Four 2020 Conferences That Every Nonprofit Must Attend
There are over 60 major nonprofit conferences slated for 2020. While every conference offers its own unique theme and advice, it’s impossible for you to attend all of them, especially if you’re running a nonprofit. However, if you’re interested in listening to some of the best speakers share their experiences and inform you of the latest trends, then we have the perfect list for you.
Our list gives you the 4 best nonprofit conferences you can’t miss. These conferences will give you leading advice on marketing, fundraising, technology, storytelling, and–let’s not forget–networking. On top of that, we also provide some places of interest near the conference centers for you to venture out and explore when you have some downtime.
With that said, let’s see the 4 conferences every nonprofit must attend in 2020!
2020 ANA Nonprofit Conference
Where: Washington, D.C. from February 19-21
Cost: Non-Member & Individual: $879
At the ANA Nonprofit Conference, you will discover new marketing, fundraising, and collaboration ideas to expand your donor base and strengthen the bond between you and your donors. Over three days, you will have the opportunity to engage with new people and network with hundreds of other nonprofits. On top of all that, companies will be there exploring purpose-driven initiatives, which could help to advance your mission as well.
Place of Interest: The best spot to see all the best attractions in DC is only a few miles from the Conference Center where you can visit the National Mall and also view the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Hopefully you have enough downtime to explore the rich history in the nation’s capital.
Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC)
Where: Baltimore, MD from March 24-26
Cost: Member: $749, Non-Member: $1,049
This conference focuses on how technology has made a change in your organization, the community, and the world. Nonprofit leaders will share their personal and professional experiences on the main stage through thought-provoking presentations called Ignites. These Ignite presentations are five minutes long and highlight the obstacles organizations have had to overcome in their communities. You can also participate with your own presentation or listen and learn. Either way, you’re bound to leave with some great ideas!
Place of Interest: If you want a break from the conference, be sure to visit the Baltimore Harbor where you can view prominent ships throughout history. This includes the USS Constellation, the last sail war-ship built by the Navy, and the USS Torsk, a WWII submarine. The harbor is a ten-minute walk from the convention center.
Nonprofit Innovation & Summit (NIO) Summit
Where: Austin, TX from September 29-October 1
Cost: Standard Registration: $1,295, Standard + Pre-Summit Workshop: $1,595
The NIO Summit is the premiere conference for expanding your online fundraising skills by learning from leading experts in marketing and fundraising innovation. For two days, you will learn research-driven strategies while participating in hands-on training designed to teach you how to increase your online presence as well as your fundraising and revenue. Let’s not forget it’s one of the best conferences for networking opportunities as you’ll get a chance to meet some of the top marketers and fundraisers in the profession.
Place of Interest: If you’re a night owl, then go relax and enjoy a night on Rainey Street after an exhausting day at the conference. Rainey Street is a neighborhood of houses and bungalows that have been converted into breweries, pubs, and bars. You can listen to live music, hang out, and enjoy some drinks. They call themselves the Disneyland for adults. Cheers!
Nonprofit Storytelling Conference
Where: Chicago, IL from October 29-31
Cost: Ticket only: $595, Video only: $495, Ticket & Video: $695
This conference is one of the few that shines a light on the importance of storytelling. Here, you will learn how to communicate effectively with donors and grantors on why your mission needs funding. You can participate in StoryLabs where you can craft your organization’s story with an expert. By the end, you’ll have built a strong messaging campaign that addresses your nonprofit’s focus and explains why people should care about your cause.
Place of Interest: There’s a lot to see in Chicago between Wrigley Field, the Michigan Avenue Bridge, and Millennium Park. However, because this is a storytelling conference, you should carve out some time to visit the American Writers Museum. After spending a couple days learning to write, you can immerse yourself among some of the greatest writers to learn a thing or two and hopefully gain some inspiration!
One Final Note
While there are plenty of conferences to choose from, these four are some of the top conferences for exploring new ideas, learning about innovative technology, and getting your nonprofit’s name out there. Not only can you stay up-to-date on the latest nonprofit trends, but it offers a chance to network with new companies and organizations who you’ve probably never seen or heard of before. You will come away feeling more confident, knowing you have the tools to advance your nonprofit and accomplish your mission.
