Community All-Star Sunshine Reinken Watson Shares the Benefits of Being a bbcon Speaker

Call for Speakers for bbcon 2025 in Philadelphia is now open. If you need some inspiration, read about one All-Star's experience being a speaker.Blog written by Sunshine Reinken Watson, Consultant, Barker and Scott







While I have become a seasoned speaker and panelist at bbcon, I still remember the jitters I had at my first session five years ago.



If you are ready to pass on some wisdom, I highly recommend teaming up with another community member or two to submit a proposal to speak at bbcon together this year.



Need some inspiration? We are sharing ideas about what topics would be good for submission in the bbcon community!



bbcon is a great learning and professional development experience. The insights I gain from the sessions and connections I make help elevate my current skills and expand my understanding of new possibilities. Being a speaker enhances the experience, as I gain valuable knowledge through the preparation process with my fellow speakers and the engagement of the attendees during the session.



Last year, I was a panelist for part 1 of "Ask the Super Users: Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT® User Panel 3.0" (Parts 1 & 2)" with Carlene Johnson, Consultant, Next Level Services LLC; Dan Snyder, Director of Advancement Services, Bennington College; Amy Barker, Database Administrator, Pine Street Inn; Maya Rosman, Senior Manager of Program and Systems, Wake Tech Foundation; Austen Brown, Consultant, Prenger Solutions; and Heather MacKenzie, Data Systems Administrator, Crystal Springs Uplands School.



This session was energizing and affirming for the speakers and the attendees alike. We answered a variety of questions, including questions about Raiser’s Edge NXT workflows, automation ideas, learning to use web view, soliciting lapsed donors, and more. Our slides include a list of favorite vendors and resources. As always, I learned so much from my fellow panelists and audience members during each session.



If you want to ask any questions about this year's call for speakers, I'll be doing a Ask an All-Star discussion series with fellow All-Star Carlene Johnson in the bbcon community on February 11-13th. Come with your questions!



Ready to submit your session? Click here!