Let’s face it, as a professional working to change the world in the nonprofit sector, you can only do so much. You have limited time, resources, and staff to accomplish the good work that you do. Taking time away to attend a conference means pulling from all of these areas, so it better be worth it!
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! We love nonprofits—and even more, we love the good work that you’re up to in your communities and around the globe. So we’ve compiled a list of 10 conferences for 2017 and early 2018 that we think are worth your while.
Since conferences require an investment of both time and money, here are a few questions to ask yourself when choosing the right one for you:
In what area does your nonprofit need to grow?
If you’re unsure, talk to one of your board members or take a poll from your staff. This will help you determine what sort of conference you should be looking for.
Are there networking opportunities?
Your network is one of your most valuable assets for exchanging ideas and resources, and collaborating to maximize your impact.
How much is this going to cost me?
You have a limited amount of funds, so as you plan your budget, be sure to factor in some training and conferences to help your organization grow. Some conferences are starting to have digital attendance options, bringing the cost down so more members can benefit.
Check out our recommendations:
one: Digimarcon
Digimarcon (June 14-15, 2017 in Santa Monica, California): As a tech company, we’re all about incorporating digital marketing into non-profits 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 customer service, and more.
- Online attendance option: Yes
- Location: Multiple cities and dates
two: Fundraising Day In New York
Fundraising Day In New York (June 23, 2017): Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, this is the largest one-day conference in the world on philanthropic topics. You’ll sharpen your skills, stretch your imagination, and be inspired to reach for new heights when it comes to funding the good work that you do.
- Online attendance option: No
- Location: New York
three: Annual Conference for Donor Relations Professionals
Annual Conference for Donor Relations Professionals (June 28-30, 2017): Fundraising is one of the hardest parts of the good work that you do. If you’re looking for donor relations best practices, tips, and inspiration, or want to collaborate with other development-minded professionals, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
- Online attendance option: No
- Location: Chicago
four: AMA Nonprofit Marketing Conference
AMA Nonprofit Marketing Conference (July 10-12, 2017): We know that having a big impact on a small budget can be challenging, that’s why we recommend joining the American Marketing Association’s Conference this July. You’ll learn how to maximize your marketing budget and multiply your impact.
- Online attendance option: No
- Location: Washington, D.C.
five: YNPN National Conference
YNPN National Conference (August 11-14, 2017): This conference is especially for today’s young nonprofit leaders. Collaborate and be inspired by your time spent with other young professionals from around the county. Grow in your own leadership, learn about new tools, techniques, and strategies to help in your nonprofit professional career.
- Online attendance option: No
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
six: Nonprofit Tech Roundup – Regional Conference
Nonprofit Tech Roundup Conference (September 8-9, 2017 in Albuquerque, New Mexico): Here’s another technology conference chock full of today’s tech tips and innovations. Offering a huge opportunity for your nonprofit to expand its knowledge and technology efforts, you’ll collaborate, innovate, and discover new ways to create change in your sector.
- Online attendance option: No
- Location: multiple cities & dates
seven: Nonprofit Institute
Nonprofit Institute (September 13, 2017, in Philadelphia): Take your nonprofit to the next level. Events 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.
- Online attendance option: No
- Location: multiple cities & dates
eight: Annual ADRP International Conference
Annual ADRP International Conference (September 26-28, 2017): This is the largest international conference dedicated to donor relations, and it shows. This conference is filled with incredible speakers and focuses on helpful topics for development professionals. Whether you’re just starting out in your donor relations strategy or a seasoned expert, this is a conference you won’t want to miss!
- Online attendance option: No
- Location: Las Vegas
nine: Annual Conference for Grant Professionals
Annual Conference for Grant Professionals (November 8-11, 2017): Grant writing can feel pretty puzzling at times; you need to find the perfect fit to receive funding. Are you looking to deepen your nonprofit’s understanding of grant writing and management? Let this conference help you find your groove in the grant writing sector.
- Online attendance option: No
- Location: San Diego, California
ten: Nonprofit Storytelling Conference
Nonprofit Storytelling Conference (November 9-11, 2017): Numbers and statistics won’t do the trick when it comes to fundraising. People respond to stories of the real-life impact of the good work that your nonprofit is doing. Learn the ins and outs of good storytelling and what motivate others to give and get involved in your cause.
- Online attendance option: Yes, video recording of all conference sessions, and resources are offered through registration
- Location: San Diego, California
2018 Events
eleven: Cause Camp
Cause Camp (2018 dates not yet set): Although dates for 2018 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.
- Online attendance option: Yes
- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
twelve: Nonprofit Day Conference
Nonprofit Day Conference (March 9, 2018): Put on by the Nonprofit Center for Excellence, this one-day event will inspire attendees with idea-sharing, networking opportunities, and sessions on leadership development, storytelling, risk management, volunteer engagement, and more to help build your nonprofit’s capacity and multiply your impact.
- Online attendance option: No
- Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
