GP&E Leadership Summit 2026: Conversations That Shape the Future

Not far from Black Rock City, where the pavement gives way to dust and blue sky, GP&E leadership gathered in Gerlach this past weekend for our annual summit. The summit was planned with clear goals and intentions, and the team arrived enthusiastic, ready to be present, to listen, and to map out the path ahead together.

In Gerlach, outside personal concerns take a back seat. Near the desert, distractions disappear, and purpose, shared mission, and connection take the front seat. The team came together not just to plan, but also to reconnect. Meals were prepared together and shared, and stories were exchanged. A highlight was Saturday’s fabulous dinner prepared by Allen. Throughout the summit, the common theme was: how do we do this work better, together?

The weekend offered the space for constructive conversations about what matters most. The MaGPiE guided a department-wide vision and goals session, where leaders were encouraged to reflect on where GP&E is headed and how each part contributes to the whole. Each sub-department was also given the opportunity to share updates, offering a clearer picture of progress, challenges, and opportunities across the teams.

Task force conversations added depth, spotlighting focused efforts already in progress, while discussions around training highlighted the important role GP&E plays not only internally, but also to the outside world. Throughout the weekend, honest and necessary dialogue around recruitment and retention was also had. The team understands that volunteers are critical to GP&E’s success and brainstormed how we attract new volunteers, how we support them, and how we create an environment where they want to stay, grow, and contribute.

Leaders also spent time on weather contingency planning, connecting big picture thinking in the real conditions of the desert environment. Additionally, they reviewed powerful visuals and photos of GP&E in action, moments that served as both a reflection and reminder of the impact already unfolding on playa. There were also thoughtful discussions around fundraising, exploring how to sustain and grow the work ahead.

With a look at the next Burns volunteer scheduling technology, the group took part in a Volunteeripate platform overview and training demo. The goal was to build a shared understanding of the tool that will allow participation to happen at scale. The conversations were lively and were shaped by experience, curiosity, and a genuine willingness to challenge assumptions.

Some of the most meaningful moments weren’t around a table. They happened under the open desert sky, gathered for a moonrise over the playa, where conversation softened, and perspective widened. They happened during a GP&E Saloon takeover, where laughter, storytelling, and a bit of dust-filled camaraderies reminded everyone that culture is built in the in-between moments. This is where teams became stronger, not just aligned, but connected.

As the summit came to a close, the desert remained as it always does, quiet, expansive, unchanged. But the GP&E team left carrying something with them: clearer alignment, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose. The work ahead will demand adaptability, creativity, and resilience. This gathering helped ensure GP&E is ready, not just as individuals, but as a collective.

We transitioned into work week and began with loading the Shit Wagon onto a trailer to be resuscitated in Reno. Look for further updates as we try to prep for TTITD. Looking forward to playing in the dust with all of you.
If you want to be part of this dynamic, fun group, watch for jobs listed on gate-announce@burningman.org and sign up to volunteer by indicating GP&E on the Volunteer Questionnaire by checking the appropriate box. Our Volunteer Coordinator will email you with more information.