Why Elevate is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
You might be wondering, "Kelly, why are you calling it the most wonderful time of the year? It's not snowing, and most people associate that phrase with Christmas." And you would be right, for most people. But for me, the Elevate conference holds that special place. It’s an annual event I look forward to with genuine excitement. Here are a few of the many reasons why this nonprofit fundraising conference is truly unparalleled.
1. The Undeniable Power of Networking
First and foremost, I absolutely looooove to network. Seriously, it's more than just a task for me; it's practically a hobby. The energy of meeting new people, forming connections, and seeing the creative sparks fly is intoxicating. My extroverted self thrives in this environment! Elevate brings together a phenomenal group of individuals—fundraising professionals, innovative vendors, and passionate nonprofit leaders—creating a high-impact community where meaningful relationships are easily forged. These aren't just surface-level exchanges; they’re connections that can amplify your mission and fuel your career growth long after the conference ends.
2. Education Built with Intention and Impact
The educational component of Elevate is truly unlike any other nonprofit conference I’ve attended. It is meticulously built with intention. What does that mean? It means every single person, from first-time attendees to seasoned event consultants and vendors that partner with nonprofits, is in the same room learning together. There is no separation, which fosters a unique, collaborative learning environment.
Crucially, the curriculum is structured so that each session deliberately builds upon the last. This design ensures that you don't just get isolated tips and tricks. Instead, you learn the fundamental concepts of building great fundraising events in the right order. This deep, intentional sequencing ensures that when it’s time to build your next fundraising event, you'll be able to structure it in a way that is logical, effective, and guaranteed to translate powerfully to your audience on event night. It’s this focused, cohesive approach that makes the education at the Elevate conference the absolute best in the business.
3. The Visionary Creators: Samantha Swaim and Kristin Steele
It’s no secret that I deeply admire the conference creators, Samantha Swaim and Kristin Steele. We have been collaborators and friends for many years, and these two fabulous humans possess an incredible ability to keep their finger on the pulse of the world of fundraising events. The landscape is constantly changing—technology evolves, donor behavior shifts, and global events influence giving—and Sam and Kristin are ever vigilant.
Because of their dedication to staying current, you will walk away from Elevate 2026 with the very best, most up-to-date information on what is working RIGHT NOW. They don't rely on outdated strategies. They watch the trends, they listen keenly to their network, they ask great questions that challenge the status quo, and then they distill that knowledge and put into action what is proven to be successful. Their commitment to actionable, current information is the engine that drives the conference’s relevance.
4. An Unbeatable Lineup of Speakers and Experts
Beyond the creators, the speaker lineup at the Elevate conference is consistently phenomenal. Samantha and Kristin know some of the best people on the planet who are at the forefront of the nonprofit industry. I mean, did you see the list of speakers scheduled for this event? Every single one of these professionals believes wholeheartedly in the power of lifting others up. This ethos of generosity and shared success is palpable when you meet them. It’s not just a professional courtesy they extend to each other; it is a genuine commitment to sharing their expertise to help you and your fundraising event succeed. You are learning from individuals who are truly invested in amplifying your mission.
5. Access to Mission-Driven Vendors
Finally, let’s talk about the vendors. The Elevate conference gives you direct access to the very best folks in the industry—the technology providers, service professionals, and nonprofit consultants you need to plan a fundraising event that truly shines like no other. The critical difference here is their philosophy. These vendors aren’t just here to get a paycheck; they believe in your mission. They see themselves as partners, not just providers. This alignment of values is crucial. When your vendors are equally invested in the success of your nonprofit, it changes the entire dynamic of your partnership and significantly enhances the quality of your event.
The Heart of Elevate: Relationships
While this fundraising conference is absolutely about sharpening the mechanics of your event, what it is really about is relationships. Great relationships are the fuel that drives your fundraising success so much further. This includes, of course, deepening bonds with your donors, but it equally applies to the relationships you build with the external professionals you bring in to amplify your mission.
So, come and learn from some incredible people. Add these professionals to the roster of incredible people you already know. Engage, connect, and absorb everything. I promise you are going to walk away with some very powerful, current, and actionable knowledge that will unequivocally set your next nonprofit fundraising event up for success.
See you there!