Kiwanis Spring Fling

Kiwanis Spring Fling

Formerly Midwinter Conference

March 13-15, 2026
The Publick House Inn
Sturbridge, Massachusetts


Conference Registration

Deadline: February 20, 2026

Late Registration Deadline: March 1, 2026 (plus $25)

Cost: $125 (includes conference, Saturday lunch, and Saturday dinner).
Add-ons: Saturday Breakfast, Sunday Breakfast

Hotel Reservations

We have secured a block of hotel rooms for $159/night plus tax ($177.60/night total).

Reserve Online at www.publickhouse.com using Group Code 0326KI. Note: you must use the “Groups and Weddings” booking menu on their homepage. The regular booking menu will not work.

Reserve by Phone at (508) 347-3313 using the group name “Kiwanis.”

Please note: The main historic Publick House building is not ADA-compliant. The Chamberlain and Tillyer buildings are newer and ADA-compliant. If you need a wheelchair-accessible room, please make sure you reserve a room in the Chamberlain or Tillyer buildings. We recommend calling the hotel to book a room and specifically asking for wheelchair accessibility.

**Reservation Deadline: February 12, 2026**

Discounted double rooms are available at the Country Lodge for $129/night plus tax. The Country Lodge is located on the far end of the property from the main Inn where the function rooms are located.


Kiwanis Spring Fling Agenda

First time attending? Here is what to expect:

  • Each meal will include a program/speaker. More details on each will be coming soon.
  • Workshop topics include marketing/social media, technology, leadership, youth protection, district operations, service, club development, club operations, SLP, membership and fundraising. 
  • In addition to meals and educational workshops, there will be a silent auction and a service project on Saturday.
  • Social time is planned for both Friday and Saturday evenings, including a social hour with cash bar before dinner on Saturday.

Friday, March 13, 2026

TimeEvent
4:00 pm – 6:00pmConference Registration Opens
7:00 pm – 9:00pmMeet and Greet

Saturday, March 14, 2026

TimeEvent
7:00 am – 4:00 pmConference Registration, Exhibitors, and Silent Auction are open
Location: Historic Barn
7:30 am – 8:30 amBreakfast ($25 add-on)
Location: Paige Hall
9:00 am – 9:30 amOpening Session
Location: Paige Hall
9:30 am – 11:30 amDrop off/Collection for Jared Boxes
Bring your items for inclusion in the Jared Boxes which our Key Clubs are putting together for children in pediatric hospitals. 
Location: Ballroom (2fl)
10:00 am – 10:50 amYour Club’s Annual Financial Review: the Audit You Don’t have to Dread
This session will explain why your Club needs an annual financial review and teach you how to conduct the audit of your Club’s financial records

Presenter: Dave Wyskiel, Kiwanis Club of Meriden (CT)

Location: Crafts Hall
10:00 am – 10:50 amGrow Through Service
This session highlights how purposeful, community-focused service can spark new energy and attract new members. Learn practical ways to design meaningful projects, share your impact, and use service as the most powerful pathway to club growth. 

Presenter: Tim Sheppard, Kiwanis International Trustee

Location: Pineapple
10:00 am – 10:50 amPast Governors Committee Meeting
Location: Library
11:00 am – 11:50 amSocial Media and your Club!
Come learn from an expert about how to harness social media to encourage community collaboration.

Presenter: Gayla Barlett, Kiwanis Club of Danvers (MA)
Location: Crafts Hall
11:00 am – 11:50 amInspired Leadership
Leadership is not defined by titles but a willingness to service and inspire. This session explores what effective leadership looks like and how to motivate members, build strong clubs, and lead with purpose. 

Presenter: Emily Saalfrank, Area Director, Kiwanis International
Location: Pineapple
11:00 – 11:50 amKiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) Board Meeting
Location: Library
12:00 pm – 1:30 pmKiwanis Foundation of New England Luncheon
Hear from Kiwanis Foundation of New England leaders about the Foundation’s work. 
Ticketed Event (included in registration)
Location: Paige Hall
2:00 pm – 2:50 pmImproving Membership
Come join Trustee Tim for a lively discussion centering around Kiwanis’ three pillars: build, nurture, and retain. You’ll also hear about Tim’s own addition – measure.

Presenter: Tim Sheppard, Kiwanis International Trustee

Location: Pineapple
2:00 pm – 2:50 pmThe Art of Listening
Communication is key when trying to grow a club and engage new members, and listening is an essential part. Come to learn skills so your members feel heard.

Presenter: Daniel Norwood, Kiwanis Club of Portland (ME)

Location: Ballroom (2fl)
2:00 pm – 2:50 pmVoices
This session explores the Kiwanis Voices program and how it empowers young adults to join together, shape their own club identity, and build lasting connections through service and fellowship. 

Presenter: Emily Saalfrank, Area Director, Kiwanis International

Location: Crafts Hall
2:00 pm – 3:00 pmPast Lieutenant Governor Meeting
Location: Paige Hall
2:00 pm – 5:00 pmCircle K District Board Meeting
Location: Library
3:00 pm – 3:50 pmBuilding Better Connections with your SLPs
Building beneficial relationships with your SLP (sponsored youth) clubs require some effort, but the rewards are worth it. Learn some “dos and don’ts” that will help you get the most from your association.

Presenter: George Delisle, Kiwanis Club of Westfield (MA)

Location: Crafts Hall
3:00 pm – 3:50 pmKiwanis Leadership 101
Learn about the different leadership roles within Kiwanis, from Club to International, as well as the different opportunities within Kiwanis and how we can support our communities.

Presenter: Eli Rivera, Kiwanis Club of Keene (NH)

Location: Ballroom (2fl)
3:00 pm – 3:50 pmKiwanis Essentials
This session is for new conference attendees, and will explore the history of Kiwanis, how it functions at various levels, the impact that members have in the community, and personal growth opportunities.

Presenter: Kristin Holden, Kiwanis Club of Middletown (CT)

Location: Pineapple
4:00 pm – 4:50 pmContinuing the Conversation: Talk with the Governor
What has been working this year in your club and the district? What ideas do you have moving forward? Come share your feedback and ideas with Governor Adam and your Kiwanis colleagues.

Presenter: Governor Adam Wright, New England and Bermuda District

Location: Crafts Hall
4:00 pm – 4:50 pmThe Struggle is Real: Battling Apathy and Burnout in Your Club
We’re all familiar with the 80/20 rule: 20% of the members of a group does 80% of the work. This imbalance leads to burnout and can do serious harm to your clubs. Explore the problem and discuss potential solutions for fixing the disconnect.

Presenter: Amanda Waterfield, Kiwanis Club of Westfield (MA)

Location: Pineapple
6:00 pm – 7:00 pmDistrict Social
Cash bar and hors d’oeuvres
Location: Historic Barn
7:00 pm – 9:00 pmDinner Session
Dr. Marianna Litovich, Executive Director of All Our Kids, Inc., will be discussing their mission of providing support to foster families and they kids they serve, raising awareness about the foster care system in our region to engage the community, and enrich community connectedness by providing education and resources. 
Ticketed Event (included in registration)
Location: Paige Hall

Sunday, March 15, 2026

TimeEvent
7:30 am – 8:45 amBreakfast Session
Ticketed Event

Location: Tap Room
9:00 am – 12:00 pmKiwanis District Board Meeting
Location: Crafts

Service Project

This year, we will be helping our Key Club District collect items to assemble Jared Boxes at their District Educational Conference two weeks after our Spring Fling. Please consider bringing some items to Spring Fling to help our students in this amazing service project!

Specific items are listed on their Amazon Wish List here.

Silent Auction

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