AFP ICON 2025: Everything Fundraising Professionals Need to Know

Planning to attend AFP ICON in 2025? Keep reading for more information about this event, including pricing, how to get there, and more.

5 minutes read
AFP ICON 2025: Everything Fundraising Professionals Need to Know

The AFP ICON 2025 international conference will connect thousands of fundraising professionals to unparalleled fundraising training sessions and networking opportunities. This highly anticipated fundraising conference takes place from April 27-29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

Let’s dive in!


What is AFP ICON?

Screenshot of the AFP ICON 2025 website banner

The Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference attracts over 3,000 fundraising professionals for three days of education and networking. The AFP international fundraising conference takes place from April 27-29, 2025. It will be hosted at the Summit Building at the Seattle Convention Center in Seattle, Washington.

AFP ICON 2025 unlocks access to over 100 breakout education sessions covering trending topics led by industry-leading professionals. Plus, you’ll be exposed to networking opportunities that help expand your mission and impact.

An added bonus? You can acquire up to 11.25 CFRE points for initial certification or recertification when fully participating in the conference.


AFP ICON 2025 pricing

Ticket prices depend on your membership level with AFP and when you purchase your ticket. Pricing ranges from $599 for collegiate members to $3,299 for non-members purchasing on-site. The price may be steep for some, but you’ll gain access to invaluable professional networking and coaching opportunities.

You’ll be able to watch all the education sessions virtually after the AFP international conference concludes.

For more information and to view the full ticket price list, click here.


Everything You Need to Know About Getting to AFP ICON 2025

From traveling to where to stay, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for the AFP international conference.


How to travel

It’s easy to access the Summit Building at the Seattle Convention Center where the AFP international conference kicks off in 2025!

The main pedestrian entrance is on the corner of 9th Avenue and Pine Street. The drop-off location is on the corner of 9th Avenue between Pine Street and Olive Way. Daily parking is also available at the Arch Garage.

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the closest international airport to the Seattle Convention Center. You can purchase an ORCA card for $3 to be used on streetcars, buses, light rail, and more. It costs $8 to load an all-day regional transit pass onto your ORCA card.

Visit this link for more information on how to get to the convention center via shuttle, taxi, rental cars, train, and more.


Where to stay

AFP ICON has a list of conference-approved hotels that can be booked as part of your AFP conference registration process. Most of the hotels are within a short walking distance, and rates start at $214.

Conference-approved hotels include:

  1. Residence Inn Seattle Downtown / Convention Center
  2. Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Downtown
  3. Grand Hyatt Seattle
  4. Sheraton Seattle
  5. Hyatt Regency

What to do in Seattle, Washington

Seattle is brimming with an array of exciting places to see and things to do! The Seattle Convention Center is located in the heart of the city, so you’ll be moments away from world-class attractions while attending AFP ICON in Washington.

Here are our top picks!


Visit Seattle Center

Arts and culture enthusiasts will enjoy this vibrant attraction!

Visit this hub to take in the breathtaking museums, bustling food hall, art installations, fountain displays, and the world’s first carbon-neutral sports arena. Take in the city from the observation deck of the Space Needle, or marvel at stunning exhibits at the Chihuly Garden and Glass, or the Museum of Pop Culture.


Pike Place Market

Whether you’re getting your dose of caffeine at the original Starbucks cafe, shopping, or tantalizing your taste buds at dozens of eateries, Pike Place Market is peppered with plenty of food and shopping attractions. Witness the famous fish-tossing tradition, enjoy live street music, and take in the sweeping views of Elliot Bay from the MarketFront plaza.

If a visit to the Seattle Aquarium or the newly redesigned waterfront is on your bucket list, there’s also a stunning elevated park here that provides convenient access to both!


Seattle Waterfront

A trip to Seattle is incomplete without visiting its bustling waterfront. Rise above with a ride on The Seattle Great Wheel, or be virtually transported to some of the city’s most scenic natural wonders at the interactive theater, Wings of Washington. There are also tons of lively piers seasoned with seafood restaurants, souvenir stores, and more.

Seattle has something for everyone, no matter what your idea of entertainment is! For more activities to add to your Seattle bucket list, visit this link.


Can’t-Miss Sessions, Speakers, and Exhibits at AFP ICON 2025

Image of people at an international conference like AFP ICON 2025

AFP ICON has more than 100 education sessions to look forward to, spread across three days. Sessions are split across the following six tracks:

  1. Current and prospective donor research
  2. Ethics, accountability, and professionalism
  3. Leadership and management
  4. Relationship building
  5. Securing the gift track
  6. Volunteer involvement

You can also look forward to hearing from several notable speakers sharing the latest fundraising trends and insights, and visiting a variety of engaging exhibits.


Who will be at AFP ICON 2025?

AFP ICON will welcome an impressive list of speakers and exhibitors at its 2025 conference. These inspiring industry leaders, changemakers, and innovators will share cutting-edge strategies, lead insightful education sessions, and reveal fundraising technologies that help you empower and fulfill your nonprofit’s mission.

The AFP conference will start with a speech from its opening keynote speaker, José M. Hernández. José is an esteemed Astronaut, Author, Aerospace Engineering Consultant, farmer, and vintner.

Here’s our list of recommended speakers (and sessions) we believe you can’t afford to miss while at the AFP ICON conference.


Jena Lynch, Education & Community Engagement Manager at Donorbox

Jena is a seasoned professional in the nonprofit space who specializes in fundraising development, including volunteer engagement, donor stewardship and retention, peer-to-peer fundraising, and more. With a focus on education, resources, and fundraising tools, she helps fundraising professionals maximize their impact in their local communities.

Catch Jena on April 27th from 12:45 PM – 1:15 PM as she leads the session, “The Retail Therapy Effect: Make Monthly Giving Too Good to Pass Up (Learning Lab) Presented by Donorbox.”


Jacqueline Ackerman, Interim Director at the Women’s Philanthropy Institute

Jacqueline’s work focuses on putting the Women’s Philanthropy Institute research into action by delivering leading insights to donors, fundraisers, and sector leaders that grow women’s giving and strengthen fundraisers’ relationships with female donors.

Join Jacqueline for her engaging session from 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM on April 27th, “20 Years of Women’s Philanthropy Research: Implications for Growing Giving By and For Women.”


Paul Allen, Executive Consultant at Bridge Philanthropic Consulting

Paul has more than 20 years of experience managing and leading fundraising teams from local and international organizations.

Join Paul’s session from 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM on April 28th, “Ethics and Inclusion in Action: Conversations from the Front Lines to Build Better Fundraising.”


Christopher Beck, Senior Philanthropic Advisor (Southeast) at ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Christopher is a seasoned fundraising advisor with over two decades of experience serving the nonprofit sector. He has worked with ALSAC St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Boy Scouts of America.

Tune in to Christopher’s session at 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM on April 28th for his session, “Fostering Inclusion: Today’s Landscape and Tomorrow’s Path (Presented by Men of Color in Development).”


Martin Paul, Director at More Strategic

Martin is an acclaimed speaker and fundraiser in Australia. He has led large teams in Australia and the U.K. with WWF, Cancer Council, Heart Foundation, and National Trust. He has also helped some of the top 100 not-for-profit organizations in Australia develop insightful, evidence-based growth strategies.

Catch Martin at 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM on April 29th for his session, “Supercharge Your Bequest Program With Smart Supporter Surveys.”

Explore the full list of sessions here.


Don’t Miss the AFP Exchange

AFP ICON connects you to prestigious organizations that provide support through groundbreaking tools, technologies, services, and solutions. Visit the AFP Exchange – the official exhibit hall of AFP ICON 2025 – to network, engage, and learn more about a variety of organizations looking to help nonprofits like yours do more good.

Don’t forget to stop by and say hello to the Donorbox team! Our friendly fundraising experts will be at Booth 704. We’re here to answer any questions you may have about Donorbox Peer-to-Peer, Crowdfunding, in-person fundraising, events, and our other fundraising features that help maximize your impact at every step!


Over to You

The AFP ICON 2025 conference is a global platform for education, networking, and growing your nonprofit’s impact and mission.

Here at Donorbox, we’re excited to help you do just that. Sign up today to see why more than 100,000 organizations trust us to help them raise $3 billion and counting. We’re passionate about helping you help others.

Visit our Nonprofit Blog and YouTube channel for regular fundraising insights, tips, and ideas. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for a curated list of nonprofit tips and insights sent straight to your inbox!

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Jamy-Lee has over 7 years of experience in copywriting and content marketing. With a background in volunteering, she now uses her passion for writing to help accelerate the all-important missions of nonprofits worldwide.

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