Find the Right Formula for Your Fundraising at the 2017 FIA Conference

Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA) is giving delegates the chance to put their fundraising techniques under the microscope, learn from the experiments of others and mix with the best elements in the sector.

It’s all happening at It’s Chemistry! FIA’s 40th annual conference, taking place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 22 to 24 February 2017.

“Whether you’re just starting your fundraising career, are a mid-level manager wanting to consolidate your skills or a seasoned professional wanting to know the latest fundraising trends, our conference represents one of the year’s best professional development experiences,” Karen Armstrong, FIA conference 2017 program committee chair, said.

Take advantage of the early bird discount

In 2017, there will be more than 60 sessions led by international and local CEOs, senior managers, academics and consultants. Take a look at the conference program to see what’s of interest and register before Friday 9 December to take advantage of the early bird discount, where you can save more than $400 on the cost of a full conference ticket.

At the conference’s annual exhibition, you’ll also have the chance to meet more than 40 exhibitors and suppliers to the sector.

In addition, FIA is giving you more bang for your buck by starting the conference a half day early. The exhibition hall will open at 1.30pm on Wednesday 22 February, followed by afternoon tea, the Syd Herron Oration and the opening plenary session.

Conference keynotes

On the international front, FIA is bringing two highly regarded fundraising authorities from the USA to keynote this year.

Derrick Feldmann, president of Achieve, will discuss the future of fundraising at the conference’s opening plenary session. An expert in all things millennial, Derrick is a recognised leader in helping organisations better understand the next generation of donors through his work at Achieve, the agency he founded in 2008. He is also the lead researcher and creator of The Millennial Impact Project, which examines millennial giving and volunteering.  

Alice Ferris is also a formidable name in fundraising. The founding partner of GoalBusters, an Arizona-based consultancy, Alice works with public broadcasting radio and TV stations and consults with other not-for-profit organisations in the health, social welfare, arts and education areas to help them achieve their fundraising goals. She is widely recognised across the USA and Canada as on-air fundraising talent on many public television and radio pledge drives and on top-revenue generating national PBS fundraisers. Alice will present Break the Rules: When Best Practices Aren’t and What To Do Instead at the closing plenary session.

The annual Syd Herron Oration will be delivered by Tracy Bevan, McGrath Foundation director and ambassador. Learning of her friend Jane McGrath’s diagnosis of secondary breast cancer in 2005, Tracy helped establish the McGrath Foundation, which raises funds to place McGrath breast care nurses in communities across Australia. McGrath Foundation currently funds 110 nurses who have supported more than 49,000 families.

On the conference track

In 2017, the FIA Conference offers six individual tracks, allowing delegates to choose to attend sessions that match their interests. You can make selections from:

• Workshops with Chemistry (new for 2017)
• Marketing and Digital
• Securing the Gift
• Leadership
• Trends and Innovation
• The Toolbox.

Go to the head of the (master) class

In addition, eight pre-conference masterclasses have been organised, to be held on Wednesday 22 February. Choose from:

• Gifts in Wills
• Corporate Partnerships: Position Yourself To Be Kissed
• Practical Fundraising Growth for New and Medium-Sized Organisations
• Super-Charging Your Regular Giving Program
• Building Successful Social Movements (and Peer-to-Peer Fundraising)
• Fundraising Leadership Intensive
• Fundraising Camp – Health
• Integrating Digital Into Your Fundraising Program.

We are social

FIA Conference 2017 also features a lively social program with a range of events aimed at providing networking opportunities for delegates including welcome drinks and the annual Fundraisers’ Gala Awards Dinner on Thursday 23 February.

For more information and to register, visit the conference website. Don’t forget early bird discounts are available until 9 December 2016 and you can follow the conference on Twitter #FIAConf2017.