Conferences Are A Must For The Fundraising Professional

Last week I was at the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) Annual International Conference in the great city of Chicago. 

I have to admit that the energy in Chicago was electric because their beloved Cubs made it to the World Series.  More importantly it was so wonderful to see many of our clients at the conference, as well as discuss our various Target Analytics solutions, provide demonstrations of ResearchPoint, and simply have a chance to say “hello” to so many people that I am acquainted with over the 21 years I’ve been in the fundraising industry. 

I feel that nonprofit professionals get the same experience in coming to these conferences by spending time with colleagues and gathering ideas that they can take back to their nonprofits, while at the same time getting to know others in their specific nonprofit space.  I also think that professional development for each participant is important. 

As a Target Analytics consultant serving the nonprofit space, I made it a priority to attend a couple breakout sessions and found these presentations tremendously insightful, providing both a learning and networking opportunity.
 
I attended a session on starting a gift planning program at a nonprofit (in the healthcare sector of course), as well as how to structure or even restructure your Foundation board to be as effective as possible for both the nonprofit’s fundraising efforts and the board member. 

What a fantastic experience it was to hear colleagues in the industry share their expertise and also what they are passionate about.  Plus I believe strongly in keeping up with topics that are relevant to the clients that Target Analytics serves. 

This is paramount for me as a professional so that I can continue to provide strategic guidance on utilizing our analytics solutions, creatring a win-win for our customers and for Blackbaud.  Wouldn't you like to create a similar win-win for your organization?
 
So… if the opportunity arises for you to attend a conference, whether it be an international one or a local one, by all means – PLEASE GO.  It gives everyone involved perspective, insight, knowledge, and friendships that will last a lifetime!  

As an additional note for our Target Analytics Community members, and as both coincidence and luck would have it, this week's npEngage posting is about professional development.  This posting by NTEN’s CEO Amy Sample Ward is entitled, "New Report Shows How to Take Your Professional Development Into Your Own Hands.” The approach Amy outlined in this blog is “informed by new research, which found that nonprofits find great value in online learning. We recently partnered with Cornerstone Foundation to publish a report investigating the way nonprofits use technology to support education—internally with staff, board, and volunteers, as well as with external constituents. Here are a few key findings and what they mean for the ways your organization could support your ongoing learning.” Hope that our TA Community members find this resource to be a helpful!

What other resources do you find helpful? What are some of your favorite conferences? Let us know below!