Facing Conference Fatigue—And Doing the Opposite
Let’s address the elephant in the convention hall. The education sector is exhausted by template-driven events promising “networking” and “learning,” only to provide endless slides and superficial encounters. By the end, what do most gain? If the answer is unclear, the format has failed.
TOC has lived this—then consciously decided to break the mould. We have engineered “The Third Weave” as the antithesis of conference clutter.
Attendance is invitation-only, and every person is confirmed for active participation.
The event has been curated into thematic threads—formats and physical spaces provoke dialogue, not monologue.
Networking isn’t a side effect. It is baked into the structure, allowing sponsors and participants to engage with a genuinely invested audience.
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Celebrating Community & Collaboration
Now in their second year, the TOC Awards return to The Third Weave celebrating the heart of The Outreach Collective: its members.
These awards are not about hierarchy or headlines; they are about community. They honour TOC members whose commitment, creativity, and collaboration have left a mark on peers, on practice, and on the larger purpose we all serve. Each recognition is a reflection of what makes TOC distinct: a network that learns together, builds together, and grows stronger through shared intent. Because the highest form of recognition is the one that comes from those who walk alongside you.
Join us at The Third Weave 2025 as we celebrate our own the members who remind us why community is, and will always be, the catalyst for change.
Collaboration Catalyst
This award honors members who have demonstrated exceptional initiative in fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups within the Outreach collective. Recipients are recognized for their ability to bridge gaps, facilitate meaningful partnerships, and create synergies across different sectors of the collective. Their efforts have resulted in enhanced communication, shared resources, and innovative projects that leverage the strengths of various groups, ultimately advancing the collective's mission and impact.
Advocacy Champion
This award celebrates individuals or organizations who have made significant efforts to advocate for the importance of Professional Development and Collaboration within the Outreach collective. Recipients are recognized for their passionate promotion of these core values, their ability to influence policy and practice, and their success in raising awareness about the critical role of continuous learning and teamwork in professional growth. Their advocacy has inspired others and contributed to a culture of excellence and cooperation within the collective.
Outstanding Contributor: Independent Counselor
This award recognizes the most contributive Independent counsellor member within the Outreach collective. It honors a professional who has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, expertise, and impact in their role. The recipient has made significant contributions to student success, implemented innovative counselling strategies, and actively shared their knowledge with peers. Their work has not only benefited their student and parent community but has also elevated the standards of counseling within the collective.
Best Emerging Independent Counselor
This award recognizes an up-and-coming independent counselor who has shown exceptional promise and impact in their early career within the Outreach collective. The recipient demonstrates innovative approaches, a strong commitment to professional growth, and a notable positive influence on their clients. Despite being relatively new to the field, this counselor has already made significant contributions, setting high standards and showing potential for long-term success in independent counseling.
Outstanding Innovation in Independent Counselling Practices
This award honors an independent counselor who has introduced groundbreaking practices or tools that significantly advance the field of independent counselling. The recipient has developed and implemented innovative approaches that enhance client outcomes, improve counselling efficiency, or address unique challenges in the profession. Their innovation demonstrates creativity, effectiveness, and the potential to inspire widespread adoption within the Outreach collective and beyond, ultimately elevating the standards of independent counselling.
Outstanding Contributor: Solution Architect
This award recognizes a solution architect who has made exceptional contributions to the Outreach collective. The recipient consistently shares their knowledge and experiences with the Collective. Their work has positively impacted members and fostered learning.
Best Emerging Solution Architect
This award celebrates a relatively new solution architect who has quickly made a significant impact. The recipient shows remarkable potential, innovative approaches, and a strong commitment to meeting the evolving needs of K-12 & Higher-Ed. Their fresh perspective and rapid growth have already begun to impact the Education Landscape and they show great promise of innovation and growth.
Best Experiential Learning Company
This award honors a company that excels in providing transformative experiential learning opportunities. The recipient offers innovative, impactful programs that enhance skills, broaden perspectives, and foster personal growth among participants. Their offerings significantly contribute to the professional development of Outreach collective members through hands-on, immersive experiences.
Outstanding Impact in K-12/Higher Ed Services
This award recognizes a solution architect who has made a substantial impact for a sustained period of time in either K-12 or higher education sectors, or both. The recipient's services have demonstrably improved educational outcomes, enhanced institutional effectiveness, or introduced innovative solutions to critical challenges in education. Their work has significantly benefited students, educators, or institutions.
Outstanding Innovation in Outreach - India
This award recognizes a University Outreach Professional that has introduced innovative outreach strategies for an Indian University. The recipient's work has significantly enhanced engagement, expanded reach, or improved the effectiveness of outreach efforts within India. Their innovation addresses unique local challenges and opportunities, setting new benchmarks for outreach in the Indian education landscape.
Outstanding Innovation in Outreach - International
This award recognizes a University Outreach Professional that has introduced innovative outreach strategies for an International University. The recipient has developed creative strategies to enhance international engagement and foster cross-cultural collaborations. Their work demonstrates a deep understanding of diverse international contexts and has successfully bridged cultural and geographical boundaries in educational outreach.
Outstanding Contributor: University Professional
This award honors a university professional who has made exceptional contributions to the Outreach collective. The recipient consistently shares knowledge and insights and supports other members. They demonstrate leadership in fostering collaborations. Their work significantly benefits all stakeholders stakeholders and the broader Outreach community.
Outstanding Contributor: School Counsellor
This award recognizes the most contributive school counsellor member within the Outreach collective. It honors a professional who has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, expertise, and impact in their role. The recipient has made significant contributions to student success, implemented innovative counselling strategies, and actively shared their knowledge with peers. Their work has not only benefited their school community but has also elevated the standards of school counselling within the collective.
Outstanding Innovation in College Counselling & Guidance Practices
This award celebrates groundbreaking approaches in college counselling and guidance within the Outreach collective. It recognizes individuals or teams who have developed and implemented innovative practices that significantly enhance the college counselling process in their School. The recipient's innovation has demonstrably improved student outcomes, streamlined processes, or introduced new tools or methodologies that have the potential to transform the field of college counseling and guidance in their Institution.
Award Nomination Information
Important Dates
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Nominations Open: November 10th, 2025
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Nominations Close: November 20th, 2025
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Nominee Announcements: November 24th, 2025
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Voting Opens: November 24th, 2025
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Voting Closes: December 4th, 2025
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Awards: Dec 20th, 2025
Nomination Rules
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Nominees must be members of The Outreach Collective for the year 2025-26
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Members can nominate themselves or other members
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A single member will qualify for nominations for only up to 3 categories overall. In case a member has been nominated for more than 3 categories, it is the TOC team's discretion to decide which 3 categories they are most suitable to be nominated in based on the information provided in the nomination forms
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Award winners for all Member voted categories will be solely decided based on number of member votes