Celebrating Not for Profit Passion at bbcon Sydney 2016

Sponsored: The world’s biggest Philanthropic Conference series is set to hit Australian shores this August as technology company, Blackbaud, host bbcon 2016. The two day Not for Profit immersion, provides a forum for fundraisers to share ideas and hear game-changing insights from 45 thought-leaders.

Headlining the event, which takes place 1-2 August at Doltone House in Sydney, is Mike Johnston, founder of global fundraising consultancy HJC and highest rated speaker at last year’s International Fundraising Congress.

Johnston has helped charities raise over $1 billion using his Transformational Donor-Mapping Framework and will launch it in the Australian Market for the first time at bbcon.

Johnston and his team have translated insights from the corporate sector, that enable NFPs to connect with audiences emotionally and identify the ‘trigger moments’ which predict future donor behaviour.

Managing director of Blackbaud, Kevin Sher, said Johnston’s work was ‘profound’ and had the power to significantly reduce attrition across most channels but especially regular giving, digital, and direct marketing.

“Until now, we haven’t deeply understood the reasons why we lose up to 90 per cent of first time donors and why less than 20 per cent decide to keep supporting. Transformational Journey Mapping enables us to identify the exact spot in their journey when they are likely to disengage so we can stage an intervention,” Sher said.

Johnston will be joined by the likes of Global Philanthropic president, Nick Jaffer, former fundraising and marketing director for the Cancer Council, Karen Armstrong, and Action Aid’s Shannon Flemming who’ll be sharing how she increased donor acquisition response rates by 1296 per cent.

Transformational Donor Mapping is just one of 45 sessions at bbcon. Others include Acquiring Regular Givers Online, Engaging Inactive Fundraisers and Outcomes Measurement.

There will also be a hands-on digital marketing and SEO workshop, plus an inspirational showcase of some of Asia-Pacific’s most outstanding charity initiatives.

bbcon Australia is part of the world’s largest philanthropic conference series, with events occurring across Australia, the USA and UK. Last year’s bbcon, held in Austin, Texas attracted a number of high profile humanitarian workers including Pulitzer-Prize winner Nicholas Kristof and Emmy-nominated actress Ashley Judd.

According to Sher, bbcon is very cost effective for the value it delivers. While Blackbaud is a technology company, bbcon is about celebrating the heart of fundraising and enabling future innovation.

“As fundraisers, it’s easy to get lost in metrics, big data and technical jargon. These are obviously crucial, but we mustn’t forget that the real power of our unique sector, lies in the passion and crusading spirit of some incredible people. Technology should be about enabling this innate greatness – and this is what bbcon is all about,” he said.

As part of this year’s event, Blackbaud are also donating $10,000 to a bbcon attendee as part of their $10K Challenge.

The online competition aims to showcase the passion that fuels the Not for Profit sector and give fundraisers a chance to share their stories with the world.

Senior marketing manager at Blackbaud, Stacey Astley-Clark said that “fundraisers are the unsung heroes of the Not for Profit sector, who dedicate blood, sweat and tears to achieving their mission. The Blackbaud $10K Challenge is a chance to recognise these inspiring people and celebrate the spirit of our sector.”

Entrants are required to submit a short video or captioned image that conveys how $10,000 could be used to ‘power their passions’. Submissions will be shared online using #sharethepassion and put to a public vote which closes on 15 July 2016.

A panel of independent judges will review the top five entries and the winner will be announced at bbcon on 2 August.

Probono Australia readers can attend the two-day event for just $726 (a $120 discount).