Data Sense

AFP Conference in New Orleans

I had the pleasure of attending the Association of Fundraising Professional’s conference in New Orleans last week.  I would like to share three take-aways from the conference.

First is the changing face of fundraising.  There was considerable talk about President Obama’s use of social media during his presidential campaign. Some advocated immediate adoption of his campaign tactics—get on Twitter and Facebook or be left behind. The power of the millennial generation was proclaimed. One speaker announced that the donor pyramid is dead and that a flat fundraising model is the new paradigm. Others cautioned that traditional face-to-face cultivation of prospects and donors should not be ignored while incorporating new techniques.  I don’t know what fundraising will look like in the next year or decade, but I am convinced it is morphing.  That’s exciting and I can’t wait to see what is coming.

The second take-away from the conference was the incredible variety of donor databases from which an organization can choose.  I spent a good chunk of my time at the conference talking to vendors about their products. Some provided me with sample database discs so I can “play” with their products.  In the next couple of weeks I’ll participate in vendor webinars and demos.  Look for a future blog on selecting a donor database. You do have options.

The third and final take-away is that New Orleans is a great walking town.  The wharf, French Quarter, and Wholesale district are all easily accessible on foot. The Garden District can be explored by hopping a trolley.  My reason for being in New Orleans was the conference so exploration was limited but I will go back.

Thanks to AFP for a great conference and thanks to New Orleans from providing a great welcome.