Are you ready for the 2024 NIO Summit? It’s almost time to pack your bags, charge your devices, and prepare for an incredible few days surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the nonprofit sector. Whether this is your first summit or you’re a seasoned attendee, this guide will help you make the most out of this experience!
The NIO Summit 2024 is just around the corner, and it’s going to be a jam-packed conference full of valuable insights for nonprofit organizations like yours. With a great lineup of speakers, networking sessions, and practical workshops, you’ll leave inspired and equipped to take your nonprofit to new heights. But before the summit kicks off, let’s chat about how to make the most of your experience by preparing ahead. From what to bring to how to connect with fellow attendees, we’ve got you covered!
The NIO Summit is packed with great sessions, and to get the most out of it, a little planning goes a long way. Going with the flow is great, but you’ll need to ensure you’re also making the summit work for you. First, take a look at the agenda on the NIO Summit website. What are the must-attend sessions?
Communication methods have undergone tremendous development to thrive and fulfill audiences’ changing needs. Join us at the NIO Summit in September to hear from Trovon Williams, the NAACP’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Williams will look at how industry leaders have responded to the modern demands for communication, technology, and authenticity.
Donor retention tops the list of the most critical metrics for fundraisers to improve. Yet proven donor retention strategies continue to be elusive in the nonprofit sector. In this data-driven & research-backed session, you’ll discover a hidden metric that can unlock drastically better donor retention rates — improving everything from donor acquisition performance to lifetime donor value. Hosted by NextAfter, this session will focus on first-hand research and real-world experimentation. Discover how this critical retention metric and proven tactics can meaningfully improve your performance.
Why are marketers and fundraisers so constantly at odds? Why do they have separate KPIs that never seem to exist in the same journey or funnel? This session will explore whether marketers and fundraisers can become friends or are doomed to be lifelong rivals.
Your cause is appealing, and your supporters are generous. You’ve got a good offer. Your website performs well. Your emails drive revenue. Your retention could always be better but it’s not terrible. You seem to be doing everything right but you’re not growing. Everything feels like a grind. What’s going on? What aren’t you doing? What are you missing? Whatever you call it, a lack of investment here is often what is limiting growth and preventing your marketing engine from operating with more power and efficiency. Join this session to learn how charity: water and other brands are working to create Future Demand, why it matters, and how you can too.
As large donor dollars dwindle, nonprofits must shift from competing for a shrinking pie to embracing a new, relational model of giving. Explore GivingTuesday’s latest reporting and uncover the untapped potential of everyday givers. Through analyzing the findings from GivingTuesday’s latest reporting, this session will illuminate how nonprofits can embrace this shift, and leverage the power of storytelling, technology, and community engagement to build lasting, meaningful relationships with their supporters. You will gain actionable insights and best practices for maximizing donor engagement, increasing generosity, and improving campaign resiliency.
Once you’ve chosen your sessions, consider setting reminders on your phone or making a printed version of your personalized schedule. It’s easy to get caught up in hallway conversations or networking, and you don’t want to miss out on key insights. Also, leave some flexibility in your schedule—sometimes the best opportunities happen spontaneously!
Let’s talk about one of the most exciting (and sometimes intimidating) aspects of the NIO Summit: networking. The connections you make here can have long-term benefits for your nonprofit, whether it’s forming partnerships, exchanging tips, or simply finding people who understand the unique challenges you face.
One easy way to break the ice is by chatting with people before sessions begin or during coffee breaks. A simple “What sessions are you most excited about?” can spark a conversation. Remember, everyone is there for the same reason, so don’t be shy!
The summit offers structured networking opportunities—take advantage of them! These events are designed to help you meet people in a more relaxed environment. Go in to make at least three meaningful connections, and you’ll leave feeling accomplished.
It’s easy to meet people at an event and then forget to follow up. Don’t let those business cards sit in your bag for weeks. Within a day or two after the summit, send a quick LinkedIn message or email, referencing something you talked about. This helps solidify the connection and opens the door for future collaborations.
27 Tips to Make the Most out of Nonprofit Conferences: Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards — it’s about building relationships that could support your nonprofit’s mission down the road. We’ve put together this great guide, offering your 27 tips to make the most out of any conference, read more here!
You’ll be absorbing a lot of information, and having a system for taking notes can make all the difference when it comes to applying what you’ve learned back at your nonprofit.
At the end of the summit, carve out some time to review and prioritize those action items. Even if you can implement just a few of the ideas, it’s worth the time.
Packing for the NIO Summit might seem straightforward, but having the right essentials can really set you up for success. You’ll want to stay comfortable and prepared to absorb as much as you can.
The NIO Summit 2024 is set to be an incredible event for nonprofit professionals like you. You’ll have access to cutting-edge insights, inspiring speakers, and invaluable networking opportunities. By packing wisely, planning, and actively engaging in both sessions and networking, you’ll maximize the value of this experience for your organization.
Remember, the connections you make and the knowledge you gain can have a lasting impact on your cause. The nonprofit world thrives on collaboration and shared learning, and the NIO Summit is the perfect place to build those relationships.
Make the most of it, have fun, and don’t forget — take notes, follow up on those connections, and put your newfound knowledge into action when you get back to work.
Participating in these transformative events can expand your network, develop strategies, and help your organization reach new heights. While you wait for your favorite conference to get here, visit Donorbox’s Nonprofit Blog for tips and resources to help your organization meet its fundraising goals.
See you at the summit!
Nicole’s professional background is rooted in the nonprofit sector, where she’s honed her skills in communications, marketing, and fundraising. She has extensive experience in various fields, such as social media, content strategy, public relations, and more. Nicole has a deep passion for writing, editing, and gaining knowledge about the many causes that tirelessly advocate for essential societal change.
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Nicole Human