Local Event Highlights How Gamification Can Benefit Nonprofits and Communities

CLEVELAND, OHIO — Better World Day returned this year with a focus on gamification, gathering experts, educators, technologists, and high school students at Hyland Software’s modern campus to explore how integrating game elements into various sectors can drive positive change. Hosted by Leading Hands Through Technology and the Workmen’s Circle Educational Center of Ohio, the annual conference, held on October 15th, emphasized the power of technology to engage, educate, and inspire action for a better world.

Since its inception in 2016, Better World Day has aimed to connect nonprofits, educators, and tech experts to share insights on how emerging technologies can be harnessed for social good. The 2024 event continued this mission by delving into gamification, a concept that leverages game mechanics like points, badges, and leaderboards to make tasks more engaging and rewarding. “Gamification is another way for us to meet people where they are,” said Tom Neumann, Executive Director of Marketing at Cleveland Clinic. “We have a lot of people in the community who are looking for health information, and through gamification, we can make it more accessible.”

Over the years, Better World Day has attracted a range of prominent speakers and experts who have shared their insights on cutting-edge technology for social impact. Past keynotes have included Amy Neumann, a social impact tech entrepreneur who spoke on the potential of blockchain for nonprofits, and Thomas Mulready, creator of Cool Cleveland, who addressed the role of social media in driving positive change. The event has also featured leaders like John Bernatovicz, an HR and payroll entrepreneur, and Jacoby Dubose, founder of Metatopia Network, who discussed the future of the metaverse. Notable panelists have included figures such as Leon Wilson from the Cleveland Foundation, Randy Knapp from the Cleveland Sight Center, and Kim Grinfeder, Chair of the Department of Interactive Media at the University of Miami, each bringing their expertise to topics ranging from accessibility to emerging tech trends.

A talk called "So you want to be a game designer" was delivered by Jared Bendis, Creative New Media Officer at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Bendis, known for his work in game design and virtual reality, emphasized the importance of engaging younger generations. “The idea that we all have something to contribute is universal. Better World Day is about exploring what we can do that puts goodness back into the world,” he said. Bendis highlighted how tools like virtual reality and interactive media can make learning and problem-solving more immersive and effective.

The event’s theme resonated throughout Hyland Software’s campus, a fitting venue known for its emphasis on forward-thinking technology solutions. Hyland, a leader in content services, supports innovative approaches that drive digital transformation, making it an ideal setting for discussions on how gamification can be integrated into healthcare, education, and beyond.

Attendees were welcomed by Todd Packer, a board member of the Workmen’s Circle and co-creator of Better World Day. Reflecting on the event's origins, he said, “We wanted to find a way to connect nonprofits with technology experts to explore how tech can help them serve their missions more effectively. This conference allows professionals and students to learn about new tools and share ideas on how to make a positive impact.”

The panel discussion brought together industry leaders, including Jared Bendis, Tom Neumann, and Candace Benson, founder of CampTechOnline.com, who highlighted the potential of game-based learning to bridge gaps in STEM education. “what better way to engage a user than through gamification,” Benson said. Her platform combines hands-on learning with game elements, aiming to make technology more accessible and engaging, especially for young learners.

Neumann shared insights on the Cleveland Clinic’s use of gamification to promote wellness.

“We’ve developed tools like Zen Quest, an interactive experience on the Roblox platform that helps users practice mindfulness,” he explained. "It's important to us because it does help people, particularly children, to understand how to do meditation and control their breathing," said Tom. "I think when people learn how to be a little healthier, that makes for a better world for all of us."

For many, the event’s true impact was evident in the participation of local high school students. The conference welcomed students from the Cleveland area, offering them the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and explore how technology can drive social change. "Part of this is informing current professionals in the field," said Todd Packer. "But part of it is to inspire younger folks to realize, you know, technology is used in nonprofits for causing social impact, and in fact, sometimes nonprofits are actually leaders in this."

Neal Grossman, Chairman of the Board of the Workmen’s Circle Educational Center of Ohio, underscored the event’s significance for the organization’s mission. "It is a way to show that we are moving forward with the rest of the world and promoting right today," said Grossman. "We are promoting electronics through gaming. But it's to get people involved and see how our organization is moving forward with the rest of the world." Reflecting on the inclusive nature of the Workmen’s Circle, he added, "We welcome anybody at any time. Our door is always open. We try to be family to everybody who walks through our door."

This year’s event showcased how nonprofits can leverage gamification beyond educational initiatives, with examples including interactive fundraising campaigns and digital wellness programs that engage users through play to achieve real-world outcomes. Marc Majers, President of Leading Hands Through Technology and co-founder of the event, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “Better World Day, to me, means getting together technologies and people that can share ideas that we can actually build on,” said Majers.

“It’s about bringing people together and sharing topics that really, we always get an email or something that comes up that says, ‘Hey, I just learned something. I’m thinking of applying that now.’”

Since the inaugural event in 2017, which highlighted the potential of big data for nonprofits, Better World Day has explored a range of emerging technologies, including blockchain, AI, and XR. Each year, the goal is to equip organizations with the tools and knowledge to innovate and create social impact. Reflecting on the conference’s mission, Marc Majers said, “We want people to understand how to use technology, but use it to benefit others. That’s how this came about.” He added, “It’s all about bringing people together and sharing topics that really, we always get an email or something that comes up that says, ‘Hey, I just learned something. I’m thinking of applying that now.’”

With plans already in motion for next year’s conference, organizers aim to keep fostering collaboration between nonprofits, educators, and tech innovators. Todd Packer, co-creator of Better World Day, emphasized the event's long-term vision. “I think Better World Day, to me, means getting together technologies and people that can share ideas that we can actually build on,” he said. “It’s about bringing people together and sharing topics that really matter."