Bloomerang's Inaugural Conference: GiveCon
Empowering Nonprofits Across America
In a remarkable gathering of nonprofit organizations, Bloomerang held its first-ever conference, GiveCon, from February 23 to 26 at the upscale Regency Grand Cypress Hotel in Orlando, Florida. With a sold-out attendance, the event proved to be a major success, uniting hundreds of nonprofit professionals eager to enhance their fundraising strategies and effectiveness.
As the leading platform for fundraising, donor, and volunteer management, Bloomerang set out to inspire and equip organizations with the tools needed to navigate the complexities present in today’s donor landscape. Addressing a multitude of challenges, from economic uncertainties to shifting donor expectations, CEO Dennis Fois stated, "GiveCon is our response to these challenges and the shifts within the nonprofit sector." This sentiment resonated throughout the event, which featured interactive workshops tailored for an audience keen on learning and innovating their fundraising approaches.
The Educational Experience
The three-day conference included a robust schedule of 48 CFRE-accredited sessions, with topics ranging from donor engagement and campaign strategy to effective volunteer management. Attendees had the chance to participate in practical workshops, networking opportunities, and collaborative discussions designed around cutting-edge innovations in fundraising. The culmination of the conference featured a keynote address by the inspiring Simon Scriver, who shared insights on effective fundraising strategies earned from years of experience.
Celebrating Excellence with the Givie Awards
A major highlight of GiveCon was the introduction of the Givie Awards, which celebrate excellence in donor stewardship and the innovative spirit exemplified by nonprofit organizations. The awards emphasized Bloomerang’s commitment to honoring the incredible work undertaken by nonprofit professionals who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to their missions. This year's recipients included four organizations and one individual:
- - Brother Wolf Animal Rescue: Awarded the Game-Changing Campaign Award for demonstrating innovative strategies in their campaigns.
- - Pensacola Habitat for Humanity: Recognized with the Heart of Service Campaign Award for their creative volunteer acquisition and stewardship initiatives.
- - Meghan Walsh, founder and board chair of Roots Ethiopia: Honored as the Fundraiser of the Year for her exceptional dedication in enhancing nonprofit efforts.
- - Kids Cooking For Life: Received the Good Neighbor Campaign Award in acknowledgment of their commitment to community betterment.
- - Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia: Celebrated with the Dynamic Duo Award for effectively partnering to achieve their objectives.
Each winning organization was granted a $1,000 donation towards their mission, reinforcing the narrative of collaborative success in the nonprofit sector.
A Land of Opportunities and Connections
Beyond the wealth of knowledge acquired, the conference also served as a fertile ground for networking. Attendees forged new relationships that promise to yield fruitful partnerships in their future endeavors. Additionally, an exhibit hall featuring various organizations presented innovative technologies catered to enhancing the nonprofit experience, offering attendees the chance to explore new tools to amplify their missions.
As Bloomerang looks ahead to future iterations of GiveCon, there’s understand an acute awareness of the growing demand for such impactful encounters in the community. According to Ann Fellman, Bloomerang’s CMO, “The Givies celebrate and recognize the unwavering dedication and creativity of nonprofit leaders.” It is this recognition that inspires ongoing engagement and ultimately fuels the momentum of social impact throughout communities across the nation.
To stay updated on upcoming events and initiatives like GiveCon, visit Bloomerang’s official website or subscribe for notifications. The future of fundraising is here, and it’s thriving.