Ten years ago, Strong was invited to sponsor a new Dallas-based YPO Gold chapter known as Maverick. That invitation kicked off one of the most creatively rewarding and enduring client relationships in our agency's history.
About YPO Gold
YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) is a global leadership community for chief executives who have achieved significant leadership success at a young age. Members participate in the organization to develop as leaders and people through peer learning, networking, and access to thought leaders.
There are over 450 chapters of YPO worldwide, across more than 150 countries. In larger cities such as Dallas, it is not uncommon to find more than one YPO chapter.
One of the criteria for YPO membership is that a person must be age 45 or younger to apply. Once an applicant becomes a member, he or she may stay in their YPO chapter until they approach age 50, at which time they become eligible for membership in the next tier of YPO, known as YPO Gold.
How our YPO Gold Maverick relationship began
In the early days, the over-50 membership tier was referred to as WPO – it’s since changed to YPO Gold. But in 2015, a client and friend who was a leader in a Dallas's WPO "Maverick" chapter invited us to participate as a sponsor. "Trust me,” he said. “You’ll never regret this."
He was right. Since that first year, the relationship has become deeply important to Strong—not only in terms of the work, but the people and culture we get to engage with.
Our sponsorship includes a contribution of in-kind creative services. Through this, we help brand and promote the chapter’s annual series of events, tied together in what’s known as a “Learning Year.”
Learning Years: the launchpad for creativity
Each year, YPO Gold Maverick’s Learning Year agenda begins each September and ends in May. Learning Years are centered on high-level personal and professional growth. Members attend curated events with renowned speakers, thought-provoking themes, and immersive content across topics like business, health, science, culture, geopolitics, and personal relationships.
The calendar also includes chapter trips, smaller social gatherings, and unforgettable one-off experiences.
Our role: developing the learning year experience
Every Learning Year has a theme, and that’s where we come in. We work with each incoming Learning Officer to develop a theme that captures the spirit of their agenda.
Sometimes it starts with merely a single phrase or a rough concept. From there, we help shape it into a full creative identity — then build out all the visual assets needed to bring the theme to life. Typical Learning Year deliverables include:
• Event calendars
• Invitations (print + digital)
• Theme launch videos
• Email graphics
• Presentation decks
• Branded items
• Trip materials (maps, agendas)
• Table tents, banners, and more
Example Learning Year themes
Some of the creative themes we've helped develop include:
Bonding
- a James Bond-inspired adventure theme
FACTs
- Food, Art, Culture, Traditions
What the Heck??
- a playful blend of the eclectic and unexpected)
On the Edge
- staying sharp by undertaking new challenges and adventures)
Roll with it, Baby
- a fun and whimsical take navigating post-COVID life)
Party Like It’s 2080
- a nod to medical advances that are extending the average human lifespan
Some invitations have been playful and tactile — like a hand-made maze for an event on the mysteries of love — while others have been bold and immersive, like teaser videos and illustrated guides.
Each year, we aim to craft something entirely new that captures both the uniqueness of the events and the personality of that year’s Learning Officer. Best of all, most officers give us total creative freedom — and we make the most of it.
10 years, 500+ deliverables, and countless memories
Over the past decade, we’ve created more than 500 assets for the chapter. Each piece is designed to inform, excite, and engage — reinforcing the Maverick chapter's reputation for being one of the most dynamic and active in the YPO community.
What does the chapter think?
Year after year, the feedback from both Learning Year chairs and chapter members alike has made these initiatives all the more rewarding. Here are just a few of the comments we’ve collected:
"The materials looked amazing and I'm getting a lot of positive feedback from people who have seen what we're doing. Really appreciate all the hard work."
"I’m sitting at my desk looking at our September invitation. WOW! It looks awesome! You guys did a great job capturing the essence of the evening."
I want to express our appreciation for your partnership with our Chapter. We look forward to our continued relationship, and appreciate all your creative pizzazz. Many, many thanks!
"Thanks for doing such a great job on the trip guides! They look terrific."
Why it matters
The work we do for YPO Gold Maverick has never been about just making things look good. It’s about helping shape an experience. It’s about honoring the effort these leaders put into organizing meaningful, memorable events — and helping their vision come to life.
The returns have been immense: long-term friendships, new business relationships, and invaluable guidance from some of Dallas’ most accomplished leaders.
We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created together. And we’re just as excited for what comes next.
Thank you, YPO Gold Maverick!
Here’s to the next 10 years of bold ideas and unforgettable adventures.