Keynote: Following the Path to Donor Nirvana: The 5 Realizations Approach

Monday, September 30th, 2013
9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

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Description: Join Tom Ahern as he guides you through his Five Sacred Realizations of Donor Communications. (Cue the soft music.) Realization #1. Your case for support is NOT about your organization's need for cash. It's about the savory, enticing opportunity you've put in front of the prospect. #2. Every donor communication sends a message. Unfortunately, it's often the wrong message.... etc.

Speaker Bio: Tom Ahern

Tom Ahern is considered one of the world’s top authorities on donor communications. He is the author of four well-received books on the topic, with two more in the pipeline. Each year, he delivers dozens of workshops internationally. He spoke recently at conferences in New Zealand, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, and Italy as well as across North America. He specializes in applying the discoveries of psychology and neuroscience to the day-to-day business of inspiring and retaining donors.

His recent clients for cases, direct mail, newsletters and training include Animal Rescue League of Boston, Bread for the World, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Catholic Relief Services, Houston Grand Opera, National Parks Conservation Association, PBS TV, Princeton University, Save the Children, Sharp HealthCare and other major hospital systems, The Cleveland Foundation, the United Way of Anchorage, University of Oregon, Volunteers of America ... as well as many smaller and local nonprofits.

He is an award-winning journalist. As a "message strategist," he's won three prestigious international IABC Gold Quill awards, all for communications campaigns which achieved phenomenal success.  He collaborates with Prof. Adrian Sargeant and psychologist Jen Shang on prototyping innovative new donor communications campaigns for PBS.

He graduated from Brown University with a BA and MA in English. He completed his Certificate of Advertising Art from the Rhode Island School of Design.