Skip to main content

Alpha Family Summit - Internal Brief

CONFIDENTIAL - FOR INTERNAL COLLABORATORS ONLY
Last Updated: May 26, 2025

Event Overview​

Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Alpha School Austin (201 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701)

An exclusive gathering for proud Alpha Schools families and their closest friends.

A celebration of what it means to be first, to lead, to be exceptional; and those who take ownership of their family's future.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Visionary speakers on the future of education (and the world)—including MacKenzie Price herself
  • Fun, hands-on learning zones for kids—food, fashion, science, AI, and more
  • Networking with Austin's most influential parents

THIS IS EXCLUSIVELY FOR

Families looking to be the tip of the spear of America's educational renaissance

A Dual Experience for Maximum Impact:

  • Parents and high school students engage with visionary speakers, exploring the future of education through thought-provoking talks and discussions
  • K-8 students immerse themselves in hands-on learning zones throughout the building, experiencing Alpha's educational philosophy in action
  • The entire campus comes alive with activity, showcasing what makes Alpha education transformative

Through this parallel programming approach, parents can fully focus on strategic conversations about their children's future while knowing their younger children are engaged in supervised, inspiring activities just steps away.

With professional security ensuring an exclusive, safe environment, only invited guests will be part of this transformative experience. Every detail reinforces that this is not just another education event - it's an initiation into a movement.

Extended Networking & Tours: 5:30-8:00 PM with premium hors d'oeuvres

RSVP Required This is an invitation-only event with limited capacity.

If you didn't receive an invitation but feel you should have, text Gary Sheng at (630) 240-4545

CONFIDENTIAL - FOR INVITED FAMILIES ONLY

Strategic Objectives​

Primary Objectives​

  1. Educational Renaissance Leadership: Position Alpha families as "the tip of the spear of America's educational renaissance" through an exclusive, high-impact gathering
  2. Meta Spark Plug Activation: Leverage key relationship holders (Stefanie, Chris, Jawaan, MacKenzie, Joe) to create authentic, personal invitation pathways
  3. Direct Parent Engagement: Establish direct communication channels between organizers and 50-100 passionate Alpha parents through warm introductions from meta spark plugs
  4. Trust-Based Community Growth: Each Alpha family invites 1-3 family friends they personally vouch for, ensuring every new connection comes through authentic relationships
  5. High-Conversion Pipeline: When families see their trusted friends thriving at Alpha, combined with an amazing summit experience, Shadow Day interest happens organically

Secondary Objectives​

  • Demonstrate Alpha's innovative educational approach to a highly receptive, pre-qualified audience
  • Create a replicable summit model that can be scaled to other cities with the same exclusive positioning
  • Generate powerful testimonials and content from influential families
  • Build deep relationships with families who have the resources and mindset to fully embrace Alpha's vision
  • Position Alpha as the aspirational choice for elite families seeking educational transformation

Target Audiences & Engagement Strategy​

Audience Profile: Alpha Families​

100% Invitation-Only, Pre-Qualified Alpha Community

  • Current Alpha families strengthening their connection to the community
  • Carefully selected new families who embody "alpha" qualities: innovative, ambitious, leading-edge thinkers
  • High-net-worth families who are smart, deeply involved in their children's education, and committed to excellence
  • Forward-thinking parents ready to explore and invest in transformative educational approaches
  • Families with the influence and network to become powerful advocates for the Alpha Way
  • Parents who understand that being "Alpha" means being first, being leaders, being exceptional

Invitation Strategy​

Personal, Relationship-Driven Approach

  • Direct Personal Invitations: Each family receives a personalized invitation through trusted relationships
  • Curated Guest List: Similar to the original First Supper approach with a visible spreadsheet of confirmed attendees
  • Referral System: Current Alpha families invite their closest friends who they believe would thrive in the community
  • Relationship-Based Selection: Families are invited because they're valued by current Alpha families or leadership
  • RSVP Process: Simple acceptance process that confirms attendance and builds excitement

Registration & Check-in Protocol​

Exclusive Invitation Management​

  • Curated Guest List: Maintain a visible spreadsheet of confirmed Alpha families, similar to the original First Supper approach
  • Personal Invitations: Each family receives a unique, non-transferable invitation code
  • RSVP Platform: Gary will consult his network of top event tech experts to identify the perfect platform that captures the exclusive, intimate vibe we're creating
  • Guest Verification: Strict guest list enforcement - no walk-ins or uninvited attendees
  • Family Pre-Qualification: All invitees pre-screened for "alpha" qualities - leadership, innovation, and educational excellence

Invitation-Only Registration​

  • By Invitation Only: No public registration - access requires personal invitation code
  • Family Details: Comprehensive family profiles collected during RSVP
  • Invitation Source Tracking: System tracks whether families were invited by:
    • Current Alpha families (and which specific family)
    • Alpha guides or school staff
    • MacKenzie, Joe, or event organizers
    • Other Alpha leadership
  • Special Recognition: Leadership-invited families receive unique welcome materials acknowledging their special invitation
  • Waitlist Management: Limited waitlist for highly qualified families if space permits

Summit Check-in Experience​

  • VIP Welcome: Personal greeting for each family with name recognition
  • Exclusive Materials: Premium welcome packets befitting the summit's exclusive nature
  • Family Concierge: Dedicated staff to ensure each family's experience is exceptional
  • Private Tours: Pre-scheduled, intimate campus tours for interested families

Featured Speakers, Entertainment & Experiential Learning Zones​

Parallel Programming Approach​

To create an optimal experience for all attendees, we're implementing a dual-track approach:

  • Main Speaker Series: Designed primarily for parents and high school students, featuring thought-provoking talks and discussions
  • Active Learning Zones: Engaging, hands-on activities throughout the building for K-8 students, keeping them inspired and entertained while parents attend sessions
  • Full Building Activation: The entire Alpha School campus will be alive with activity, creating an immersive experience that showcases our educational philosophy in action
  • Dedicated Support Staff: Trained guides and facilitators at each activity zone to ensure younger students are engaged, safe, and supervised

Confirmed/Target Speakers​

  • Mackenzie Price (Educational visionary) - Future of learning and educational innovation
  • Tauren Wells (Potential - Gospel recording artist & pastor, Whitestone Church) - On faith, community, and resilient families
  • Alpha Guides (Teachers) - Sharing their innovative teaching approaches and student success stories
  • Alpha School Leaders - Austin - Campus leaders from Austin Alpha schools presenting their vision
  • Innovative School Leaders - National - Leaders from Alpha and other innovative schools outside Austin
  • Alpha Students & Alumni - Current students and graduates sharing their transformative educational experiences
  • Values-Aligned Leaders - Notable Austin and national leaders aligned with Alpha's educational vision
  • Experienced Entrepreneurs - Sharing how they would design their ideal entrepreneurial K-12 education if they could go back in time

Experiential Learning Zones (Primarily for K-8 Students)​

  • Future of Education Room: Interactive space where younger students can explore and imagine their educational future through hands-on activities
  • Science Experimentation Lab: Supervised experiments where K-8 students actively participate in discoveries while parents attend talks
  • Fashion Design Workshop: Young designers create and learn, hosted by Sam Gregor (Alpha Activator, Founder of Mind Liquid fashion house)
  • Music & Vinyl Listening Room: Kids explore instruments and sound, hosted by Gregory Beef Jones (Alpha Activator, Austin record store owner)
  • Entrepreneurship Hub: Age-appropriate business simulations and creative projects for younger students
  • Student Mentorship Stations: High school Alpha students mentor younger attendees, sharing their projects and inspiring the next generation

Programming Structure​

  • Arrival & Check-in (2:00-2:30 PM): Registration, welcome materials, and initial exploration of experiential zones
  • Visionary Welcome (2:30 PM): Setting the tone for reimagining education's future
  • Multi-Perspective Speaker Series (3:00-5:00 PM): Note: Some speakers may host interactive stations around campus rather than formal presentations
    • Alpha Guides & School Leaders:
      • Chris Locke (Head of High School, Alpha School Austin): Sharing insights on innovative high school education and student success stories
      • Stefanie Baduria (Head of K-8, Alpha Schools): Presenting on scaling innovative education and guide training excellence
      • Jawaan Delaney (Lead Guide, Alpha Middle School Austin): Demonstrating middle school innovation and student development
      • Jack Oremus (Guide, Alpha School Austin): Presenting on student motivation, AI integration in education, and the future of learning
    • School leaders from Austin campuses sharing local success stories
    • National innovative school leaders presenting broader perspectives
    • Student & Alumni Showcase:
      • Sloane Price: Sharing her coaching app development and confidence script that has helped many people
      • Elle Liemandt: Discussing her international experience and insights on education innovation
      • Maddie Price: Presenting her perspective as a student navigating traditional and innovative education
      • Alex Mathew: Showcasing his AI-generated marketing pages and Build-A-Bear masterpiece project
      • Cruce Saunders: Sharing his running app development and journey from traditional to innovative education
      • Ella Gremont: Presenting Club Studios, her skincare brand for sporty women (10,000+ followers, $1,000 raised, 800,000 monthly reach)
    • Values-aligned community leaders on education's role in society
    • Entrepreneurs sharing ideal K-12 education design
  • Continuous Experiential Zones: All learning spaces active throughout event with rotating demonstrations
  • Takeaway Distribution Points: Scheduled times for collecting physical resources and accessing digital materials
  • Imagination Activation Sessions: Guided exercises helping families envision their educational future
  • Closing Transformation Moment (5:15-5:30 PM): Collective experience cementing hope and next steps for educational change
  • Extended Networking & Tours (5:30-8:00 PM): Premium hors d'oeuvres, intimate campus tours, and casual conversations to deepen relationships among Alpha families

Security & Access Control​

Exclusive Access Protocols​

  • Perimeter Security: Professional security team ensuring only invited guests enter the campus
  • Check-in Verification: Every attendee verified against the exclusive guest list - absolutely no exceptions
  • Wristband System: Non-transferable wristbands for all family members upon check-in
  • Zone Monitors: Security personnel stationed at all building access points
  • Child Safety: All K-8 activity zones monitored by background-checked staff
  • Parent Peace of Mind: Parents can fully engage in talks knowing their children are in secure, supervised environments

Venue Layout​

  • Main Presentation Area: Dynamic stage for entrepreneurs sharing their ideal K-12 education design
  • Future of Education Room: Immersive space with interactive displays and visioning exercises
  • Science Experimentation Lab: Equipped with materials for hands-on experiments
  • Fashion Design Workshop: Tables, materials, and tools for fashion brand creation, hosted by Sam Gregor (Alpha Activator, Founder of Mind Liquid fashion house)
  • Music & Vinyl Listening Room: Acoustic space with instruments and recording equipment, hosted by Gregory Beef Jones (Alpha Activator, Austin record store owner and music industry connector)
  • Entrepreneurship Hub: Demo stations showcasing student businesses and projects
  • Merchandise Station: Premium Alpha-branded items creating community affinity
  • Resource Center: Physical takeaway materials and digital resource sign-ups
  • Video Documentation Stations: Capturing parent reactions and student experiences
  • Registration Checkpoint: Streamlined verification process with immediate data capture

Invitation & Outreach Strategy​

The "Meta Spark Plugs" Approach​

We identify and leverage the key relationship holders who have connections with the most passionate Alpha families, then work through them to create a highly personal, relationship-driven invitation process.

Phase 1: Identify Meta Spark Plugs​

Primary Meta Spark Plugs:

  • MacKenzie Price - Founder with broad network across all Alpha families
  • Joe Liemandt - Founder with deep relationships and influence
  • Stefanie Baduria - Head of K-8, Alpha Schools (knows all K-8 families intimately)
  • Chris Locke - Head of High School, Alpha School Austin (deep relationships with high school families)
  • Jawaan Delaney - Lead Guide, Alpha Middle School Austin (strong middle school connections)
  • Gary Sheng - Event organizer with growing network of Alpha families and strategic connections
  • Ron Roberts - Event organizer with brand and influencer relationships
  • Beef Jones - Alpha Activator with music industry and Austin community connections
  • Beef's Team Members - Additional network reach through Beef's organization

Secondary Meta Spark Plugs:

  • Other Alpha guides with strong family relationships
  • Board members and key advisors
  • Alpha Activators with family connections

Phase 2: In-Person Strategy Sessions​

Individual Meetings with Each Meta Spark Plug:

  • Gary and Ron schedule dedicated time with each meta spark plug
  • During these sessions, guides identify their 20-40 most engaged Alpha parents
  • Guides facilitate connections between these parents and Gary/Ron for direct calls
  • Gary, Ron, and Beef also leverage their own networks to identify passionate families
  • Target: ~20 parents per grade band (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) plus community connections
  • Goal: Set up direct calling relationships between Gary/Ron and 50-100+ passionate Alpha parents

Phase 3: Personal Parent Outreach​

Gary and Ron's Call Campaign:

  • Guides connect their Alpha parents directly with Gary or Ron for personal calls
  • During these calls, Gary and Ron work with each Alpha parent to:
    • Share the vision for the Alpha Family Summit
    • Coordinate invitations to their 1-3 family friends (or more if they're super passionate)
    • Identify which specific families to invite and get contact information
    • Plan the invitation approach for each friend family
  • Gary and Ron will be on calls constantly from now until the week of the event
  • The next level of invitations happens live during the call with Gary/Ron
  • After identifying friends, Gary and Ron call those families directly
  • This creates 50-60+ Alpha families plus their invited friends through direct relationship building

Phase 4: Warm Introductions Over Email Blasts​

Personal Touch Over Mass Communication:

  • Meta spark plugs introduce Gary and Ron to parents via warm email introductions
  • Gary and Ron follow up with personal calls to each Alpha parent
  • Gary and Ron then call the friends that Alpha parents want to invite
  • Parents can also extend personal invitations to their friends directly
  • Every invitation comes through a trusted relationship chain with Gary/Ron personal touch
  • Minimal reliance on mass emails or impersonal outreach

The Multiplication Effect​

Expected Outcome:

  • 50-60 Alpha families each invite 1-3 friends = 100-180 guest families
  • Total attendance: 150-240 families (well within capacity)
  • Every guest family has a personal connection and advocate
  • High conversion rates due to trust-based referrals
  • Authentic community growth through genuine relationships

Invitation Messaging​

  • Guide Connection: "Hi [Family Name], we at Alpha are organizing something special for our Alpha families and would love to connect you with the organizer of the Alpha Family Summit directly"
  • Direct Organizer Outreach: Gary and Ron craft personalized messaging for each family during their calls
  • Summit Vision Sharing: Organizers share the exclusive nature and vision during personal conversations
  • Friend Identification: "Who are the families you're closest to that you think would love to experience what makes Alpha special?"
  • Coordination Support: Gary and Ron help parents plan the best approach for inviting their specific friends

No Public Marketing​

  • No social media promotion or public announcements
  • No newsletter inclusions or media outreach
  • Word-of-mouth through trusted channels only
  • Maintains exclusivity and aspirational positioning

Event Design Elements​

Venue Layout​

  • Main Presentation Area: Dynamic stage for entrepreneurs sharing their ideal K-12 education design
  • Future of Education Room: Immersive space with interactive displays and visioning exercises
  • Science Experimentation Lab: Equipped with materials for hands-on experiments
  • Fashion Design Workshop: Tables, materials, and tools for fashion brand creation, hosted by Sam Gregor (Alpha Activator, Founder of Mind Liquid fashion house)
  • Music & Vinyl Listening Room: Acoustic space with instruments and recording equipment, hosted by Gregory Beef Jones (Alpha Activator, Austin record store owner and music industry connector)
  • Entrepreneurship Hub: Demo stations showcasing student businesses and projects
  • Merchandise Station: Premium Alpha-branded items creating community affinity
  • Resource Center: Physical takeaway materials and digital resource sign-ups
  • Video Documentation Stations: Capturing parent reactions and student experiences
  • Registration Checkpoint: Streamlined verification process with immediate data capture

Programming Structure​

  • Arrival & Check-in (2:00-2:30 PM): Registration, welcome materials, and initial exploration of experiential zones
  • Visionary Welcome (2:30 PM): Setting the tone for reimagining education's future
  • Multi-Perspective Speaker Series (3:00-5:00 PM): Note: Some speakers may host interactive stations around campus rather than formal presentations
    • Alpha Guides & School Leaders:
      • Chris Locke (Head of High School, Alpha School Austin): Sharing insights on innovative high school education and student success stories
      • Stefanie Baduria (Head of K-8, Alpha Schools): Presenting on scaling innovative education and guide training excellence
      • Jawaan Delaney (Lead Guide, Alpha Middle School Austin): Demonstrating middle school innovation and student development
      • Jack Oremus (Guide, Alpha School Austin): Presenting on student motivation, AI integration in education, and the future of learning
    • School leaders from Austin campuses sharing local success stories
    • National innovative school leaders presenting broader perspectives
    • Student & Alumni Showcase:
      • Sloane Price: Sharing her coaching app development and confidence script that has helped many people
      • Elle Liemandt: Discussing her international experience and insights on education innovation
      • Maddie Price: Presenting her perspective as a student navigating traditional and innovative education
      • Alex Mathew: Showcasing his AI-generated marketing pages and Build-A-Bear masterpiece project
      • Cruce Saunders: Sharing his running app development and journey from traditional to innovative education
      • Ella Gremont: Presenting Club Studios, her skincare brand for sporty women (10,000+ followers, $1,000 raised, 800,000 monthly reach)
    • Values-aligned community leaders on education's role in society
    • Entrepreneurs sharing ideal K-12 education design
  • Continuous Experiential Zones: All learning spaces active throughout event with rotating demonstrations
  • Takeaway Distribution Points: Scheduled times for collecting physical resources and accessing digital materials
  • Imagination Activation Sessions: Guided exercises helping families envision their educational future
  • Closing Transformation Moment (5:15-5:30 PM): Collective experience cementing hope and next steps for educational change
  • Extended Networking & Tours (5:30-8:00 PM): Premium hors d'oeuvres, intimate campus tours, and casual conversations to deepen relationships among Alpha families

Measurement & Success Metrics​

Key Performance Indicators​

  • Alpha Family Participation: 80%+ of current Alpha families attend with their invited guests
  • Guest Family Conversion: 50%+ of invited families schedule Shadow Days (organic interest from trusted referrals)
  • Invitation Fulfillment: Average of 1.5 guest families per Alpha family (showing strong endorsement)
  • Guide Engagement: 100% of guides successfully connect with their families about the summit
  • Community Satisfaction: 95%+ of families (both Alpha and guests) rating it as a "wonderful summer kickoff"
  • Relationship Strengthening: Measurable increase in Alpha family NPS scores post-summit

Exclusivity Metrics​

  • Invitation Acceptance Rate: Track prestige through high acceptance of invitations
  • Waitlist Demand: Measure families requesting invitation for next summit
  • Referral Quality: Monitor caliber of families nominated by attendees
  • Media Coverage: Earned media about exclusive nature of gathering
  • Social Proof: Testimonials from influential families about experience

Long-term Impact Metrics​

  • Enrollment Quality: Track success and influence of enrolled families
  • Ambassador Development: Families becoming active Alpha advocates
  • Summit Replication: Successful launch of exclusive summits in other cities
  • Network Growth: Expansion of high-quality family connections
  • Brand Positioning: Alpha established as most aspirational education choice

Implementation Timeline​

Immediate Actions (By May 24)​

  • ✓ Event date confirmed: June 14, 2025
  • Finalize event narrative and positioning (emphasizing exclusive Alpha summit)
  • Gary to consult top event tech experts for exclusive platform recommendations
  • Create Shadow Day registration workflow
  • Establish team communication channels
  • Confirm participation from Alpha guides, school leaders, and students

Week 1 (May 25-31)​

  • Meta Spark Plug Meetings: Gary and Ron schedule and conduct in-person sessions with Stefanie, Chris, Jawaan, MacKenzie, and Joe
  • Parent Introductions: Each meta spark plug introduces Gary and Ron to 20-40 super active parents in their network
  • Direct Parent Outreach: Gary and Ron begin intensive personal call campaign with introduced parents to share summit vision
  • Confirm featured speaker schedules and topics
  • Train staff on exclusive check-in procedures

Week 2 (June 1-7)​

  • Parent Invitation Coordination: Gary and Ron work with each Alpha parent to identify their 1-3 family friends
  • Friends-of-Alpha Calls: Gary and Ron call the friends that Alpha parents want to invite
  • Constant Call Schedule: Gary and Ron maintain intensive calling schedule through the week of the event
  • Confirm speech schedule and tour guides
  • Secure all logistical elements for exclusive summit experience
  • Test exclusive registration and check-in workflows

Week 3 (June 8-14)​

  • Implement final promotional push
  • Complete venue preparation (including family-friendly zones and decor)
  • Conduct final coordination with all speakers/partners/vendors
  • Prepare registration/check-in stations
  • Finalize on-site staffing for registration verification

Budget Considerations​

Revenue Opportunities​

  • Sponsor contributions (in-kind and financial)
  • Food vendor participation fees (potential)
  • Premium experience upgrades
  • Follow-up product/service offerings

Expense Categories​

  • Venue preparation and enhancement
  • Speaker honorariums/accommodations
  • Marketing and promotional materials
  • Staff/volunteer support
  • Food and refreshments (premium catering for exclusive summit)
  • Technology and production elements
  • Professional videography and editing
  • Exclusive event platform subscription and setup (pending Gary's tech expert recommendations)
  • Premium summit experience elements and materials
  • Professional security team and access control systems
  • Activity zone facilitators and child supervision staff
  • Safety equipment (wristbands, check-in systems)