Whether you're eager to begin writing your life story or a Guided Autobiography (GAB) instructor seeking fresh insights and professional growth, the GAB Summit 2024 offers something for everyone. This three-day FREE event brings together life writers and GAB instructors from around the world to explore, share, and celebrate the transformative power of storytelling.

For Life Writers: Uncover the Power of Your Story

If you've ever wanted to write about your life but didn't know where to start, GAB is a proven method that will guide you through the process. At the summit, you'll hear from experienced GAB instructors as they share their unique approaches to helping students like you discover the meaning and lessons within your personal history.

WHAT IS GAB?

Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a unique method for writing about your life, two-pages at a time, created by gerontologist Dr. Birren and now carried on by Dr. Cheryl Svensson at the Birren Center. There are now over 600 instructors worldwide and when you take a class with any one of them, you'll:

1. Explore Your Life Journey: Guided Autobiography helps you dive deep into your personal story, acknowledging not only the challenges you’ve faced but also the strength, resilience, and positive experiences that have shaped you. Through thoughtful prompts and structured writing, GAB empowers you to find clarity, meaning, and even healing as you reflect on your past.
2. Thrive in a Supportive Community: The GAB Summit offers a safe, non-judgmental space where your story is valued and celebrated. There’s no critiquing—just the joy of sharing, being seen, and connecting with others who are also reflecting on their lives. Whether you’ve been writing for years or are just beginning, you’ll leave feeling more confident and inspired.
3. Connect with a Like-Minded Community:
   One of the most powerful aspects of GAB is the sense of connection it fosters. At the summit, you'll join a community of fellow life writers who share your passion for storytelling and personal reflection. As you listen to others' stories and share your own, you'll forge meaningful connections with individuals who understand the value of reflecting on life's journey. These connections can lead to lasting friendships, support, and inspiration long after the summit ends.

For Instructors and Aspiring Instructors: Elevate Your Impact

For GAB instructors and those interested in becoming one, the summit offers a wealth of professional

 development opportunities – all for FREE. From marketing your classes to exploring new creative techniques and adapting GAB for diverse audiences, you'll gain valuable insights to elevate your teaching and expand your reach.

1. Learn from the Best: Hear from talented GAB instructors as they share their successful approaches to teaching life writing. Whether it’s using GAB as a form of narrative therapy or helping students build a lasting legacy and everything in between, these speakers will offer practical strategies you can implement in your own classes.
2. Expand Your Skills and Network: Attend workshops and panel discussions designed specifically for instructors. Explore ways to market and promote your GAB offerings, adapt the method to different contexts, and build thriving student communities. Connect with fellow instructors from around the globe and collaborate on ideas that will help you grow professionally.
3. Explore New Applications of GAB: Discover how GAB can be used in therapeutic settings, legacy writing, and even professional development. Whether you’re a seasoned instructor or just starting out, you’ll walk away with new tools, strategies, and connections to enhance your teaching.

Why Attend the GAB Summit?

• Inspiration for Everyone: Whether you’re writing your life story or teaching others to do the same, you’ll be inspired by the stories and insights shared throughout the event.
• Professional Growth: Instructors can learn how to market their classes, adapt GAB for new audiences, and incorporate creative techniques to make their sessions even more impactful.
• A Supportive Community: Life writers will thrive in a judgment-free space where their stories are celebrated, while instructors will benefit from networking and collaboration with peers.
• PLUS IT'S FREE!

Save the Dates: December 11-13, 2024

This is more than just a writing event—it’s a celebration of storytelling, personal growth, and professional

 development. Whether you’re attending to share your story, learn new teaching methods, or simply connect

with a global community of life writers, the GAB Summit has something for you.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Register today FOR FREE and be part of this transformative experience. Your story, your growth, your legacy—it all starts here.

NOTE: If you'd like to purchase access to the GAB Summit Video Library, you'll have the opportunity after you fill in your registration form below. Otherwise, you'll receive an email with the link to join our community and participate in the event. (If you wish to purchase the GAB Summit Video Library at a later date, you can still do that.)

About the Host & Organizer

Elizabeth Johnston

The GAB Summit is sponsored by the Birren Centre for Guided Autobiography and hosted & organized by

 Elizabeth Johnston, a certified GAB instructor with extensive experience in running summits. With over three decades of expertise in teaching story, she passionately leads the way in providing platforms for visionary leaders to share their stories, wisdom and expertise to inspire others.