I just came back from an amazing week at the International Fundraising Congress with amazing inspired, energetic fundraisers from some 60 countries.
You may have heard me speak about this conference before. It’s really the top conference in my book!
And I’m not just saying that because it’s being held on the other side of the ocean in my native country the Netherlands! (I was able to spend the weekend celebrating my mom’s 80th birthday though!).
You may also know that I feel so fortunate to work as a fundraiser and I still learn new things every day. I think we should never ever stop learning!!
IFC held me captive for several days and I was fortunate to be able to attend all the sessions I wanted to. Where can you meet ‘gurus’ and top speakers from all over the world and learn from them in a short period of time?
Where can you hear Adrian Sargeant talk about the requirements for GREAT fundraising? Where can you see Tony Elischer present his futurology new ideas, which I’m sure will be here before we know it.. He just has that ‘vision’…
Where can you hear Suzanne Cole Nowers speak about testing and more testing… (direct mail and online).
Where can you hear Charlie Hulme and Roger Craver discuss one of the hottest topics right now: donor retention?
Where can you attend a session on getting international grants from US foundations, presented by Eelco Keij? It’s something I work with every day, but it was great to hear some new perspectives.
I always love hearing Stephen Pidgeon talk about message and creative integration… Richard Radcliffe on asking for legacy gifts and of course Geoff Peters about integrated fundraising. They just have that special way in making you feel that you too can do this!
And there were many many other speakers…
Why you should consider attending the IFC at least once…
I think the biggest misconception of the IFC is that you as organization can only attend if you’re raising funds internationally.
That is NOT true.. The IFC is just about learning how to be a better fundraiser. Full stop! It does not matter which country you’re from.
You’re just in the company of great fundraisers from all over the world so that you too can become a better fundraiser.
The IFC is unique in that it’s all inclusive. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and hotel are included and you’re always networking. I made it a special point to always sit at a table where I knew nobody! And I learned so much and got to know so many new people.
So, be on the lookout for next year’s Virtual conference in May and then the 35th IFC in Noordwijk the middle of October. I plan to be there, will you?
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