We bring together players from every sector to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and encourage innovation.

Peer learning is an effective tool for knowledge sharing, problem solving, and international cooperation. Our events bring together members of the Partners of the Americas community including volunteers, youth participants, and university, government, and private sector leaders to foster dialogue and exchange expertise. Our events empower  participants to increase successful collaborations, strengthen programs, and share best practices.

Since 2013, the What Works Conference has brought together hundreds of community leaders and change agents from every corner of the Americas to exchange and share knowledge, resources, strategies, solutions, and best practices for what works in community development. Over three days, attendees learn, grow, connect, and find inspiration to either start making positive change or gain further knowledge and skills to continue making an impact through sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities.

2023 What Works Conference: Leading Locally Led Impact

September 20-22, 2023 | Antigua, Guatemala

This year's theme, Leading Locally Led Impact, recognized Partners of the Americas' unique approach to bringing the right mix of players - volunteers, development professionals, governments, civil society organizations, and higher education institutions - to the table to match resources, knowledge, and passion to need. In this sense, Partners of the Americas strives to and advocates for partnering with local leaders to solve local challenges. The conference provided opportunities for meaningful, authentic, and positive international collaboration and community-building experiences for attendees that support the power of grassroots efforts of leaders and volunteers to take charge of the impact in their own communities. Learn more.

2022 What Works Conference: Partnering for Inclusive Growth

March 28-31, 2022 | Virtual

Sharing best practices when it comes to partnering for inclusive growth, the Partners of the Americas community came together to talk and learn about growing stronger with their communities. Learn more.

2019 What Works Conference: GoGlobal

November 9-12, 2019 | Goiânia, Brazil

Chapters and organizations shared their local projects that contribute to one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2018 What Works Conference: Juntos Podemos

December 4-8, 2018 | San Antonio, Texas, U.S.

This year's conference brought together Chapter leaders to share projects in higher education, women's economic empowerment, human rights, emergency preparedness, and youth community service. A session on strategic planning for Chapter leaders preceded the event. Workshops on building a Partners of the Americas' strategic plan 2019-2023 and sharing in diverse culture and food of San Antonio made for an exciting five days.

2017 What Works Conference: Higher Education and Innovation, Climate Action, and Post-Peace Agreements

September 14-16, 2017 | Medellín, Colombia

The conference brought together Chapter members, youth, and academics on the following themes: Peace Accords, Climate Change, and Innovation in Higher Education. Panels were followed by sharing projects implemented in each of these topics. As in all Partners of the Americas events, participants experienced the culture of Colombia and visited various sites exemplifying best practices of a variety of organizations.

2015 What Works Conference

September 9-11, 2015 | Portland, Oregon, U.S.

In September 2015, the What Works conference brought nearly 120 volunteers together from across the network. The conference included multiple sessions featuring Chapter programs, breakout sessions for more in-depth analysis and sharing of best practices across Chapters and programs, as well as a workshop led by the Kansas Leadership Center and a book signing with then Partners of the Americas President & CEO, Steve Vetter, historian David Corcoran, and Oregon volunteer Penny McDonald.

2013 What Works Conference

May 22-24, 2013 | Greeley, Colorado, U.S.

In May 2013, the conference brought together volunteers from across the Partners of the Americas network. The two-day event featured volunteers presenting best practices in program implementation and organizational development.