Last week, several members of the Event 360 team had the amazing opportunity to attend the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum Conference in our nation’s capital. Not only did we get to soak up all the sights and sounds of Washington, D.C., but we also had the chance to learn from some of the brightest minds in peer-to-peer fundraising. The conference left us feeling inspired and energized, and we’re excited to share our key takeaways with you.
If there’s one thing I learned at the conference, it’s that fundraising and marketing teams need to work together! Both teams have similar goals of raising awareness and bringing funds into the organization. Working together can help tell your story, streamline messaging and create meaningful connections with donors, ensuring your organization has the biggest impact. Plus, in today’s fast-paced world, it’s important to be nimble and stay relevant. Remember, “relevancy is currency.” And let’s not forget, donations are about identity. Donating to an organization says something about a person. What’s the story behind the donation? ―Abbie Peterson, Marketing and Social Media Manager
P2P was an eye-opening experience for me, and I was particularly inspired by the conference’s motto of “For the people, by the people.” It reminded me that peer-to-peer fundraising and events are all about community and collaboration! One of my biggest takeaways from the conference was the importance of staffing. Non-profit organizations are taking the time to hire the right staff instead of simply filling positions to check it off their list. It was also stressed that direct and immediate feedback is crucial for non-profit staff, especially in a fast-paced industry where staff are asked to wear many hats. This feedback should be given regularly rather than waiting for a year-end review. No need to wait! Finally, my favorite quote from the conference… “Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn.” This quote reminded me that setbacks are opportunities for growth and improvement and that we should always embrace a learning mindset in our work. ―Kat Thomas, Account Director
Staffing is more important than ever, especially after the last few years. However, the current climate has caused many non-profit staff members to experience burnout. Although it may feel like a buzzword at this point, self-care is vital. Non-profit staff take on so much in their day-to-day world, engaging with and supporting participants, spreading awareness and raising money towards missions. So, it’s important to take care of ourselves first, because you can’t pour from an empty cup! Taking the time and creating the space to prioritize our own well-being is critical so we can continue to do the important work we do. ―Jillian Schranz, Director, Business Development
With all the competing priorities that can pop up, it’s important to stay in the know and be open to bringing back the question, “Is this supporting your why?” We can get so down in the weeds that it can be difficult to come back to a higher-level view, but that’s key to making sure you’re working smarter, not harder! Secondly, nurture and cultivate your participants and build people first, welcoming change and working backward from the desired outcomes are all key strategies to make sure you reach your goals. So, in summary, remember to collaborate, ask questions, listen, and always keep the “why” at the forefront! ―Tiffany Mangum, Travel Coordinator
As we all know, Covid had a huge impact on staffing and the world of fundraising is no exception. Throughout the conference, we learned that training and development are essential pillars for everyone to build on. But how do you teach the key cultivation skills and make it easy for field staff? It’s back to the basics and providing turnkey tools that are easy to use for everyone from staff members just out of college to long-time professionals. Secondly, although non-profit organizations are typically risk-averse, Covid has necessitated innovation and most executives want to keep working on new ideas. In a constantly evolving world, it’s important to embrace change and innovation to keep moving forward. And finally, non-profits are looking to outsource logistics, focusing their people on fundraising and prioritizing “People over Portojohns.” We second this! ―Patrick Riley, SVP of Accounts
We’re excited to take what we learned at the P2P Professional Forum Conference and apply it to our work, continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of peer-to-peer fundraising events in our journey to do more GOOD.
If you attended the Peer-to-Peer Forum, what was your biggest takeaway? Let us know!
