2021 Conference Recap: Top Ten Takeaways from “Big World, Big Ideas”

Last month, ADRP welcomed a record number of attendees to our Annual International Conference. Thanks in part to the virtual setting and brand new group registration option, we had more than 1,000 registered professionals! 

We learned so much while we were online, and want to share with you our top ten takeaways:

10. Our Big World of donor relations is bigger than ever!
A record 1,034 attendees registered Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, the United States, and more.

9. Being virtual was a major part of our success — and fun!
One of the best parts of working from home are fuzzy coworkers (#ADRPPets).

8. Connection is key!
Even in a virtual space, we felt welcomed and valued through networking sessions, chat boards, the Mentor/Mentee program, and being able to instantly schedule meeting with new friends via the online portal.

7. The range of session content was astounding.
From foundational, to skill building, to theoretical, the ADRP 2021 sessions generated a swarm of online conversation, idea sharing, and inclusion.

6. Speakers offered fresh perspectives on everything from compliance to community-centered fundraising.
Everyone from newcomers to veterans found something new and relevant.

5. With so many donor relations shops moving to digital stewardship, staying current with the speed of technology is essential.
Our conference offered opportunities to share challenges and successes in this realm, plus great tips on the latest tools via the Tech Xchange!

4.  We were reminded that we are learners, teachers, connectors, advocates, and, above all, storytellers.
We can be the lens through which real change happens.

3. The conference got right to the heart of the work that we really do in donor relations.
As one attendee noted, it achieved “a shared spirit of community, an engaging approach to making the work matter, and a meaningful focus on the myriad ways to elevate the donor experience.”

2. Whether or not you agreed with everything they had to say, keynote speakers Desiree Adaway, Tyler Riewer, and Vu Le took us out of our comfort zones.
They introduced ideas that got us to think and question. They spurred conversation and, as another attendee noted, “left us feeling empowered to be an ally for change in our organizations.”

1. We were reminded why we do what we do!
As one attendee said, “Nothing is more energizing than attending the ADRP annual conference. Hearing (and meeting) your industry colleagues is nothing short of inspiring. We work in a wonderful field, and we accomplish wonderful things. Having an opportunity to learn from one another really crystalizes the importance of our efforts and work.”

Our deepest thanks to the ADRP board, office, conference committee chairs and volunteers, exhibitors, and, most of all, YOU, the ADRP members and conference attendees, for making the 2021 conference a Big World where we could share Big Ideas that will help all of us improve lives, make dreams come true, and challenge our societies to rise to their highest ideals. We hope to Soar to New Heights with you in Albuquerque in 2022!

With gratitude,

Noël Schiber (2021 conference chair) and Ryan Steele (2021 conference co-chair and 2022 conference chair-elect)