Social Events

Silicon Valley is where ideas are born and realized. It is a laboratory for new thinking, the cradle of innovation. There's a new energy to the city—the sense of something big underway beyond technology news—lots of growth, a burgeoning arts scene, and recreation. Enjoy the many venues and activities that are similarly innovative and infinitely exciting.

Welcome Party

Saturday, January 26 - 8-10 p.m.

One word says it all, WELCOME! Kick off your three-day learning experience at the Family Philanthropy Conference Welcome Reception. Take some time to enjoy refreshments and reminisce with colleagues you met at a previous conference or get acquainted with new friends.

How creative are you? Find out during the Welcome Reception by participating in Grab Bag Inventing, hosted by the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, where teams will solve a problem using unexpected materials. This activity will highlight the systems approach, as individuals must find a way to support the team as a whole in order to address the challenge. Grab Bag Inventing is an activity developed by the Lemelson Center’s Spark!Lab, where children and families are encouraged to explore their creativity through fun, interactive activities. This is a wonderful opportunity to speak with Smithsonian staff and stretch your creative muscles.

Tech Museum Networking Event

Sunday, January 27 - 6:30-8 p.m.

Enjoy an evening reception on Sunday at The Tech Museum, a 132,000 square foot science and technology museum designed to "inspire the innovator in everyone." Hundreds of interactive exhibits highlight clean energy, biotechnology, space exploration, and other Silicon Valley technologies. It is the perfect space to unwind and continue your conversations with colleagues.

Foundation Source and Association of Small Foundations Cocktail Reception

Monday, January 28 – 6–7:30 p.m.

Enjoy refreshments and conversation with your colleagues. RSVP to Gay Grossman.

Refreshment Breaks in Family Central

Frequent breaks throughout the conference offer the opportunity to sit down with your peers in a more casual setting to continue conversations, start new ones—or just to relax for a few minutes.

Morning Activities

Take part in daily yoga or a morning run to renew and recharge with your fellow conference goers.