Jack Karako is a guest contributor for Nonprofit Hub. Jack has 30 years’ experience within the charitable and philanthropic industry that he brings to the forefront with IMPACTism. Jack has been a major gifts fundraiser and senior organizational executive working with or consulting to nonprofit and advocacy organizations.
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As a nonprofit professional, it is in your best interest to take advantage of all of the resources at your disposal. However, in-house training can only go so far. While you can learn a lot from your colleagues, it helps to get out of the office every now and again to acquire a fresh perspective on the challenges you face on a daily basis.
Luckily, there is no shortage of conferences out there for nonprofit professionals. With conferences being held across the U.S. and around the world, you and your team will be able to learn how to more effectively lead your nonprofit and interact with donors.
Here are the five nonprofit conferences you can’t miss out on next year. For more conferences, check out this list of nearly 100 opportunities for nonprofit professionals to get together.
1. Cause Camp 2016
Cause Camp 2016, hosted by Nonprofit Hub, will be held on April 7th and 8th at the Innovation Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska. While the price and registration deadlines are yet to be determined, participants of Cause Camp 2016 can expect to expand their knowledge of fundraising, nonprofit marketing and more.
Past conferences have touched on topics such as:
- Web content strategies
- Social media
- Donor relations
- Video storytelling
- Volunteer management
If you can’t make it to Lincoln, Cause Camp 2016 will also have an online component. However you choose to attend, Cause Camp 2016 will help you and your team learn more about transforming your nonprofit’s game plan and making the most out of your fundraising and marketing efforts.
Follow Nonprofit Hub on Twitter and use the hashtag #CauseCamp to stay in the loop. Like Nonprofit Hub on Facebook.
2. INBOUND 2016
INBOUND 2016, sponsored by Hubspot, will be hosted in Boston, Massachusetts and will run from November 8th to the 11th. In the past, thousands of nonprofit and corporate professionals have convened in person and online to learn more about the tools and resources that they can use to develop their marketing and sales skills.
Past INBOUND conferences have covered many topics including:
- Digital business
- Innovation
- Social media strategies
- Data
- Corporate culture
INBOUND educates participants through the use of keynote speakers, bold talks and spotlights. Past conference speakers have included celebrities like comedians Amy Schumer and Aziz Ansari in addition to prominent business leaders such as Sophia Amoruso, founder and owner of Nastygal, and Jonah Peretti, co-founder and CEO of Buzzfeed.
Follow Hubspot on Twitter and use the hashtag #INBOUND16 to follow the news. Like Hubspot on Facebook.
3. Social Good Tech Week
Social Good Tech Week’s official date is yet to be determined, but it will be held in the spring of next year in San Francisco. While prices and deadlines have yet to be set, Social Good Tech Week will likely play host to nearly 1,000 nonprofit leaders and startups who want to learn more about harnessing technology as a force for good in their communities.
Past conferences have featured:
- Workshops
- Bike rides
- Keynote speeches
- Q&A panels
- Breakout sessions
Last year’s Social Good Tech Week covered topics ranging from big data and health technology to entrepreneurship and social media. Speakers and networking sessions help participants learn how organizations and technology are making a global impact.
Follow Social Good Tech Week on Twitter. Like Social Good Tech Week on Facebook.
4. International Fundraising Conference
Do you and your team need to learn how to more effectively raise money for your organization? You should think about attending the International Fundraising Conference hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Boston, Massachusetts. The three day conference will take place from March 20th to the 22nd and is for nonprofit professionals and individuals interested in philanthropy and fundraising.
Participants of the International Fundraising Conference can attend a variety of educational sessions that will look at:
- Social media
- Donor communication
- U.S. public policy
- Behavioral economics
Attendees can also attend optional workshops and networking events to connect with other professionals and vendors that cater specifically to nonprofits. Thousands of nonprofit professionals and fundraisers have benefited from the useful sessions and events at the International Fundraising Conference.
Follow the Association of Fundraising Professionals on Twitter and use the hashtag #afpfc to follow news about the conference. Like the AFP on Facebook.
Before you go to the International Fundraising Conference, brush up on your fundraising ideas.
5. Independent Sector National Conference
The Independent Sector’s National Conference will be held from November 16th through the 18th in Washington, D.C. Each year, the conference brings together the brightest minds who are committed to the common good of their communities.
Past conferences have covered a wide range of topics, including anything from environmental degradation to ethnic diversity in leadership. CEOs of foundations, nonprofit professionals and business leaders can all benefit from the dozens of sessions that feature thought leaders who want to solve the world’s toughest issues.
In addition, speakers will talk about:
- Technology
- Social change
- Corporate social responsibility
- Diversity
- Leadership
Participants will get a chance to gain fresh perspectives from other colleagues and network with their peers in a variety of settings.
Follow the Independent Sector on Twitter. Like the Independent Sector on Facebook.
To prepare for the Independent Sector’s National Conference, check out DonorPro’s nonprofit management tips.
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There are so many nonprofit conferences that you and your team can attend in order to gain a new perspective on nonprofit management, fundraising, philanthropy and any topic in between. When you’re starting to feel burned out at the office, take a small break and attend a nonprofit conference.