If there's one thing that stood out at bbdevdays 2026, it's that organizations are finding new ways to extend Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT® to meet their specific needs. Some are automating manual processes. Others are building more sophisticated reporting, surfacing constituent intelligence, or creating customized experiences that fit their unique workflows.
With more than 20 sessions focused on Raiser's Edge NXT, deciding what to watch can be overwhelming. To help, we've curated five sessions based on the types of roles commonly found across advancement teams. Whether you're managing data, supporting fundraisers, building reports, or exploring new ways to work more efficiently, there's something here for you!
For the Database Manager: Automate the Work No One Wants to Do
Database managers are often responsible for keeping operations running smoothly while balancing an endless list of manual tasks and requests. In this Golden Ticket-winning session, Shelby Lewis, Hallie Guiseppe, Dan Snyder, and Nicole Holt share a collection of real-world automation examples from across nonprofit operations.
Rather than focusing on a single workflow, the session highlights multiple ways organizations are using Microsoft’s Power Automate and Raiser's Edge NXT to reduce manual effort, improve consistency, and create more sustainable processes. The result is a practical showcase of what's possible when automation becomes part of your everyday toolkit.
Why watch: You'll leave with practical ideas you can implement to reduce manual effort and create more sustainable processes.
Watch: Power Up Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT®: Automation Strategies That Level You Up
For Advancement Services: Build Better Reporting and Analytics
Advancement services teams are increasingly being asked to do more than produce reports—they're expected to deliver insights. One of the highest-rated reporting sessions at bbdevdays 2026, this presentation explores how organizations are using Microsoft Power BI with Raiser's Edge NXT® to create more meaningful, actionable reporting experiences.
Why watch: Learn how peers are modernizing reporting and helping stakeholders make better fundraising decisions with data.
Watch: Power BI Best Practices for Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT® Reporting
For Fundraisers and Prospect Researchers: Put Better Information at Your Fingertips
Every fundraiser wants to walk into a donor conversation better prepared. This session demonstrates how organizations can combine Raiser's Edge NXT data, automation, and external news sources to surface relevant constituent insights automatically. Rather than spending valuable time gathering information from multiple systems, fundraisers can receive curated intelligence designed to support stronger donor engagement.
Why watch: See how automation can help fundraisers spend less time researching and more time building relationships.
Watch: Automating Constituent Insights with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT®, News Sources, and Power Automate
For Power Users: Make Raiser's Edge NXT Work the Way You Work
No two organizations operate exactly the same way. That's what makes this Golden Ticket-winning session so compelling. Alex Wong demonstrates how SKY Add-ins can bring custom experiences directly into Raiser's Edge NXT, from embedded dashboards and applications to workflows designed around the way your team works. Rather than adapting your processes to fit the technology, you'll see examples of how organizations are extending Raiser's Edge NXT to better support their goals and day-to-day operations.
Why watch: Discover how organizations are tailoring Raiser's Edge NXT® to fit the unique needs of their teams and constituents.
Watch: Making Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT® Your Own: A Hands-On Demo of SKY Add-in Customizations
For Innovators: Connect the Systems That Matter Most
Many nonprofits rely on a growing collection of technology solutions. This session explores how organizations can use SKY API to connect systems, streamline processes, and reduce duplicate work. Even if you're not a developer, the session provides a useful look at what's possible when your technology ecosystem works together rather than operating in silos.
Why watch: Gain a better understanding of how integrations can improve efficiency, data quality, and user experiences across your organization.
Watch: Developing an Event Integration Using SKY API
What's Your Next Step?
One theme appeared again and again throughout bbdevdays 2026: organizations are moving beyond simply using Raiser's Edge NXT as a system of record. They're automating processes, building analytics, creating custom experiences, and connecting systems to personalize their use of Raiser’s Edge NXT to better support their specific mission needs. These five sessions offer a starting point for that journey—regardless of where you sit within your organization or where you are on your developer journey.
