By, Lori Woehrle
Are you attending the Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference for the first time later this month? If so, you’ll be in good company. About one-third of Bridge Conference registrants are newcomers. In honor of you newbies, here are our tips for first-timers.
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Don’t skip the general sessions
First, we have an awesome line-up of four outstanding speakers you won’t want to miss. Shankar Vedantum, host of the NPR podcast “The Hidden Brain,” will talk about how the hidden brain affects generosity. Bernard Ross and Geoffrey Peters will teach us now to use principles of neuroscience to maximize our fundraising effectiveness. And Allison Massari, our closing keynote, will talk about happiness. Who doesn’t want more happiness?
Second, EVERYONE will be chatting about the general sessions, so to keep up with conversation, you’ll want to have heard those talks.
Third, Bridge is all about networking, so YOU can use something fascinating from the general sessions to strike up a conversation.
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Download the mobile app
Bridge runs on a mobile app that provides schedule updates, announcements, networking opportunities, and more. You can build your schedule through the app to keep you on track. Download the app before you arrive so you hit the ground running.
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Don’t be a wallflower
It bears repeating: Bridge is all about networking, so spend time during the breaks, meals, and receptions meeting new people. (Introverts, I’m looking at you.) We’ll have more than 2,000 faces on hand, so you’re sure to meet people who can gladly give advice, share a story, and spark an idea!
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Volunteer
It takes LOTS of people to make Bridge happen. Even a first-timer can lend a hand. Sign up to volunteer, and you’ll be making new friends and meeting and greeting everyone like a pro in no time.
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Attend Wednesday’s coffee klatch for newbies
Not sure which sessions suit you? Looking for advice from a Bridge veteran? Then heed the rooster early Wednesday and join session experts for coffee (7:30-8:15 am). (Okay, National Harbor doesn’t have roosters. So use your phone or a clock.) The veterans can help you can make the most of your Bridge Conference experience.
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Capture ideas
Take brief notes on the most interesting sessions you attend. Many (but not all) speakers provide access to their presentations after the conference through the mobile app. Review and organize your notes at the end of each day to give you a catalog of new approaches. We’re even printing the onsite program book with matte paper and spiral binding so you can easily use it as your tablet. Trust us, remembering them after-the-fact will be hard. You’ll want notes.
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Give us your feedback
We really, really want to hear from you. Be sure to complete the session surveys, as well as an overall conference survey at the end. We’re always looking for new ideas, suggestions, and ways to improve. We’d love to hear from you!