The Globe-trotting Attendees
As a marketing director involved in the nonprofit sector, attending the AFP ICON 2023 conference in New Orleans was a truly enlightening and inspiring experience. The conference drew in an impressive 3,400 attendees from 26 different countries around the globe, representing 50 US states and 9 Canadian provinces. With such a diverse audience, it was fascinating to see the various approaches to nonprofit marketing and fundraising.
One of my most memorable moments of this year’s AFP ICON was meeting Daniel Lanteigne, a passionate philanthropist and advocate for diversity and inclusion. Our conversations delved into the ways that nonprofits can create more inclusive and equitable spaces, and the importance of centering the voices and needs of underrepresented communities in philanthropy. Lanteigne's insights and experiences were invaluable, and our discussions left me feeling both empowered and motivated. It was clear that his commitment to making a difference in the world through philanthropy was unwavering, and it was an honor to have the opportunity to speak with him.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Jon Biedermann at the conference. As a powerhouse in the nonprofit industry, Jon's wealth of knowledge and expertise is truly impressive. Not only has he been involved in the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP), a groundbreaking initiative that brings cutting-edge fundraising strategies to nonprofits, but he is also the brilliant mind behind DonorPerfect and SimplyFundraising - two of the most innovative software solutions in the space. Sitting down with Jon was an amazing opportunity - he is truly a thought leader who is always at the forefront of technology for the betterment of the nonprofit community. Check out his volunteering experience and be amazed!
Exhibitor Hall Heaven: The Best Booths at the Conference
One of the highlights of the conference was the exhibitor hall, which featured an array of impressive booths from companies like Salesforce, Blackbaud, DonorPerfect, and Bloomerang. It was exciting to see firsthand the latest technological advancements in nonprofit software and fundraising tools. The exhibitor hall was a great opportunity to network and connect with industry professionals, which is especially important for those of us in the nonprofit sector.
Discovering the Future of Nonprofit Tech
Throughout the conference, I had the chance to engage in great discussions with representatives from Feathr, FundraiseUp, Altrata, and Instil. These companies offer a range of services, from data analytics to fundraising technology. It was particularly interesting to learn about FundraiseUp's use of AI and machine learning to personalize fundraising efforts and increase donor retention rates. Similarly, Altrata's innovative approach to data visualization and analysis left a lasting impression. The conference also offered a variety of sessions on the latest technology and software trends in the nonprofit sector. Some of the top tech sessions included:
- Transforming Fundraising with Artificial Intelligence, which explored how AI can personalize fundraising and improve donor retention rates.
- Maximizing Impact with Data Analytics covered how organizations can use data to better understand their supporters and improve their fundraising efforts.
- Website Design for Nonprofits provided tips and best practices for creating an effective nonprofit website, while "IT Solutions for Nonprofits" covered the latest IT solutions and software options available for nonprofits.
- Finally, The Future of Nonprofit Software looked at the upcoming trends and innovations in the nonprofit software industry.
It's incredible that all the valuable information from the sessions at AFP ICON 2023 is readily available on the conference website for everyone to review and implement in their organizations.
French Quarter Fest and Fundraising: A Match Made in NOLA
Aside from the informative sessions and insightful conversations, the location of the conference itself was a highlight. New Orleans is a vibrant and energetic city, and the conference coincided with the French Quarter Festival, which brought a whole new level of excitement to the experience. Between the lively music, delicious food, and rich culture, it was a memorable trip both personally and professionally.
New Orleans is a city known for its vibrant culture, and part of that culture is its delicious cuisine and soulful music scene. For foodies, the top foods to try in New Orleans include gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, beignets, and red beans and rice. Be sure to check out classic eateries like Commander's Palace, Cafe du Monde, and the famous Central Grocery for their muffuletta sandwich. And when it comes to music, there's something for everyone in New Orleans, whether you prefer jazz, blues, funk, or zydeco. The iconic Preservation Hall is a must-visit for traditional jazz, while Tipitina's is the go-to spot for funk and blues. For a more intimate setting, check out the historic Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro. Whatever your taste, New Orleans has a wealth of culinary and musical experiences to offer.
All in All
Attending AFP ICON 2023 was an excellent opportunity to gain new perspectives, explore innovative ideas, and make meaningful connections with like-minded professionals. I returned to my job feeling energized and equipped with a wealth of knowledge to better serve our cause. With statistics showing that over 95% of attendees found the conference valuable, I highly recommend this conference to any marketer in the nonprofit sector looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Don't miss out on the chance to supercharge your nonprofit game! Drop us a line, and let's connect - together, we can make an even bigger impact on the world.
AFP ICON 2024
Exciting news for nonprofit professionals and fundraising enthusiasts as AFP ICON heads to Canada for the first time in history! Next year's conference will be held in Toronto, the home of the largest AFP chapter in the world. Attendees can expect an exciting lineup of sessions, networking opportunities, and special events in a beautiful and vibrant city. With Toronto being a hub for innovative nonprofits and social impact initiatives, the AFP ICON 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience that is not to be missed. Check out the AFP Global website for more information about their upcoming events.
