community — sharing ideas, solving challenges, and growing together year-round.

Our Most Recent Conference

Elevate 2026
Atlanta, Georgia

Join us for our 5th anniversary celebration at Heritage Preparatory School. June 1–3, 2026, with an optional add-on day on June 4.

  • Heritage Preparatory School, Atlanta
  • June 1–3, 2026
  • Limited to 50 Attendees
5 Years
2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026