1) Speaker choices. Yes information is very important, qualifications are paramount but it’s three full days of sessions. Speakers need to inspire as much as they educate! That goes triple for plenary speakers! Last year was a home run for the sessions I was at ..hope it happens again.
2) Build us better networking opportunities. Make sure we have time and space to network. Facilitate it where possible: Themed lunch tables, icebreakers at the opening reception ( with prizes to motivate the timid of course ) and remind all those attending to BRING CARDS. Plus, so many people have come from out of town, an option for an evening event? A simple informal optional get together at a nearby place?
3) I’m looking to crack open the future as much as the present. I truly hope that besides providing practical real world advice that we get to discuss, in sessions or plenaries, the future of philanthropy. What will charity look like in 2020? How will transactional fundraising play out? What will the baby boomers impact be once the previous generation is gone? Will lotteries, golf tournaments, charity ride/runs and gala’s still have the draw they do today when everyone is doing them?
