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Nonprofit conferences are finally coming out of the ZOOM rooms and the 2024 season for conferences are now being announced and planned.

2024 is a unique time for conference-goers. In-person events are growing as people want that IRL experience, but many have pivoted to a hybrid learning environment. It’s great to have options. However, even the best conferences take up work hours, often require travel, and are always associated with hard costs. If you want to get a full lay of the land, scroll down to access our full database of conferences. These cover all areas of the nonprofit sector, in the US and abroad. And, if you just want the highlights, our top picks are below.

Top Nonprofit Conferences for 2024

Quick calendar list:

• March 2024

  • 5-7 The Unthinkable, virtual, website.
  • 8-15: SXSW Civic Engagement & Climate Change + SXSW EDU in Austin, TX. Website
  • 13-15: Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) in Portland, OR. Website

• April 2024

  • 3-5: Create Good in Durham, NC. Website
  • 5-9: AFP ICON in Toronto, Ontario. Website

• May 2024

  • 14-16: Engage For Good in Minneapolis, MN. Website
  • 15-16: The Collaborative (Classy) in Chicago, IL. Website

• June 2024

  • 11-14: Points of Light Conference in Houston, TX. Website

• July 2024

  • 17-19: ANA Digital & Social Media Conference in Los Angeles, CA. Website
• September 2024
  • 18-19: NIO Summit. Website

• October 2024

  • 21-22: Cause Camp in Colorado Springs, CO. Website

• November 2024

  • Upswell (Dates and location TBA). Website

SXSW Civic Engagement & Climate Change + SXSW EDU

Note: We combined our summaries for the SXSW bonanza because, Texas.

• When: March 8-15, 2024 (Civic Engagement, Climate Change & more)
• Where: Austin, TX & Online (Hybrid)
• Websites: https://www.sxsw.com/conference/civic-engagement/    &    https://www.sxsw.com/conference/climate-change/ 
• What: Mega-marketing and tech conference. These tracks cover innovation, activism, comms, education and tech. So much tech. 
• How much:  ~$1,360 (depending on level)
• Audience size: 15,000 (SXSW EDU); 37,000 (SXSW)
• Who attends: Professional fundraisers, nonprofit communications teams, and tons of vendors. And, everyone else. SXSW EDU is more focused to educators, government and people working in the ed space. 

About: If you’re the kind of person that thrives in crowds, parties, and socializing, this is your home. You must attend this conference. SXSW’s Civic Engagement & Climate Change tracks are hosted under SXSW at large. These could be particularly interesting for nonprofit professionals, but many other tracks are offered that could also prove to be valuable. These include Advertising & Brand Strategy, Startups, Tech, Media and more. The main issue here is that socially conscious programming competes with the broader SXSW circus, including celebrity mainstages and a dizzying amount of vendors and exhibitors in the main hall (which is more like an airport hangar). 

SXSW EDU is a more focused conference in the lead-up to the main event. If the ed space is where you live, the exposure to the newest concepts and lessons from case studies is excellent. The exhibit hall and networking parties don’t get started until the main conference on March 11, so if you’re shelling out for this, make sure you love the session topics.

Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC)

• When: March 13-15, 2024

• Where: Portland, Oregon (& virtual)

• Website: https://www.nten.org/gather/ntc

• What: The longest-running, nonprofit-focused tech conference in the US

• How much:

  Early: November 15–December 14
  $575 members / $875 non-members

  Regular: December 15–February 15
  $675 members / $975 non-members

  Last minute: February 16–March 15
  $775 members / $1,075 non-members

• Audience size: around 2000

• Who attends: Nonprofit communications teams, techies, and some fundraisers

We LOVE the community around this conference. The sessions are well-curated, with specific tracks and great opportunities for networking. There are parties thrown by vendors plus a larger gathering hosted by NTEN. NTEN programmers carefully choose their venues with accessibility in mind, and the whole event is planned with great attention to inclusivity. Be sure to do your homework on the sessions you go, to as some may feel like they’ll require advanced research. Make sure you save time for the sponsor exhibit hall. 

The Nonprofit Marketing Summit: The Unthinkable

• When:  March 5-7, 2024
• Where: Virtual
• Website: https://www.nonprofitmarketingsummit.org/ 
• What: Nonprofit marketing, fundraising, and leadership conference
• How much: free for virtual
• Audience size: 1,000 in-person attendees; 3,000 online attendees
• About:

  Can you imagine a world in which your nonprofit achieves its fullest vision? Picture this: You’ve accomplished your mission and can now rest easy, knowing that you’ve solved a critical problem in the world.If that seems unthinkable – you’re in the right place.You’re invited to join us on a 3-day journey into The Unthinkable.We’ll transform your boldest dreams of impact into tangible reality. Throw off your shackles and head into the unknown with us as we dare to think/dream/activate bigger than ever before. All leading to an unthinkable impact.This is your call to break free from conventional marketing and uncover fresh, imaginative, and revolutionary strategies designed to help you drive unthinkable results and ultimately, activate mission success.Join us in venturing into The Unthinkable and grow beyond what you’ve ever imagined.

The Collaborative (Classy)

• When: May 15-16, 2024
• Where: Chicago, IL
• Website: https://collaborative.classy.org/ 
• What: Nonprofit marketing, fundraising, and leadership conference
• How much: ~$320-$499 for In-person
• Audience size: 1,000 in-person attendees; 3,000 online attendees
• Who attends: Anyone in the nonprofit or social enterprise space looking to learn more about fundraising and technology best practices, Classy platform features, leadership lessons, and insights on how to grow your organization. 

About: Collaborative, brought to you by Classy.org, is a two-day experience dedicated to nonprofit professionals. With fundraising and technology at the forefront of the conversation, we’ll explore best practices and learn how to leverage the latest technology to raise more. Extend the experience by attending our new User Conference bonus day for Classy customers. 

AFP ICON

• When: April 5-9, 2024
• Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Website: http://afpicon.com/
• What: The largest conference in the world for fundraising professionals
• How much: Varies by membership and registration date, ranging from $999 USD (Preview Rates) to $2,300 USD (Onsite Rates)
• Audience size: around 4,000
• Who attends: Professional fundraisers, nonprofit communications teams, and tons of vendors

About: Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, this is the Super Bowl of fundraising conferences. Representation from all of the main players in the CRM and donation platform games are here. Content is focused on the trends and tactics in fundraising with a lot of time (we’re talking hours a day) is allocated to the sponsor exhibit hall. Big points for networking and parties, which are thrown by the conference and sponsors. Remember when going that this is a group of fundraisers: Their job is to raise money. Game. On.

Engage For Good

• When: May 14 – 16, 2024
• Where: Marriott Minneapolis City Center
• Website: https://engageforgood.com/conference/ 
• What:  Nonprofit and Corporate Social Responsibility conference  
• How much: ~$445–$1,395
• Audience size: Around 300
• Who attends: CSR professionals, nonprofit marketers, executives, cause marketers  

About: Formerly known as the Cause Marketing Forum, this focused audience works (as the original name would suggest) in the cause marketing ecosystem. Content sits at the intersection of purpose and profit, featuring case studies of successful partnerships. Networking happens between sessions and at the opening day after-party. This is a great conference to learn from experts about smart earned-revenue models, and about how the CSR world at for-profit companies operates. 

National Conference of Volunteering and Service: Points of Light

• When:  June 11-14, 2024
• Where: Marriott Marquis Houston
• Website: https://www.pointsoflight.org/conference/
• What: The world’s largest conference focused on volunteer and service, bringing together more than 2,000 nonprofit, government, business, and civic leaders to gain and share the knowledge, resources and connections..
• How much: ~$525 – $950
• Audience size: around 2,000
• Who attends: Volunteer coordinators, nonprofit communications teams, gov’t and social entrepreneurs and vendors. Many organizations involved in the old Hands-On Points of Light and AmeriCorps networks.

This multi-day conference offers plenty of breakouts and practical, learning-driven tracks with an eye towards cross-sector collaboration. Service and volunteerism are a core theme, with many sessions focused on utilizing AmeriCorps and corporate volunteers. Networking is encouraged during breaks, however there isn’t a main reception for dedicated networking. Plenty of vendors are on-site to share insights and exhibit their work.

NIO Summit | Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization (NIO) Summit 2024

Cause Camp

• When: October 21-22, 2024
• Where: Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain Resort
• Website: https://cause.camp/2024conference/ 
• What: Nonprofit marketing, fundraising, and leadership conference
• How much: TBD Jan 15th 2024
• Audience size: Typically 300, Open
• Who attends: Nonprofit story tellers, executives and fundraisers

About: Presented by Nonprofit Hub, Cause Camp features a small audience and presenters with a high amount of polish. The content is carefully curated and well-paced. Networking happens between sessions and at an opening-day party. The community is very welcoming and it is clear why many people return year after year.

Create Good

When: April 3-5, 2024.
Where: Durham Arts Council, 120 Morris Street, Durham, NC

Cost: $175-275
Website: https://www.creategoodconference.com/

About: Create Good is a 2-day conference to inspire nonprofit communicators to amplify their missions with the latest tools and techniques. We invite communicators from around the country to share what they have learned, creating the most meaningful and eye-catching work. It’s a fun, laid-back conference where folks who love nonprofit communications finally feel seen. In its 9th year, this conference brings back repeat attendees and fresh, diverse faces every year.

Upswell

• When: November ? 
• Where:  US 
• Website: https://independentsector.org/upswell/
• What: Nonprofit fundraising and marketing conference
• How much: TBA, but hosting free pop-up events now through the Fall
• Audience size: Open
• Who attends: Professional fundraisers, nonprofit communications teams, and tons of vendors.

ANA Digital & Social Media Conference 

• When: July 17-19th, 2024
• Where: InterContinental Los Angeles, located at 900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
• Website: July Social media conference
• What: Nonprofit fundraising and marketing conference
• How much: $99-$999
• Audience size: Around 200
• Who attends: Professional fundraisers, nonprofit communications teams, and tons of vendors.

About: Formerly DMA: Washington Nonprofit Conference) Hosted by ANA (Association of National Advertisers), which acquired DMA Nonprofit Federation, this multi-day conference offers plenty of fresh ideas and expertise. Networking is encouraged during breaks, and there is also a reception.  ANA runs many conferences that can be found here: 

Here’s a summarized list of ANA conferences for 2024 with URLs:

• ANA/AEF Future of Marketing Leadership Conference

  • Date: Feb 28 – Feb 29, 2024
  • Location: New York, NY
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA Media Conference

  • Date: Mar 18 – Mar 20, 2024
  • Location: Orlando, FL
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA AI for Marketers Conference

  • Date: Apr 8 – Apr 10, 2024
  • Location: Hollywood, FL
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA Brand Masters Conference

  • Date: Apr 15 – Apr 17, 2024
  • Location: Carlsbad, CA
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA Advertising Financial Management Conference

  • Date: May 5 – May 8, 2024
  • Location: Orlando, FL
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA In-House Agency Conference

  • Date: May 14 – May 16, 2024
  • Location: Carlsbad, CA
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA MarTech for Marketers Conference

  • Date: May 20 – May 22, 2024
  • Location: Orlando, FL
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA Masters of B2B Marketing Conference

  • Date: Jun 12 – Jun 14, 2024
  • Location: Naples, FL
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA Digital & Social Media Conference

  • Date: Jul 17 – Jul 19, 2024
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA Brand Activation & Creativity Conference

  • Date: Sep 10 – Sep 11, 2024
  • Location: Virtual Event
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA Measurement & Analytics Conference

  • Date: Sep 16 – Sep 18, 2024
  • Location: Chicago, IL
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA Masters of Marketing Conference

  • Date: Oct 22 – Oct 25, 2024
  • Location: Orlando, FL
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA Masters of Advertising Law Conference

  • Date: Nov 11 – Nov 13, 2024
  • Location: Scottsdale, AZ
  • More Info

• 2024 ANA Multicultural Marketing & Diversity Conference

  • Date: Nov 18 – Nov 20, 2024
  • Location: Las Vegas, NV
  • More Info

If we missed any quintessential nonprofit conferences or you would like to add your conference to the list, please add it below:

Also, just in case you are in charge of planning a conference, we love presenting and sharing our knowledge with the sector. Here are the topics we like to present around.

And here’s our podcast on how to effectively attend a conference with Social Media for Nonprofit