Here at Wanna Pixel, we love nonprofits. We love the good work that they’re up to in their communities and around the globe, and we love to partner with them. There’s nothing more satisfying to us than seeing our nonprofit friends thrive in their valiant efforts to make a difference.
One way to grow your organization is by attending a nonprofit conference specially designed for areas where your nonprofit needs a little boost. But how do you choose which one will be worth your while?
We know that your time and resources are often limited, and investing in a nonprofit conference can be a big decision. So we’ve compiled our list of the top 10 conferences for 2018 and 2019.
Things to Consider Before Signing Up
Research if this conference is worth it
Ask the question, “In what areas does our nonprofit need to grow?” Then check the conference website to find out what breakout sessions are offered, who the speakers are and what topics they are covering, and what other nonprofits or organizations typically attend.
You can even go on social media and research hashtags from the previous years’ conferences to see what attendees had to say.
Know your budget
Most nonprofits don’t have unlimited resources to attend every nonprofit conference under that sun. So sit down with your team and take a close look at your budget. Determine how much you can dedicate to nonprofit conferences for the year so you know what you’re working with when making decisions.
Save on conference rates
Many conferences have an early-bird special, discounting their rates for those who sign up early. You can also often get discounts for signing up as a group. Group rates are cheaper per person, making your money go further.
Networking is key
When else do you get to be in the same room as so many world changers than when you attend a nonprofit conference? Take advantage of this opportunity. Be encouraged by other nonprofit leaders, and take the time to encourage them.
Get to know the experts who come to present. Ask them questions and glean from their wisdom. Invite them to come see the good work that your nonprofit is up to and meet the rest of your team. You never know what will come from these connections.
Let’s Get to the Conferences
One: DigiMarCon East & West
As a tech company, we’re all about incorporating digital marketing into a nonprofit’s strategy. Keeping up with rapidly changing technology trends is important to stay in the game. If you’re looking for a technology boost for your nonprofit, check out DigiMarCon. You’ll learn all about building traffic, expanding brand awareness, improving lead generation, and gaining insight into today’s technology tools.
East
When: May 10-11
Where: New York City
West
When: June 13-14
Where: Los Angeles
Two: The Collaborative
Hosted by Classy, this conference brings together today’s nonprofit changemakers to share ideas and solutions to address some of the world’s toughest issues. The Collaborative will give you the energy, takeaways, and strategies you need to accelerate change as you work to do good in your nonprofit’s sector.
When: June 12-14
Where: Boston
Three: Annual Conference for Donor Relations Professionals
Development work is crucial to your nonprofit’s success. Without it, you wouldn’t have the funds or partnerships that help you do the good work that you do. Attend this conference and get ready for your development team to be challenged and inspired to think more creatively, strategically, and collaboratively about how best to steward your nonprofit’s donors.
When: June 25-27
Where: Washington, D.C.
Four: AMA Nonprofit Marketing Conference
The American Marketing Association knows that nonprofits are usually working with limited budgets when it comes to marketing. They want to help you reach a bigger audience on a smaller budget. Learn from industry experts about how to make the most of your nonprofit’s marketing budget, making a bigger impact for your cause.
When: July 16-18
Where: Washington, D.C.
Five: Nonprofit Learning Labs’ Nonprofit Institute
Take your nonprofit to the next level with the Nonprofit Learning Labs’ Nonprofit Institute. The Nonprofit Institute will help you connect with other nonprofit professionals in your area and offer training on relevant topics like fundraising, board development, volunteer management, social media, marketing, and more.
When: September 13
Where: Philadelphia
Six: The 2018 Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization Summit
If you’re a nonprofit looking to grow your online fundraising, this conference is for you. You’ll network with and learn from a community of nonprofit fundraisers and marketers who are working to provide the most innovative solutions and strategies to help you grow your nonprofit’s revenue.
When: September 27-28
Where: San Antonio
Seven: COMNET18
Join with 800 of your changemaking peers at the Comnet conference in San Francisco. Learn from and share with some of the top leaders who are working to build a better world through strategic communication in the nonprofit and foundation sector.
When: October 10-12
Where: San Francisco
Eight: Nonprofit Storytelling Conference
How can you tell more effective, inspiring stories about your nonprofit? Stories are what draw people into your cause and help them understand what you actually do. People are 22 times more likely to remember a story than a statistic. If you are involved in any sort of storytelling for your nonprofit (donor relations, social media, website, events, sponsorship, major gifts, etc.), this is a conference you won’t want to miss!
When: October 15-17
Where: Orlando
Nine: Cause Camp
You don’t want to miss Cause Camp in 2019, so we want to help you get ahead of the game. Although dates for 2019 aren’t yet set, you can sign up to receive conference updates so you’re the first to know when details are in place. Put on by Nonprofit Hub, this conference brings hundreds of nonprofit professionals together, inspiring them to create more change and better their organizations. You’ll be equipped with the tools you need to create change in your nonprofit and beyond.
When: 2019 dates to be set
Where: TBD
Ten: Nonprofit Technology Conference
Another not-to-miss conference that happens annually is the Nonprofit Technology Conference. As technology continues to grow and change, affecting both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, it’s important to keep up with all that technology has to offer. After all, technology is a multiplier of the good work that you do! If you’re looking to stay up-to-date on all things technology-related for your nonprofit, this is the conference for you!
When: 2019 dates to be set
Where: TBD
We hope this list gives you a head start into choosing the right event for your nonprofit. If you’ve already attended one of these, drop us a line and let us know how your experience was or if you have other nonprofit events to recommend. We’d love to hear from you!
