I’m off tonight to attend the Association for Fundraising Professionals Congress that runs in Toronto until Wednesday.
I’m looking forward to this one for many reasons.
1. It’s always amazing to get out and actually meet some of these “tweeters” who I talk to almost every day and have some really challenging and enlightening conversations. To top if off, Congress will be using a twitter board (sort of like they did in Holland at IFC) so we can not only feel like we are part of the action, but keep our colleagues who couldn’t make it, up to speed. You can follow along by tacking the hashtag #afpcongress.
2. Can’t wait to see some people speak who I’ve always admired like David Love (with my main gal Jen Love) talking about Loving your Donors, Harvey McKinnon and Mike Johnston who will be yakking about ways to kick start your mutli-channel fundraising campaign. And there are some like Ted Hart who will be covering social networking and Tom Ahern covering the in’s and out’s of a communication audit, who I’ve heard a lot about but have never heard speak.
3. Over 950 delegates. Need I say more? I have to honestly congratulate Mark Hierlihy, this year’s chair and his entire committee for, as Mark told me, keeping this year’s congress accessible to everyone. They’ve managed to do that in many ways. Also, the Congress staff headed by Cynthia Quigley have worked tirelessly with presenters, volunteers, agencies and God knows who use to make sure it all runs without a hitch. Well done to all.
4. I will be attending under my newly formed collaborative called Agents of Good. There will be more on that another time, but looking forward to meeting other “agents of good”, the people who work tirelessly, day after day in our sector to make real change in this world with not a lot of appreciation or support sometimes.
Like a lot of things, they say Congress is what you make it. Get engaged, dive in, ask questions, introduce yourself, share what you learn, and, most importantly, have a fun time and feel the love of being surrounded by almost 1,000 others who are there for the same reason you are.
Make this your congress to remember. See you tomorrow!
Good post John! Congress was great this year. I learned a few things that I can apply in my job, met some great people, reunited with some old friends and colleagues and was inspired by Dr. Ron Archer and others to continue working in this sector.
Thanks Tara! look for the post congress post I just wrote this am! cheers.