Hello, I am Lindsay Tilston Jones and I'm currently in my second year on the Fundraising Convention Board. I am REALLY excited for this years’ Convention. It is always exciting to see all the behind the scenes hard work come together in such a wonderful event.
I am often asked "Why should I attend Convention, when I can do so much online, I am up against a budget and I don’t know it is for me?" and they are all valid questions, which I will answer in this blog.
Nothing beats in person networking and learning. Fundraising Convention is the biggest in person event for professional fundraisers in the UK. Here you get to network, learn, workshop and make friends with people from all causes, all size of charities, different levels of experience and different viewpoints, you are in control of your programme and your opportunity. It really is a chance for us all to learn and thrive together. If you are on a budget, it is great value, for the content, the workshops, the networking, and the takeaways you will get from all aspects of fundraising, there really is something for everyone. Ensure you make full use of the Convention Hub and the App to plan your time and try something new. If you cannot make a session, then befriend someone who can and share resources.
You might think that Convention is not for you as you are from a smaller cause, or maybe not even fundraiser as your day job, for you it is probably even more appropriate for you to come a long, make use of the diverse training, network and find ‘your people’ and your support. We as a board try to make the programme as accessible and as broad as possible, so there really is something for everyone.
Convention is so important for fundraising in the UK. It is the one time of the year where we all come together to learn, share, and celebrate. It is the one fixed point when all fundraisers have the chance to pause and take stock in our very busy working lives to reflect on what we do, and the difference we make. Convention is also important in terms of policy, guidance, and good practice for us as a profession. You will not get this at any other event, in such a concentrated way.
I really hope to see you there this year. Come and Learn and Thrive with us, invest in yourself, and in own professional development, make new contacts and friends, and inspire you to continue to do more of the amazing work you do.
Lindsay Tilston Jones is Head of Community Fundraising at Shelter.