Unleashing the Full Potential of AFP Icon 2023: A Nonprofit Pro's Guide to Conferencing Success!

Are you a nonprofit pro ready to take AFP Icon 2023 conference by storm? Get ready to network, learn, and soak up all the juicy insights this event has to offer! With top industry experts such as Sterrin Bird, CFRE , Julia Campbell , Mallory Erickson , Cherian Koshy (just to name a few), informative sessions, exciting exhibitors like Donorbox , AppealMaker , Double the Donation , and Salesforce , and networking galore, this conference is a must-attend for anyone looking to take their nonprofit game to the next level.

But with so much to see and do, it can be tough to know where to start. But, don't worry! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned conference-goer, I've got some tips to help you unlock the full potential of your AFP Icon experience:

#1 Plan ahead

Planning ahead is crucial to getting the most out of any conference, and #AFPIcon2023 is no exception.

When reviewing the conference schedule, make note of which sessions and events align with your professional goals and interests. Are you looking to improve your fundraising skills? Attend sessions on major gifts, donor engagement, and fundraising strategy. Interested in nonprofit leadership? Look for sessions on board development, organizational culture, and leadership skills.

In addition to attending sessions, consider scheduling some one-on-one time with presenters or exhibitors who could offer insights or solutions specific to your organization's needs. This could be a great opportunity to make a meaningful connection and gain valuable advice.

But don't forget to also leave some room in your schedule for unexpected opportunities or spontaneous conversations. From my experience, some of the most valuable insights and connections can come from unexpected sources, so don't be afraid to deviate from your original plan if a promising opportunity presents itself.

#2 Network, network, network!

Networking is a critical part of any conference experience. I especially recommend attending any speed networking opportunities AFP offers. Don't be intimidated by the early hours or unfamiliar territory - just grab your business cards and a fresh cup o' joe, and get out there! Here are some tips to help you make the most of your networking opportunities:

1. Set goals: Before the conference, think about what you hope to gain from your networking efforts. Are you looking to meet people with a similar mission? Do you want to connect with potential partners or leaders in your area? Having clear goals in mind will help you focus your networking efforts and make the most of your time at the conference.
2. Be approachable: Make an effort to be approachable and open to meeting new people. Smile, make eye contact, and introduce yourself to others. Don't be afraid to strike up conversations with people you don't know – you never know who you might meet!
3. Be a good listener: Networking is about building relationships, and one of the best ways to do that is to be a good listener. Ask questions, show genuine interest in what others have to say, and be responsive to their needs.
4. Follow up: After the conference, be sure to follow up with the people you met. Send a quick email or connect on LinkedIn to stay in touch and continue building the relationship.
5. Join online communities: Many conferences, including AFP Icon, offer online communities for attendees to connect and share information. Take advantage of these resources to continue networking and learning after the conference.

Remember, networking is not just about collecting business cards – it's about building relationships that can help you grow professionally and achieve your goals. So be proactive, be friendly, and be open to new opportunities – you never know where your next connection might lead!

#3 Take good notes

You'll likely be exposed to a vast amount of information, ranging from new fundraising strategies and best practices to innovative technologies and case studies. Gosh, there are so many great educational sessions to choose from! It's important to capture this information in a meaningful way, so you can refer back to it later and share it with your team.

Here are some tips to help you take good notes:

1. Use a system that works for you: Everyone has their own preferred method of note-taking. Some people prefer to take notes on their laptops, while others like to use pen and paper. Figure out what works best for you and stick with it.
2. Pay attention to key points: When listening to speakers, be sure to pay attention to their key points and main takeaways. These are the most important pieces of information and will likely be the most useful to you later on.
3. Organize your notes: As you take notes, make sure you organize them in a way that makes sense to you. You might want to use headings or bullet points to break up your notes into different sections, or use symbols or colors to highlight important information.
4. Summarize and synthesize: After each session, take a few minutes to summarize and synthesize your notes. This will help you retain the information better and make it easier to refer back to later on.
5. Share your notes: Once the conference is over, share your notes with colleagues who were unable to attend - maybe even during a fun debrief session. This will help spread the knowledge and ideas you gained at the conference throughout your organization.

#4 Participate in the Pre-Conference Deep Dives & Learning Labs

Attending the AFP Icon conference offers a unique opportunity to participate in interactive sessions where attendees can engage with the material, ask questions, and share their own experiences. It's a chance to learn from peers who are facing similar challenges in the nonprofit sector and exchange ideas on how to tackle them.

The Pre-Conference Deep Dives and Learning Labs are designed to be hands-on and engaging, often incorporating group activities, case studies, and brainstorming sessions. These sessions allow participants to actively participate in the learning process, which can lead to better retention and understanding of the material. Here are some I'm looking forward to:

• Are You Fit to Fundraise? Transforming Your Donation Form for Greater Giving - Presented by Jena Lynch , Nonprofit Advocate at Donorbox (hey, that's me!)
• Social Media and Donor Gratitude - a Perfect Match! - Presented by Lynne Wester , Founder and Principal at Donor Relations Guru LLC
• The A – Z of Becoming a CFRE - Presented by Ashley Gatewood, MA, PCM , Communications & Marketing Director at CFRE International
• Donor Retention: A Self-Assessment Workshop, Presented by Erik J. Daubert and Lori Overmyer, MBA, CFRE

When attending interactive sessions, be sure to come prepared with questions and ideas to share during Q&A. Don't be afraid to speak up and offer your own insights and experiences. Engaging in these discussions can help you develop new skills and approaches to tackle the issues facing your organization.

Another benefit of interactive sessions is the opportunity to network with other attendees who are interested in similar topics. Building connections with other professionals can lead to new partnerships, collaborations, and learning opportunities beyond the conference.

So, if you want to get the most out of your AFP Icon experience, make sure to attend as many interactive sessions as possible. You never know what new ideas and connections you'll make along the way!

#5 Visit the AFP EXCHANGE

Ah, the exhibit hall - also known as the AFP EXCHANGE. It's like the Disneyland for nonprofit professionals, filled with vendors and organizations offering the latest and greatest products and services designed to help your nonprofit thrive. And swag. Did I mention the free swag?

While it's always a good idea to come prepared with a plan, sometimes the best approach is to throw caution to the wind and explore every single vendor at the AFP Exchange. After all, you never know what gems you might find!

So leave your plan at home, and embrace the spirit of adventure. Wander the halls of the AFP Exchange, talk to every vendor that piques your interest, and explore their products and services. It's a nice mental break from attending the educational sessions, and you may just discover your new favorite nonprofit tool.

Don't worry about time – there's no need to rush. The AFP Exchange is designed to be a relaxed, engaging environment where you can connect with others in the industry and explore new possibilities. So take your time, ask questions, and don't be afraid to get hands-on with the products on offer.

Don't forget to take advantage of any demonstrations or presentations that the vendors offer! Many will have experts on hand to showcase their products and services, and you may even be able to get a sneak peek of new offerings that haven't been released yet. Plus, these demos often come with freebies, so be sure to snag some swag for yourself and your colleagues.

Who knows, you might just stumble upon a vendor that you didn't expect to be a good fit for your organization, but ends up being the perfect solution to a problem you didn't even know you had.

#6 Dress comfortably & pack essentials

When it comes to attending the AFP Icon conference, it's important to dress in a way that is both professional and comfortable. You'll likely be walking around a lot, sitting in sessions, and networking with other professionals, so make sure you wear shoes that won't hurt your feet and clothes that won't leave you feeling cold, clammy, or constricted. And be sure to check the weather (I noticed some cooler nights and rain in the forecast)!

Also, it's a good idea to bring a bag with all the essentials you'll need for the day. This could include a water bottle (some vendors will be passing these out!), snacks, Advil or Tylenol (for those of us that get achey), mints or gum, a notebook and pen, business cards, and any other items that will help you stay organized and on top of things. Plus, you never know what kind of goodies and handouts you might pick up along the way, so having a bag to stash them in is always a good idea.

By dressing comfortably and being prepared with a bag of essentials, you'll be able to focus on getting the most out of the conference without worrying about any discomfort or logistical issues (trust me, I learned the hard way last year). So go ahead, rock those comfy shoes and bring that trusty bag - you'll thank yourself later!

#7 Have fun!

Attending the AFP Icon conference can be an exciting and enriching experience for nonprofit professionals looking to broaden their knowledge, establish new relationships, and have a bit of fun while they're at it. When it comes to making the most of the conference, one tip that stands out is to remember to enjoy yourself.

While it's important to stay focused on your goals and make sure you attend the sessions and events that will be most beneficial to you, it's equally important to take time to relax and socialize with your peers. The after-hour networking events that are often held during the conference can be a great opportunity to do just that. Jay Frost hosted a fantastic "nonprofit creators" cocktail hour last year where I met several people I still keep in touch with!

Whether you're attending a cocktail party, a dinner, or a casual get-together like bowling, these events provide a more laid-back setting where you can connect with other professionals in your industry in a more casual and relaxed environment. You can share your experiences, discuss the challenges you're facing, and learn from others who have faced similar obstacles.

By participating in these events, you'll not only have the opportunity to build your professional network, but also to make new friends and have a bit of fun in the process. So don't be afraid to let your hair down a little and enjoy everything the conference has to offer.

Final Thoughts

In the end, attending AFP Icon is not only a great way for nonprofit professionals to advance their careers and make valuable connections, but it's also an opportunity to have some fun! Don't forget to follow the tips we've shared to make the most of your time at the conference and learn from the best in the industry.

Oh, and by the way, be sure to swing by Booth # 220 and say hello to the friendly folks at Donorbox ! We love talking all things fundraising and would be thrilled to hear more about your organization's unique challenges and opportunities. Don't be shy - check out a demo or book an in-person, one-on-one meeting with us to learn how we can help you achieve your fundraising goals and make an even greater impact.

So pack your bags, get ready to learn and mingle, and most importantly, have a great time at AFP Icon 2023. Can't wait to see you there!

Your Friend in Fundraising,

Jena Lynch

Nonprofit Advocate, Donorbox