The inaugural Nonprofit Education & Development Network Conference, held on April 5, 2023, at Lambeau Field was a sold-out event! The event, ‘Nonprofit Resilience: Reset, Renew & Inspire,’ brought together more than 250 talented thought leaders and community members from the nonprofit sector to focus on building resilience and helping to inspire industry professionals.
The one-day event was supported by Delaware North and the Green Bay Packers to make it a cost-effective and educational experience for all. The keynote speaker was Michael Nyenhuis, President and CEO of UNICEF USA, and a distinguished UW-Green Bay Alumni. He shared his thoughts and experiences about how we focus on our passions and activate change in our region.
The nine breakout sessions helped organizations develop tools to enhance fundraising efforts, manage and engage volunteers, plan strategically, develop strong brands and manage effective projects. The sessions were led by experts in their respective fields and provided practical advice for attendees to improve their own operations.
One of the highlights of the conference was a panel discussion on the influence of culture and leadership on the evolution of our work since covid. A focus on talent development and employee engagement was brought to focus.
Throughout the conference, there were many opportunities for attendees to network and connect with each other – a way to re-energize the commitment to the community.
Megan Lehmann, Director of Community Relations at The Automobile Gallery, said “the event was so impactful for our organization. The opening remarks and sessions were valuable and provided actionable items that will change the way we do business.”
Prof. Lora Warner, director of UW-Green Bay’s Nonprofit Education and Development Network, said, “Members of the nonprofit community have shown a great deal of interest in the opportunities we’ve offered them to learn and gather together. We were so pleased at the response to this program and look forward to support their work in a variety of ways in the coming year.”
Participants gained new insights, practical tools, and strengthened the sense of community and belonging. The event was organized by the Division of Continuing Education & Community Engagement and plans are already in development for April 2024.
Written by Kristin Bouchard
Link to original story: https://news.uwgb.edu/phlash/news/04/18/nonprofit-professionals-gain-education-and-insight-at-inaugural-spring-conference/