Benefits Summary
The nonprofit world comes together at Congress 2014, where 1,000 fundraisers will gather for three
incredible days to hone their skills, share best practices and resources, harness new technologies and
build their networks to ensure their organizations and causes are at the forefront of philanthropy.
The following is what you can expect from Congress 2014: cutting-edge professional development,
prime networking opportunities, a top return on investment for your time and money, plus ideas on
how you can put it all into action when you’re back in the office.
Cutting-Edge Professional Development
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Get expertise from the best in the business to grow your program and maximize impact and results.
Over 100 presenters from Canada, the U.S., the UK and Europe are keen to share what they know!
Learn real-world solutions to meet your organization’s fundraising challenges.
Discover innovations and what’s trending. Whether it’s cloud fundraising, mobile giving, digital ROI
or translating ethical values into metrics, find out what’s new and how you can use it for your cause.
Gain fresh perspectives on giving and volunteering in featured sessions from the AFP Inclusive Giving
Project’s Diversity to Inclusion in Philanthropy Series.
Take part in a variety of session formats for all types of learners. Whether you’re new to fundraising,
a seasoned practitioner or in a leadership role, Congress has workshops, presentations, discussions
and case studies just for you!
Be inspired by renowned plenary and “big room” speakers to take your work to the next level.
Customize your experience. With nearly 100 unique sessions and 16 subject areas to choose from,
you can tailor your Congress program and schedule for optimum success and engagement.
Prime Networking Opportunities
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See and be seen! Congress is THE place for fundraisers to come together, with 1,000 delegates from
Canada and around the world participating.
Expand your peer network. Meet people you can exchange ideas with, who will share resources with
you and who can introduce you to others you’d like to know.
Connect with funding decision-makers. Hear what key business leaders and philanthropists are
saying about what makes the perfect partnership.
Scout new talent. If you’re looking for a new team member, they could be at Congress!
Be front and centre. Volunteer to be a room host for any session you’re in and you’ll get to
introduce and thank the speaker(s). This activity counts towards CFRE volunteer service points too!
Map out your plan. What’s your strategy to connect with key people at Congress? Will you attend a
session they’re in? Visit the Showcase Hall? Sit at the same table for breakfast or lunch? Arrange to
meet during a break? Capitalize on every opportunity!
Top ROI for Your Time and Money
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Meet with a host of key contacts in just three days. Local and international fundraising experts,
leading philanthropists and funders, partner agencies and suppliers, colleagues and peers… they’ll
all be at Congress!
It’s time well spent. Congress isn’t just “9 to 5” – breakfast starts early, each day is packed with
sessions and networking events run through the evening.
It’s a great deal! Congress has one of the lowest fees for a fundraising conference of its size, and
offers additional savings for AFP members and groups from the same organization.
Meals are included with your fee. Enjoy three continental breakfasts, two luncheons, plus
refreshments during breaks and at the Opening Reception.
Receive free admission to the 2014 AFP Greater Toronto Chapter Philanthropy Awards and celebrate
the best in our profession with a “who’s who” from our sector.
Acquire the CFRE points you need. Earn a significant portion of continuing education points (up to
14.5 accredited points) for your CFRE application or recertification by attending Congress. Volunteer
service points are also available.
Tag on your own activity and save! Many national and provincial organizations hold an annual staff
skillshare before or after Congress to save on travel and meeting costs.
Bringing It Home
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Apply what you learn. Determine how you’ll implement the ideas and information you pick up at
Congress to improve your work and program’s results, and let your manager know. For example,
will you:
o Develop new approaches?
o Test new tactics?
o Implement new tools or technology?
o Reach new target audiences?
o Enhance your communications?
o Improve your cultivation or stewardship strategies?
o Measure outcomes through a new methodology?
Follow up with contacts. Continue the conversations you started at Congress with an email, phone
call or handwritten note to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.
Share key learnings. It’s important that others in your organization also benefit from your time at
the conference. Develop a plan on how you’ll share what you learn and include it in your request to
attend Congress to your manager. Ideas include:
o Hold a “Lunch and Learn” session
o Produce a webinar for staff in other locations
o Distribute session presentations and handouts
o Write a “Top Ten” list of tips that everyone in your office can use