NIO Summit Agenda
NIO Summit 2025 kicks off on Tuesday, September 30th with an all-day workshop (additional cost) and the Pre-Summit Opening Party.
Some details are still in the works, but fire up your flux capacitor and browse the agenda below to see what’s on the timeline!
Tuesday, Sept 30: Pre-Summit Events
PRE-SUMMIT WORKSHOP
** additional cost
Session Topic: Recurring Donor Acquisition
- 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- The Little Theater at the Kansas City Music Hall
Most conversations about what works to grow recurring revenue lack substantial data and evidence. While it can be inspiring to see examples from complex organizations that are seemingly “doing it right”, building and growing your recurring giving program doesn’t have to be as complicated as some would have you think.
In this optional workshop from NextAfter, we’ll demystify what it really takes to acquire new recurring donors and build a more sustainable revenue source for your organization.
Over the duration of this workshop, you will discover:
✔️ The power and impact of investing in a sustainable recurring giving program.
✔️ Tangible strategies to prompt one-time donors to give monthly—and even upgrade after their first gift.
✔️ How to develop and launch a dedicated recurring giving acquisition campaign.
✔️ Methods for automating your recurring giving acquisition so you can keep bringing in new recurring donors all year long.
We will have many hands-on activities planned during this workshop to make sure you walk away with concrete applications that you can implement in your fundraising program right away. So be sure to bring a laptop with you so you can get to work along with your colleagues and peers!
***The additional workshop fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and beverage breaks.
Sponsored by:
EArly badge pick up
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Kansas City Marriott Downtown Hotel
Do you want to skip the badge pick-up lines at the Opening Party or on Day 1 of NIO Summit? Come to the registration desk at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown Hotel to pick up your badge, swag tokens and NIO Summit 2025 collector’s pin. Then breeze right into the Opening Party.
NIO Summit opening PARTY (ALL ATTENDEES)
- 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- No other pub at the power & light district
The best way to kick off an event? A party of course!
Kick off NIO Summit with a bang at the opening party at No Other Pub, located in Kansas City’s famous Power & Light District! Connect and network with fellow attendees, enjoy some friendly competition with video games, bowling, virtual golfing bays, Shuffleboard, Foosball, Ping Pong +more, and unwind with heavy appetizers and a beverage.
Pick up your name badge and don’t miss this chance to start the conference on a high note. We can’t wait to see you there!
Wednesday, OCT 1: NIO Summit Day 1
breakfast, exhibits & registration
- 7:30 AM – 8:15 AM
- Clocktower Commons (Municipal Arena)
Get off to a great start with a some breakfast and coffee in the Expo Hall while mixing and mingling with your fundraising colleagues.
NIO Summit Day 1 Meals and Breaks Sponsored by:
SPEAKING SESSIONS
- 8:15 AM – 10:00 AM
- NIO Summit Theater (Music Hall)
The Intro to NIO Summit is always a lot of fun. Make sure to get your seat early and settle in for a full day of great content and speakers.
MORNING BREAK & ACTIVITIES
- 10:00 AM – 11:10 AM
- Clocktower Commons (Municipal Arena)
NIO Summit Day 1 Meals and Breaks Sponsored by:
Vendor Exhibits: (Clocktower Commons) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program **Hint – this is where the snacks and beverages are located
Innovation Showcase: (Little Theater)
- Innovation Showcase #1: 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM – Presentation by TBD
- Innovation Showcase #2: 10:40 AM – 11:00 AM – Presentation by TBD
Optimization Station: (Clocktower Commons – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
Birds of a Feather Town Square: (Clocktower Commons) Join your peers by job title, fundraising vertical, or nonprofit sector to discuss the challenges you face and the breakthroughs you’re chasing. It’s your chance to exchange warp-speed insights, spark new collaborations, and maybe even rewrite a few fundraising timelines—no DeLorean required.
Time Travel Movie Trailer: (Clocktower Commons) Record yourself in a Fundraising to the Future movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens!
Swag Store: (Clocktower Commons) The only currency accepted at the Swag Store are Swag Tokens! And the only way to earn swag tokens is to visit with the vendors, attend the parties, post on social media, and lots more!
Swag Store Sponsored by:
SPEAKING SESSIONS
- 11:10 AM – 12:30 pm
- NIO Summit Theater (Music Hall)
Settle back in, as there’s a full day ahead packed with fresh insights, inspiring speakers, and practical takeaways.
LUNCH & NETWORKING
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- Clocktower Commons (Municipal Arena)
NIO Summit Day 1 Meals and Breaks Sponsored by:
Lunch: (Clocktower Commons & Patio Seating) Enjoy a lunch break and network with fellow attendees. Share insights, and recharge for the afternoon sessions. This break provides a perfect blend of nourishment and opportunity to foster new professional connections.
Vendor Exhibits: (Clocktower Commons) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program **Hint – this is where the snacks and beverages are located
Optimization Station: (Clocktower Commons – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
Time Travel Movie Trailer: (Clocktower Commons) Record yourself in a Fundraising to the Future movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens!
Swag Store: (Clocktower Commons) The only currency accepted at the Swag Store are Swag Tokens! And the only way to earn swag tokens is to visit with the vendors, attend the parties, post on social media, and lots more!
Swag Store Sponsored by:
SPEAKING SESSIONS
- 1:30 PM – 3:05 Pm
- NIO Summit Theater (Music Hall)
Get comfortable —there’s still a full lineup of powerful insights, thought-provoking speakers, and actionable strategies coming your way.
AFTERNOON BREAK & ACTIVITIES
- 3:05 PM – 4:15 PM
- Clocktower Commons (Municipal Arena)
NIO Summit Day 1 Meals and Breaks Sponsored by:
Vendor Exhibits: (Clocktower Commons) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program **Hint – this is where the snacks and beverages are located
Innovation Showcase: (Little Theater)
- Innovation Showcase #1: 3:15 PM – 3:35 PM – Presentation by TBD
- Innovation Showcase #2: 3:45 PM – 4:05 PM – Presentation by TBD
Optimization Station: (Clocktower Commons – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
Birds of a Feather Town Square: (Clocktower Commons) Join your peers by job title, fundraising vertical, or nonprofit sector to discuss the challenges you face and the breakthroughs you’re chasing. It’s your chance to exchange warp-speed insights, spark new collaborations, and maybe even rewrite a few fundraising timelines—no DeLorean required.
Time Travel Movie Trailer: (Clocktower Commons) Record yourself in a Fundraising to the Future movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens!
Swag Store: (Clocktower Commons) The only currency accepted at the Swag Store are Swag Tokens! And the only way to earn swag tokens is to visit with the vendors, attend the parties, post on social media, and lots more!
Swag Store Sponsored by:
SPEAKING SESSIONS
- 4:15 PM – 5:45 Pm
- Clocktower Commons (Municipal Arena)
Hold on! There’s plenty more to come, and each session is packed with ideas worth catching.
dinner on your own
- 5:45 PM – 8:30 PM
- Downtown Kansas City Area
Head back to your room, freshen up and grab a quick bite to eat. But don’t stray too far…you won’t want to miss the Official NIO Summit Party that starts at 8:30 PM at PBR Big Sky in the Power & Light District.
The official Summit Party
- 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- PBR Blue Sky at the power & light district
The Official Summit Party Sponsored by:
We’re taking over PBR Big Sky—one of KC Live!’s largest and most dynamic venues. Known for its casual, high-energy vibe, featuring a mechanical bull, a live music stage, and plenty of room to mix, mingle, and dance. Whether you’re networking or just unwinding, this is the kind of night you won’t forget.
Thursday, Oct 2: NIO Summit Day 2
breakfast, exhibits & registration
- 7:30 AM – 8:15 AM
- Clocktower Commons (Municipal Arena)
Get off to a great start with a some breakfast and coffee in the Expo Hall while mixing and mingling with your fundraising colleagues.
NIO Summit Day 2 Meals and Breaks Sponsored by:
SPEAKING SESSIONS
- 8:15 AM – 10:00 AM
- NIO Summit Theater (Music Hall)
Don’t miss the recap video of NIO Summit so far! Will you be in the video??
MORNING BREAK & ACTIVITIES
- 10:00 AM – 11:10 AM
- Clocktower Commons (Municipal Arena)
NIO Summit Day 2 Meals and Breaks Sponsored by:
Vendor Exhibits: (Clocktower Commons) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program **Hint – this is where the snacks and beverages are located
Innovation Showcase: (Little Theater)
- Innovation Showcase #1: 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM – Presentation by TBD
- Innovation Showcase #2: 10:40 AM – 11:00 AM – Presentation by TBD
Optimization Station: (Clocktower Commons – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
Birds of a Feather Town Square: (Clocktower Commons) Join your peers by job title, fundraising vertical, or nonprofit sector to discuss the challenges you face and the breakthroughs you’re chasing. It’s your chance to exchange warp-speed insights, spark new collaborations, and maybe even rewrite a few fundraising timelines—no DeLorean required.
Time Travel Movie Trailer: (Clocktower Commons) Record yourself in a Fundraising to the Future movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens!
Swag Store: (Clocktower Commons) The only currency accepted at the Swag Store are Swag Tokens! And the only way to earn swag tokens is to visit with the vendors, attend the parties, post on social media, and lots more!
Swag Store Sponsored by:
SPEAKING SESSIONS
- 11:10 AM – 12:30 pm
- NIO Summit Theater (Music Hall)
Settle back in, as there’s a full day ahead packed with fresh insights, inspiring speakers, and practical takeaways.
LUNCH & NETWORKING
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- Clocktower Commons (Municipal Arena)
NIO Summit Day 2 Meals and Breaks Sponsored by:
Lunch: (Clocktower Commons & Patio Seating) Enjoy a lunch break and network with fellow attendees. Share insights, and recharge for the afternoon sessions. This break provides a perfect blend of nourishment and opportunity to foster new professional connections.
Vendor Exhibits: (Clocktower Commons) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program **Hint – this is where the snacks and beverages are located
Optimization Station: (Clocktower Commons – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
Time Travel Movie Trailer: (Clocktower Commons) Record yourself in a Fundraising to the Future movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens!
Swag Store: (Clocktower Commons) The only currency accepted at the Swag Store are Swag Tokens! And the only way to earn swag tokens is to visit with the vendors, attend the parties, post on social media, and lots more!
Swag Store Sponsored by:
SPEAKING SESSIONS
- 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
- NIO Summit Theater (Music Hall)
Get comfortable —there’s still more powerful insights, thought-provoking speakers, and actionable strategies coming your way.
AFTERNOON BREAK & ACTIVITIES
- 2:30 PM – 3:40 PM
- Clocktower Commons (Municipal Arena)
NIO Summit Day 2 Meals and Breaks Sponsored by:
Vendor Exhibits: (Clocktower Commons) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program **Hint – this is where the snacks and beverages are located
Innovation Showcase: (Little Theater)
- Innovation Showcase #1: 2:40 PM – 3:00 PM – Presentation by TBD
- Innovation Showcase #2: 3:10 PM – 3:40 PM – Presentation by TBD
Optimization Station: (Clocktower Commons – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
Birds of a Feather Town Square: (Clocktower Commons) Join your peers by job title, fundraising vertical, or nonprofit sector to discuss the challenges you face and the breakthroughs you’re chasing. It’s your chance to exchange warp-speed insights, spark new collaborations, and maybe even rewrite a few fundraising timelines—no DeLorean required.
Time Travel Movie Trailer: (Clocktower Commons) Record yourself in a Fundraising to the Future movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens!
Swag Store: (Clocktower Commons) The only currency accepted at the Swag Store are Swag Tokens! And the only way to earn swag tokens is to visit with the vendors, attend the parties, post on social media, and lots more!
Swag Store Sponsored by:
SPEAKING SESSIONS
- 3:40 PM – 4:30 Pm
- Clocktower Commons (Municipal Arena)
Hold on! Stick around until the very end to find out where NIO Summit will be next year and what could our crazy theme be next?? Be the lucky ones to get the very lowest ticket price for next year. We only have this price one time and it’s only for the loyal attendees who hang around until very end!
Experience nio summit in person
You're One Step Away From Securing Your Savings to NIO 2025
If you’re ready to grow your fundraising and make a bigger impact, this is your chance to invest in yourself and your mission. Use GIGAWATT25 to save $200 now!
Back to the future: back to kansas city!
NIO Summit 2025 will take you (back) to Kansas City, MO on Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, 2025.
We have a block of rooms reserved at a discounted rate at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.
Kansas City Marriott Downtown
200 West 12th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
Just across the street from Kansas City Music Hall!
The Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization Summit is presented by NextAfter. 5810 Tennyson Pkwy, Suite 102, Plano, TX 75024