In this episode, I break down how to get the opportunity to speak at a conference to do double duty as a cultivation vehicle also! By focusing on pre-event preparation, engaging interactions during the event, and personalized post-event follow-up, you can transform conference opportunities into meaningful donor engagement opportunities.
What You'll Learn
- How to prepare for a conference to maximize donor cultivation
- Effective strategies for engaging potential donors during the event
- Best practices for post-event follow-up to build lasting relationships
Key Takeaways
- Research Your Audience: Understand who will be attending and what they care about to tailor your message effectively.
- Develop Relevant Messaging: Craft presentations that address the specific interests and questions of your ideal supporters.
- Engage During the Event: Use interactive elements and connect personally with key attendees.
- Prepare a Strong CTA: Offer valuable content that aligns with your audience's interests to encourage further engagement.
- Follow Up Effectively: Send personalized emails and share additional resources to keep the conversation going.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Pre-Event Preparation
- Research Your Audience: Identify key attendees and understand their interests and reasons for attending.
- Develop Compelling Messaging: Tailor your presentation to address the specific concerns and questions of your audience.
- Prepare a CTA: Create a valuable offer, such as a PDF or slide deck, that encourages attendees to connect with your organization.
- Use Social Media: Announce your participation and tag relevant organizations to attract interested attendees.
2. During the Event
- Engage with the Audience: Incorporate interactive elements like polls or questions to make your session engaging.
- Connect with Key Attendees: Use tailored talking points to network with the specific people you’ve identified.
- Include Your CTA: Ensure your call to action is part of your presentation and personal interactions.
3. Post-Event Follow-Up
- Collect Email Information: Offer a content bonus or request emails to share your presentation.
- Send Tailored Emails: Follow up with personalized messages to those who showed interest or asked questions.
- Share Additional Resources: Provide PDFs, video footage, and related articles to your new contacts.
- Schedule Personal Meetings: Arrange follow-up meetings with high-interest attendees to deepen their connection to your organization.
Resources Mentioned
- Donor Attraction Toolkit
- Mini-Series on Donor Cultivation
Want to work together?
Join The Collective, a membership community for nonprofit leaders who want to scale their budget and impact, & let's set your nonprofit on a path to strategic and sustainable growth!
Connect with me!