I attended bbcon for the primary time in 2018 and have returned at each probability. Why? As a result of it’s price it. The convention constantly delivers worth – insights you gained’t discover anyplace else, connections with Blackbaud customers from world wide, and alternatives to advance your profession as a nonprofit skilled.
Listed below are my high 5 causes for coming again yr after yr:
- Networking: There’s one thing about bbcon that makes it straightforward to attach with different nonprofit professionals. Whether or not or not we use the identical merchandise or work in the identical sectors all of us have one thing in widespread – we’re a part of the higher Blackbaud neighborhood. From my first convention on, folks I’ve met at bbcon have had an instantaneous impression – providing new views, a protected area to discover concepts, and lots of alternatives to develop and develop inside my subject.
- Direct Entry to Blackbaud Builders: The place else are you able to converse straight with the folks constructing the merchandise you employ day-after-day? These conversations are invaluable, permitting you to ask questions, search clarification, and get insights into future product and have instructions. Professional Tip: Should you’re enthusiastic about collaborating in Discovery Calls or Early Adaptor Packages (EAPs), bbcon is the right alternative to talk with Blackbaud reps and specific your curiosity.
- Interact with Presenters & Product Specialists: bbcon is the place the perfect and brightest product customers go to share their hard-earned knowledge and recommendation. Attending in particular person presents a singular alternative to work together straight with session presenters and product specialists. If a session sparks a brand new concept, you may stroll up and converse with the presenter. Equally, if one other attendee’s query conjures up you, invite them to proceed the dialog over lunch or espresso. Don’t hesitate to start out a dialogue with attendees who use completely different merchandise or work in several nonprofit verticals – these discussions typically result in essentially the most significant takeaways. At my first bbcon, the conversations with different attendees have been so participating that I typically skipped meals in favor of holding the discussions going.
- Product Updates & Roadmaps: The mainstage shows are an effective way to listen to straight from Blackbaud leaders about the place they’re headed as an organization, and the thrilling new options they plan to roll out. Attending bbcon in particular person means getting early entry to bulletins and serving to your group keep forward.
- Assembly Blackbaud Companions: That is an space that shouldn’t go ignored. Companion conversations supply insights into new traits and breakthroughs that may assist your group keep related with donors, handle knowledge extra effectively, and lift extra money to raised assist your mission. Even should you’re not seeking to put money into one other utility, it’s price exploring what is feasible – you by no means know what would possibly spark your curiosity.
Every second at bbcon presents a brand new spark, a brand new ‘ah-ha!’ second, a brand new realization. The convention is about assembly people who find themselves doing distinctive work to vary the world for the higher and being impressed by all of it. The knowledge gained, contacts made, and actionable insights uncovered at every bbcon I’ve attended have had an enduring impression on my profession.
I hope to see you in Seattle and at many extra bbcons to come back!
