Select Your Talent Strategically
The Event: AFP’s 2011 International Conference on Fundraising in Chicago
The Challenge: To create a curriculum to reignite the fundraisers’ love of their profession
The Solution: As part of this year’s planning process, AFP partnered with Leading Authorities to produce an event with an overarching theme. By using powerful, high-profile talent – a former president, a well-known rapper and actress (Queen Latifah), and a social entrepreneur (Blake Mycoskie of TOMS Shoes), LAI reinforced AFP’s message and the theme of the event – storytelling. As fundraising centers on telling stories, which resonates well with donors, it was important that each speaker had deep personal ties to that world – in addition to being a name draw. Their energy and stories rallied the group to start thinking about the fundraising profession in a new and refreshing way.
Leading Authorities guided this process by aligning each of the three days vertically to provide a unique perspective on storytelling. From general sessions to breakouts, one idea lasted throughout each day, and individual sessions touched on different aspects of that same message. This infused a energy and meaning into the events for the attendees, as over four thousand people flowed through McCormick Place for three fast-paced days of plenary and educational sessions.
The first day addressed the “big picture” in fundraising, telling stories about what is currently happening in the industry and tying together central trends. Blake Mycoskie was the first day’s keynote speaker. He was selected for his global reach and his ability to tie together fundraising and the private sector. With TOMS, Mycoskie represents a new business model and a new method for fundraising, which made him a great choice to support the first day’s “big picture” theme.
Queen Latifah spoke on the second day, which revolved around what fundraising means for the individual. With a personal connection to fundraising through the foundation she began in honor of her late brother, she addressed the donor point of view, telling stories about what inspires people to contribute. As Queen Latifah is in a position to donate to multiple causes and charities, she was an ideal choice to address both what inspires the fundraising professional and what motivates individuals to give back.
On day three, a former United States president championed the theme of “the future of the fundraising profession.” Having dedicated much of his life to public service and with ties to the fundraising industry through his foundation, he looked at how fundraising has changed for new generations and addressed where the fundraising industry is headed on an international level.
Leading Authorities specializes in finding talent that aligns with a specific event, its themes, company goals, and – most importantly – what is actually happening on the stage. Top talent can drive ticket sales and attendance, but only if they resonate with audience members and reinforce the event’s message. AFP’s event was sold to capacity!
If you would like more information about Leading Authorities’ production capabilities or how to select your talent strategically, call 1-800- SPEAKER or fill out our online information request form.
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