As our theme for this year is 'Small Shifts, Big Impact', we have some inspiring and educational plenary speakers who are sharing their knowledge with us.

In our keynote sessions, we’ll explore how fundraisers of all kinds are driving progress through creativity, collaboration, and fresh thinking - proving that even the smallest ideas, when shared, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Find out more about our plenary speakers and their sessions below:

 

Day One Keynote Speaker: Jez Rose

Jez Rose brings Small Shifts, Big Impact to life in a keynote that is both uplifting and grounded in the realities of fundraising today.

A globally recognised speaker, TEDx presenter and award-winning author, Jez specialises in turning small, intentional changes into meaningful results. With honesty and optimism, he will acknowledge the pressures facing fundraisers while championing the power of human connection - trust, empathy and purpose.

Through engaging stories and practical insight, attendees will leave feeling re-energised, reconnected, and equipped with simple actions they can apply immediately.

A powerful reminder: small shifts can create lasting impact.

 

Jez Rose Bio

Jez Rose has an exceptional reputation as a keynote speaker delivering presentations to the world's most recognised brands. As well as being a world class keynote speaker he is also an award winning author and broadcaster. The highly sought-after speaker has spoken at the renowned TEDx conferences in both the UK and USA. Jez's passion surrounds how nature impacts on human health, wellbeing and behaviour and how small changes can produce extraordinary results. Jez is no stranger to being a radio and TV personality where he can be seen travelling the country with BBC 1's Saturday Kitchen or in the studio with James Martin's Saturday Morning. Jez is also recognised from his role as guest presenter on QVC.

The award winning author has written two children's books, Zooster McFlooster & the Very Big Sneeze and The Sock Thief as well as two other books Flip the Switch and LEGACY. Jez is also a regular writer of articles and features which have appeared in The Daily Telegraph, Liz Earle Wellbeing, CNN and BBC Countryfile magazines. The founder of The Good Life Project which is a research project supported by ambassadors The Soil Association; broadcaster Kate Humble and Gardeners World Adam Frost. Jez believes nature is not being taken seriously so this project develops practical evidence-based guidance for organisations on the impact nature has on human health, wellbeing and behaviour.

Jez has an amazing ability to explore complicated topics in a way that captivates everyone he speaks to and for over decades his reputation has withheld resulting in him being invited to a magnitude of events in more than 14 countries. 

Jez Rose is represented and hired via the Champions Speakers Agency.

 

Day Two Keynote Speakers: Dr Laurene Currie, Rebecca Williams and David Upcraft

AI, Trust, and the Future of Supporter Experience: The New Era of UK Fundraising

AI is already influencing how UK charities communicate, make decisions, and build relationships with supporters. But as adoption accelerates, trust, transparency, and human judgement matter more than ever. 

In this plenary session, Blackbaud shares new UK fundraising research and real-world examples to explore how AI can be used responsibly to enhance supporter experience - without losing the human connection that drives giving. Attendees will gain practical insight into how different generations respond to AI, where fundraisers see the greatest opportunities and concerns, and how organisations can set clear boundaries while using AI to save time, build confidence, and strengthen long-term supporter relationships.

 

Bios:
  • Dr Laurene Currie leads research at the intersection of experience design and ethical AI innovation. With over 20 years’ experience studying human behaviour across consumer, charity, and higher education technology, her work helps organisations adopt AI responsibly and with confidence. Laurene holds a PhD in Usability Engineering, focused on human interaction, collaboration, and learning through avatars, and a Master’s degree in Sociology. As Senior Principal UX Researcher at Blackbaud and Research Advisor for AI Innovation at the Blackbaud Institute, she develops human‑centred AI frameworks and conducts in‑depth research into customer and donor trust, championing transparency, inclusivity, and positive social impact.

 

  • Rebecca Williams is a highly experienced enterprise leader, fundraiser, data manager, and researcher with deep expertise in grantmaking, data insight, and data protection. Before joining Blackbaud, she was Research Lead at the Philanthropy Company and served as Fundraising Data Lead for the National Emergencies Trust’s £100m+ Coronavirus Appeal. Rebecca has held both in‑house and consultancy roles with charities, funders, and public bodies including London Legal Support Trust and Sport England. At Blackbaud, she works strategically with customers across Europe, bringing deep sector knowledge and a practical understanding of how data and technology can drive meaningful impact for charities.

 

  • David Upcraft is a fundraising strategist and relationship manager with extensive experience across the UK and international not-for-profit sector. Since joining Blackbaud in October 2021, he has worked with organisations worldwide, bringing first‑hand experience as a former Head of Fundraising and Grantmaking who used Blackbaud solutions for many years. David has held senior fundraising roles within international aid charities and worked as a consultant at Leap Fundraising, supporting healthcare and arts and culture organisations. He specialises in donor engagement, fundraising technology, database projects, and campaign strategy. 

To see these speakers - book your tickets now.

 

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