bbcon 2025 - Is the investment worthwhile?

Antanella Tirone · August 15

Hi! Coming to this very late, but thought I'd share my thoughts. I was a little uncertain about whether bbcon would be worth it when I first went last year, but I am so glad that I did! I met an absolutely lovely group of ladies there that quickly became a much needed connection and wealth of information that I would not have had otherwise.

On top of that, having so many professionals around me who could help answer questions or provide their own work-arounds was a godsend for some of my data management concerns. I catered my sessions last year primarily to the data clean-up and maintenance side of things, and I came back to work the next week with a lot of renewed ideas for how to tackle our large-scale data cleaning projects that proved extremely useful. There are definitely some sessions that are going to be very salesman-like, but if that's not something you're interested in, you can certainly cater your session list to more relevant topics!

Dariel Dixon · August 15

@BrieAnna Clothier, were you able to get an opportunity to go? What did you decide?

Joan Perry · August 28

I have been to bbcon 1 x in person - and it was a great experience. Even as someone who is somewhat introverted, there were great session - large and small to participate in. Also a great opportunity to network with Blackbaud staff, vendors and other BB users - the last group probably the best part - meeting people you've seen on the community, online or on webinars.

Really hoped to attend in person this year with my points - plus a chance to get "back home to Philly" - but our budget was too tight for the travel costs. Hopefully next year.

Veronica Adams · September 15

Hi - I am a bit late to the discussion but thought I would chime in.

I am a total introvert who has been going to BBCON for more years then I can count. Last year I changed it up and went to a different conference but didn't enjoy it as much as BBCON.

There are so many sessions to choose from that you will surely find ones that pertain to your organization or job. This year the pre-conference offerings are focused on NXT so I will be attending those.

The marketplace is a lot of fun and even as an introvert I enjoy talking to the vendors and getting some goodies as well.

I usually end up keeping to myself at the conference. My hubby tags along and meets me for lunch so I can decompress before the afternoon sessions. I bring a book with me to read during breaks as there is a lot of places to sit a chill out between sessions. But I have enjoyed speaking with others too.

I hope you are coming this year. I will say hi!