In addition to the Annual Training Conference resources below, be sure to check out our Online Knowledge Base & Learning Library, which supports Coordinators with Campaign and technology-related topics!

DO FIRST: Read the 2026 Letter of Instruction from David Cooper, Chief Operating Officer.
2026 Important Information
Conference Schedule & Sessions
Glossary of Terms
Shuttle Information
For Fun!
- Run the St. Louis Jogging Path
- Visit the Gateway Arch
- Walk Through Citygarden
- Catch a Cardinals Game or Visit Ballpark Village
- Explore City Museum
- Explore Laclede’s Landing
2026 Documents
Required: Travel Itinerary Form (Secure Site, Section 2)
2026 New Coordinator Trainings
Required Trainings for New Coordinators – Summer 2026:
- 1. Online Coordinator Training – Please select your Region
2. Getting Started with TFT Tech: Overview Class
- Session 1: Saturday, August 15 @ 1 pm EST – CLICK HERE TO JOIN
- Session 2: Wednesday, August 19 @ 8 pm EST – CLICK HERE TO JOIN
- Session 3: Sunday, August 23 @ 4 pm EST – CLICK HERE TO JOIN
- Session 4: Tuesday, August 25 @ 9 am EST – CLICK HERE TO JOIN
3. Secure Site & Campaign Financials Class
- Session 1:
- Session 2:
- Session 3:
- Session 4:
2026 Mentor Information
Expectations
- Breakout Session 1
- Breakout Session 2
- Breakout Session 3
2026 Returning Coordinator Info.
Read or review the following resources as a refresher before the upcoming Campaign!
- 1. Bear Necessities – Online Learning Library
- 2. Gunny’s Bear Necessities YouTube Channel
- 3. Online Coordinator Training – Please select your Region
Frequently Asked Questions
Toys for Tots Annual Coordinator Training Symposium
September 10–13, 2026
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch
The following are frequently asked questions regarding the Toys for Tots Annual Coordinator Training Symposium. Please review this information carefully before traveling to St. Louis.
TRANSPORTATION
- Question: How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
- Answer: The Foundation has arranged shuttle bus transportation to and from the hotel.
Additional information, including the shuttle schedule, will be emailed to attendees prior to the training.
- Question: How will I know where to go to board the shuttle?
- Answer: Detailed instructions on where to board the shuttle will be included in an email
sent before the training. Toys for Tots will also have a Welcome Table beginning at 10:00
a.m. in the Terminal 1 Baggage Claim Level to assist attendees who need help.
LODGING
- Question: Do I make my own hotel reservation?
- Answer: NO. Please do not contact the Hyatt to make your reservation. When you RSVP to your Regional Campaign Manager, your hotel room will be reserved for you.
TOYS FOR TOTS CREDIT CARD
- Question: Can I purchase food using my Toys for Tots credit card while traveling?
- Answer: Yes. One reasonably priced meal per travel day is authorized. You must obtain an itemized receipt and attach it to the appropriate Verification in your Logbook. Alcohol may not be purchased using your Toys for Tots credit card.
- Question: Can I pay for my airline luggage fees using my Toys for Tots credit card?
- Answer: Yes. Be sure to save all receipts and attach them to the appropriate Verification in your Logbook.
- Question: I receive points on my personal credit card. Can I purchase my airline ticket
myself and be reimbursed by the Foundation?
- Answer: NO. The Foundation will not reimburse you for airline tickets purchased using a
personal credit card. Please follow Foundation procedures when purchasing your airline
ticket.
ARRIVAL AT THE HOTEL
- Question: What do I do once I arrive at the hotel?
- Answer: First, check in at the hotel front desk to receive your room key. Then proceed to
the 4th-floor lobby to check in with your Regional Campaign Manager and receive your
training materials.
- Question: If I am approved to drive to the training, is parking available?
- Answer: Parking is limited. Upon arrival, you must inform the hotel front desk that you
parked your vehicle in the garage. Only self-parking is authorized. Valet parking is not an
authorized expense and may not be charged to your Toys for Tots credit card.
- Question: Can I pay cash for additional items at the hotel?
- Answer: No. The Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch is a cash-free hotel.
- Question: Do I need to bring a laptop?
- Answer: Bringing a laptop is optional and is not required to attend the training
2025 Video Recordings
Watch the training videos as needed to support your Local Chapter & Campaign.
Day 1 – September 12, 2025
05 Marine Force Reserve with Sgt. Maj. Mota
07 Awards Dinner & Campaigns of the Year
Note: ~90 seconds of the introduction were removed due to an audio error.
Day 2 – September 13, 2025
09 Interacting with the Media, pt. 1
10 Interacting with the Media, pt. 2
11 Insurance and Risk Management
13 Panel Discussion 1 – Boots on the Ground
14 Panel Discussion 2 – Information Technology Q & A
15 Panel Discussion 3 – Marketing & Development Q & A
16 Carryover Inventory & the After-Action Report
17 Closing Remarks with General Laster
Or, view all videos together in a YouTube Playlist here
