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40th Anniversary Atlanta, GA Aug 26–29, 2026

40th Anniversary
National Summit
& National Basketball Tournament

"Knowledge of the Past is the Key to the Future"

Four days of leadership, legacy, and competition — honoring 40 years of transforming lives through basketball, mentorship, and community empowerment. Hosted by the Atlanta MBL Chapter.

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View Full Schedule Register Now

Event At a Glance

August 26 – 29, 2026
4 days of programming
Atlanta, Georgia
Host: Atlanta MBL Chapter
National Basketball Tournament
Chapter teams compete nationally
Program Summit
Training, workshops & keynotes
40th Anniversary Gala
Formal evening celebration
Open to All Chapters
Directors, staff, partners & alumni
Welcome Letter Signed by
Lawrence C. Gray Jr.
President & CEO, AMB
40 Years of Impact
4 Days of Events
ATL Host City
1986 Founded
From the President & CEO

Welcome to Atlanta

August 26, 2026

Dear Colleagues, Chapter Directors, Partners, and Friends of Midnight Basketball,

Allow me this time to personally welcome you to Atlanta on behalf of the national Association of Midnight Basketball. It is a profound honor to gather with all of you in this vibrant city as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary National Program Summit & National Basketball Tournament.

This year marks a momentous milestone — four decades since Dr. G. Van Standifer launched the first Midnight Basketball League Program™ on June 18, 1986 in Glenarden, Maryland. What began as a bold community experiment has grown into a proven national movement that has transformed hundreds of thousands of lives through basketball, mentorship, and life skills programming.

Over these four days, we will celebrate our legacy, strengthen our network, equip our chapter directors with the tools and training to lead the next decade of AMB's expansion, and compete on the court in our National Basketball Tournament. Atlanta — a city of resilience, culture, and community — is the perfect backdrop for this historic gathering.

Our theme, "Knowledge of the Past is the Key to the Future," reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of giants. The work done before us is our foundation — and the work ahead of us is our charge. I look forward to learning with you, celebrating with you, and most importantly, being inspired by you.

Welcome to Atlanta. Welcome home.

Lawrence C. Gray Jr.
President & CEO, Association of Midnight Basketball
Run of Show prepared by Michael H. Steadman — National Director
Aug 26–29, 2026

Full Schedule

Four days of programming, competition, and celebration. Click each day to expand the full schedule.

Wed · Aug 26 Arrival Day & Welcome Reception
12:00 PM
Registration & Check-In Opens
Hotel lobby registration. Summit credentials, welcome packets, and chapter directories distributed.
Registration
2:00 PM
National Director's Orientation
Michael H. Steadman opens the summit with a briefing on the 4-day agenda, logistics, and the vision for AMB's next decade.
Keynote
4:00 PM
Host City Tour — Atlanta MBL
Optional guided tour of Atlanta's historic community landmarks and Atlanta MBL chapter facilities, hosted by the Atlanta Chapter.
Social
7:00 PM
40th Anniversary Welcome Reception
Opening reception for all attendees — chapter directors, national staff, sponsors, partners, and alumni. Cocktail attire. Networking, hors d'oeuvres, and anniversary commemoratives.
Reception All Attendees
Thu · Aug 27 National Program Summit — Day 1
8:00 AM
Breakfast & Morning Networking
Breakfast served for all summit attendees. Open networking before opening plenary.
Networking
9:00 AM
Opening Plenary — 40 Years: Where We've Been & Where We're Going
National Director Steadman leads the formal opening of the Program Summit. Historical retrospective of AMB's 40-year journey — from Glenarden, MD to a national movement.
Keynote
10:30 AM
Workshop Track A — Chapter Operations & Compliance
Best practices for chapter administration, compliance requirements, licensing renewals, and operational standards for AMB chapters nationwide.
Workshop
10:30 AM
Workshop Track B — Fundraising & Grants in 2026
Federal, state, and private grant opportunities. Sponsored by AMB national — practical strategies for chapter funding sustainability.
Workshop
12:30 PM
Lunch & Sponsor Showcase
Networking lunch with sponsor and partner exhibit tables. Chapters are encouraged to meet with national sponsors and explore partnership opportunities.
Lunch
2:00 PM
Chapter Director Roundtables
Small-group facilitated discussions on shared challenges and solutions across chapters: participant retention, police-community partnerships, and mental health programming.
Roundtable
4:00 PM
Community Impact Panel
Chapter directors and community partners share impact stories. Data-driven presentations on how AMB programs reduce crime, increase employment, and strengthen communities.
Panel
6:00 PM
Evening Break / Dinner on Your Own
Free evening. Recommended Atlanta dining list provided in welcome packet.
Fri · Aug 28 National Program Summit — Day 2 & Tournament Begins
8:00 AM
Breakfast & Morning Devotional
Morning breakfast followed by a brief devotional reflection on AMB's mission and community service.
Morning
9:00 AM
Workshop Track C — Youth Mental Health & Case Management
Evidence-based approaches to supporting participant mental wellness. Trauma-informed programming, screening tools, and referral networks for chapter staff.
Workshop
9:00 AM
Workshop Track D — Community & Law Enforcement Partnerships
Building and sustaining productive relationships with local law enforcement. Case studies from AMB chapters with successful police-community collaboration models.
Workshop
11:00 AM
National Chapter Recognition & Awards
Annual recognition of outstanding chapters, chapter directors, and community partners. Awards presented by National Director Steadman.
Awards
1:00 PM
Lunch & Life Skills Expo
Workforce development, financial literacy, and health resource expo open to attendees and invited community members. Lunch served concurrently.
Expo
3:00 PM
National Basketball Tournament — Opening Round
Chapter teams compete in the opening round of the National Midnight Basketball Tournament. All chapter teams welcome. Tournament bracket posted at registration.
Tournament
8:00 PM
40th Anniversary Gala Dinner
Formal anniversary banquet celebrating 40 years of AMB. Special recognition of founders, legacy leaders, and long-serving chapter directors. Black tie optional.
Gala Formal Dinner
Sat · Aug 29 Tournament Finals & Closing Ceremony
9:00 AM
Tournament — Semifinal Rounds
Semifinal games of the National Basketball Tournament. All are encouraged to attend and support chapter teams.
Tournament
11:00 AM
Job Fair & Community Resource Expo
Post-semifinal morning job fair open to participants, alumni, and community members. Employers, training programs, and social service agencies participate.
Job Fair Community Open
2:00 PM
National Basketball Tournament — Championship Game
The championship final of the 2026 National Midnight Basketball Tournament. All attendees invited. Trophy and recognition for winning chapter team.
Championship
4:30 PM
Closing Plenary — The Next 40 Years
National Director Steadman delivers the closing address. Strategic vision for AMB's next decade — expansion goals, policy priorities, and national network commitments.
Closing
6:00 PM
Farewell Reception & Departure
Closing reception for all attendees. Safe travels distributed. See you at the 41st!
Closing
Draft Schedule v1.1 — This Run of Show is a working draft prepared by National Director Michael H. Steadman. Times, sessions, and details are subject to change. Final schedule will be distributed at registration.
Logistics

Venue & Travel

Everything you need to plan your trip to Atlanta for the 40th Anniversary Summit.

Host City

Atlanta, Georgia
Host Chapter: Atlanta MBL
Venue details TBA — check back for hotel block information.

Fly Into Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) — the world's busiest airport, with direct flights from most U.S. cities.

Hotel Block

A discounted AMB group hotel rate will be available. Details and booking link will be distributed to registered attendees closer to the event.

Tournament Venue

National Basketball Tournament games hosted at a local Atlanta recreation facility. Tournament bracket and gym address provided at check-in.

Dress Code

Summit sessions: Business casual.
Welcome reception: Smart casual.
Anniversary Gala (Aug 28): Black tie optional.

Registration

Opens at 12:00 PM on August 26 at the host hotel. All attendees must be pre-registered. Registration link coming soon via chapter portal.

August 26–29, 2026 · Atlanta, Georgia

Be Part of History.
Register for the 40th Anniversary Summit.

Registration for chapter directors, staff, partners, alumni, and community guests will open via the AMB Chapter Portal. Contact your national director for early access.

Access Chapter Portal Contact Us