What to expect
NIO Summit 2024 kicks on Tuesday, September 17th with an all-day workshop (additional cost) and the Pre-Summit Party. Some of the specifics are still in the works, but browse the agenda below so you can know what to expect.
Pre-Summit Certification Workshop - New Donor Welcome Series Workshop
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Panorama Ballroom @ Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
- Nathan Hill & Courtney Krus
In this full-day workshop on September 17th, you’ll learn proven strategies for planning a New Donor Welcome Series that can help you build a meaningful relationship with your new donors, demonstrate impact, and inspire them to stick around year after year.
PLEASE NOTE: The workshop is a paid add-on to your registration. (Continental breakfast, lunch and beverage breaks will be provided)
LOCATION: Sheraton Indianapolis City Center Hotel, 31 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Early Badge Pick Up
- 11:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
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 Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel to pick up your badge, swag tokens and NIO Summit 2024 collector’s pin. Then breeze right into the Opening Party.
Opening Party
- 6:30PM - 9:30PM
- Pins Mechanical Indianapolis
The best way to kick off an event? A party of course!
Kick off NIO Summit with a bang at the opening party at Pins Mechanical in Indianapolis! Connect and network with fellow attendees, enjoy some friendly competition with games like pinball and bocce, duck pin bowling, arcade games, and unwind with a great selection of drinks and snacks.
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!
(Shuttles will be provided from the Sheraton Indianapolis Downtown)
Registration, Breakfast & Networking
Sponsored by Mile 19
- 7:30AM - 8:15AM
- Old National Center - Grand Bazaar
Start your day off right with a continental breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee in the Grand Bazaar Expo Hall. This is the perfect opportunity to mix and mingle with your fellow fundraising colleagues. Join us in the Grand Bazaar Expo Hall for a morning of food, great company, and inspiring conversations. We look forward to seeing you there and starting the day on a high note together!
Sponsored by:
Generosity Jones and the Raiders of the Generous Heart begins
- 8:15AM - 8:30AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
The Introduction to NIO Summit is always a blast! Be sure to grab your seat early and get ready for a day packed with actionable content and engaging speakers. Don’t miss out on the fun and the opportunity to learn from the best.
The adventure of Generosity Jones and the Raiders of the Generous Heart begins begins with a thrilling narrative intertwined with fundraising wisdom. Watch as Generosity Jones and Marian brave the treacherous jungle to unearth the Eye of Understanding, a vital artifact needed to discover the Ark of the Generous Heart. With perilous traps and narrow escapes, their quest will keep you on the edge of your seat with a “movie-within-a-movie” experience. Settle in and prepare for an inspiring and interactive experience!
Learning Guide Introduction
- 8:30AM - 8:40AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Tucker Wannamaker
Tucker Wannamaker will be around for the whole adventure we call NIO Summit. He will recap the most interesting and actionable insights from the previous speakers. He will come out before each break, and these sessions are designed to reinforce key takeaways and ensure you leave with practical strategies you can apply immediately.
SPEAKING SESSION: Intro to NIO Summit
- 8:40AM - 9:20AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Tim Kachuriak | NextAfter
We all made a choice to be at NIO Summit this year. It’s a significant investment of our resources and it’s our collective responsibility to ensure that we make the most of this time together. Join Tim as he shares how we can get the most out of this event and work together to unlock the miracle of generosity in ourselves and our donors.
SPEAKING SESSION: Building a Learning Organization: Why "Business As Usual" is Actually Your Riskiest Move
- 9:20AM - 9:50AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Jenny Magic | Build Better Change
While change has always been a constant, the scale, speed, and interconnectedness of change today are unprecedented in human history. With information overload, multitasking and constant stimulation, there’s a sense of always being in flux. Organizational leaders commonly react to this uncertainty with one of two predictable (and counter-productive!) responses: what psychologists refer to as “Anxious Fixing” or by sticking their head in the sand and hoping things will be better tomorrow.
In this dynamic session, communications strategist and change management expert Jenny Magic will share data on the state of change in 2024, skills teams need to thrive in this environment, and how leaders can confidently predict how much change their teams can and should be undertaking to achieve the perfect balance of innovation and stability.
Session Review with learning Guide
- 9:50AM - 10:00AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Tucker Wannamaker
Join us for the Session Review with Learning Guide, Tucker Wannamaker. In these pre-break sessions, Tucker will recap the most intriguing and actionable insights from our previous speakers. Designed to reinforce key takeaways, these reviews ensure you leave with practical strategies you can apply right away. Tucker will highlight the main points and facilitate brief discussions to deepen your understanding. Don’t miss this opportunity to consolidate your learning and maximize your NIO Summit experience!
Morning Break — Networking, Exhibits, & Innovation Showcase
- 10:00AM - 10:50AM
- Old National Center
Vendor Exhibits: (Grand Bazaar) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program **Hint – this is where the snacks and beverages are located
The Virtuous Live Stream Media Center: (Grand Bazaar) Q&A with Tim Kachuriak & Jenny Magic
Innovation Showcase: (Upstairs Lobby) Kevin Peters, Avid
Optimization Station: (Grand Bazaar – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
The Generosity Jones Experience: (1st Floor Lobby) Record yourself in a Generosity Jones movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens!
Swag Store: (1st Floor Lobby) 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!
Innovation Showcase by Avid AI: The Fundraiser's Scorecard
- 10:15AM - 10:40AM
- Old National Center -Upstairs Lobby
- Kevin Peters | NextAfter & Avid AI
In today’s data-driven world, nonprofit fundraisers and marketers have access to an overwhelming amount of information. The sheer volume of data often makes it challenging to quickly assess the success of their efforts and determine the right course of action.
In this session, we’ll demystify the process by explaining the five key metrics that every nonprofit should focus on. Understanding these metrics—what they are, how they’re measured, and their impact on both short-term and long-term outcomes—will empower you to successfully execute a successful fundraising strategy with confidence and achieve improved results.
Generosity Jones and the Raiders of the Generous Heart Continues
- 10:50AM - 11:05AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
Get back to your seats for the next thrilling chapter of The Generosity Jones and the Raiders of the Generous Heart adventure. Generosity Jones and Marian navigate a tense bazaar scene in Alexandria, hiding from the sinister FOE leader and his swordsmen. The suspense builds as Jones uses his quick thinking and innovation to outwit their pursuers. The quest to find the Ark of the Generous Heart continues as Jones and Marian use the Eye of Understanding to pinpoint the Ark’s location. Don’t miss this engaging and educational journey as we delve deeper into the mysteries of fundraising and the relentless pursuit of the Ark of the Generous Heart!
QUICK TIP By Givecloud: Fundraising vs Trustraising™
- 11:05AM - 11:15AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Josh Bloomfield | Givecloud
Explore how building trust can be the ultimate innovation in fundraising. What if in our commitment to conversions, our desire for data, and our hunger for funding, we’ve forgotten that donor’s actually want to give – they desire connection and impact. This presentation will unveil the secrets behind Trustraising™, a mindset and methodology that drives the highest performing giving experiences by focusing on a donor’s heart, rather than their wallet; connection rather than transaction.
SPEAKING SESSION: The Magic of Message - How to Talk Less, Say More, and Connect With Anyone
- 11:15AM - 11:45AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Brian Miller | Clarity Up Consulting
It’s hard to get our ideas to spread. The real problem is that we focus too much on how great and innovative our idea is, rather than how clear and understandable it is. But in truth, the more you know about something, the harder it is to explain it to an outsider. And they don’t understand it, they’ll never take action. That’s why to spread our ideas we need to stop working from idea down, and start building from clarity up.
In this session you’re going to learn how magicians instantly capture attention, earn trust, and build meaningful relationships, and how you can apply the same techniques to earn buy-in during your next pitch, presentation, or networking conversation – even on a landing page. Brian believes “everything that can be said, can be said clearly,” and in this program you’ll learn how to put the right ideas in the right order, every time.
FUNDRAISING NUGGETS: The 8th Wonder of the World and Its Impact on Your Mission
- 11:45AM - 12:00PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Greg Colunga | NextAfter
It’s been said that the 8th wonder of the world is compounding interest. This great wonder has been the key to driving great personal wealth for many throughout history.
Greg will reveal to the audience the map needed to unlocking this great treasure to fund your organization’s mission in a new and profound way.
SPEAKING SESSION: The Psychology of Disappointment: How It Affects Your Donors, Why It's Bad For Your Organization & What You Can Do About It
- 12:00PM - 12:30PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Michael Aagaard | CRO Consultant
Disappointment is a powerful and painful human emotion that shapes everything from how we feel and behave to how we learn and remember. In this session, we’ll uncover how it works, why it affects our behavior and what triggers it. Moreover we’ll look at how to use these insights to build better and higher converting experiences for our donors and supporters.
During this session, we’ll cover:
- What disappointment is from a psychological and neurological perspective
- Lots of real-world examples of how disappointment affects online behavior
- How to identify and address where you could be letting down your donors & supporters
Session Review with learning Guide
- 12:30PM - 12:40PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Tucker Wannamaker
Stick around before lunch to as Tucker recaps the most intriguing and actionable insights from our previous speakers. Designed to reinforce key takeaways, these reviews ensure you leave with practical strategies you can apply right away. Tucker will highlight the main points and facilitate brief discussions to deepen your understanding. Don’t miss this opportunity to consolidate your learning and maximize your NIO Summit experience!
Lunch
Sponsored by Mile 19
- 12:40PM - 1:40PM
- Old National Center
Lunch: (Parking Lot) 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: (Grand Bazaar) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program
The Virtuous Live Stream Media Center: (Grand Bazaar) Q&A with Brian Miller and Michael Aagaard
Optimization Station: (Grand Bazaar – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
The Generosity Jones Experience: (Upstairs Lobby) Record yourself in a Generosity Jones movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens!
Swag Store: (1st Floor Lobby) 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!
Generosity Jones and the Raiders of the Generous Heart Concludes
- 1:40PM - 1:45PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
Get ready as the adventure concludes with Generosity Jones and the Raiders of the Generous Heart. Watch as Generosity Jones and Marian uncover the true nature of the Ark of the Generous Heart, revealing secrets that can transform your fundraising efforts. Join us for this captivating and epic journey at NIO Summit!
QUICK TIP by WeGive: The Biggest Lessons On Optimization From Silicon Valley's Growth Era
- 1:45PM - 1:55PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Jonathan Beck | WeGive
The top lessons learned from a decade of growth hacking and conversion rate optimization for some of the world’s fastest-growing companies, including both failures and successes, and how these insights can be leveraged for nonprofit organizations today.
SPEAKING SESSION: Empowering Nonprofits with AI Content Engines: Building Strategies for 2024
- 1:55PM - 2:25PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Ross Simmonds | Foundation
How do you navigate marketing in the AI age? This talk will help. It’s estimated that some brands generate more than 5.1M annual visits directly to content that was created with AI. These pieces of content have over 2,400 backlinks and is continuing to rise in the SERP. Over the last few months, Ross and the team at Foundation have helped brands develop content marketing strategies that use AI to improve processes, efficiencies and drive millions in both pipeline and traffic. In this session, Ross will share frameworks, tools and strategies that marketers can use to unlock new levels of success on the back of Generative AI.
FUNDRAISING NUGGETS: Conquering the Temple of Fear: Pushing Your Organization to Greater Heights with Testing
- 2:25PM - 2:40PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Yanni Saratsis | NextAfter
Yanni will focus on actionable techniques or testing lessons you can implement quickly.
Sometimes testing and experimentation can feel like you are on a continual struggle to balance risk and reward, like Indiana Jones and the golden statue. In this session, you’ll see how we navigated strong initial resistance and potential risks to ultimately create a powerful new fundraising strategy.
SPEAKING SESSION: Everything is Connected
- 2:40PM - 3:10PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Kara Logan Berlin | Harvest
Nonprofit organizations are constantly looking to engage, inspire and motivate donors to invest more deeply in their missions. To do this successfully, organizations need an integrated, donor-centric approach that includes best practices of both traditional and digital methods. Achieving this goal requires transparency, long-term vision and patience for understanding the how and why each of us does this work. At the end of the day, high-performing teams work together.
Session Review with learning Guide
- 3:10PM - 3:20PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Tucker Wannamaker
Join us for the Session Review with Learning Guide, Tucker Wannamaker. In these pre-break sessions, Tucker will recap the most intriguing and actionable insights from our previous speakers. Designed to reinforce key takeaways, these reviews ensure you leave with practical strategies you can apply right away. Tucker will highlight the main points and facilitate brief discussions to deepen your understanding. Don’t miss this opportunity to consolidate your learning and maximize your NIO Summit experience!
Afternoon Break — Networking, Exhibits, & Innovation Showcase
- 3:20PM - 4:10PM
- Old National Center
Vendor Exhibits: (Grand Bazaar ) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program **Hint – this is where the snacks and beverages are located
The Virtuous Live Stream Media Center: (Grand Bazaar ) Q&A with Ross Simmonds & Kara Logan Berlin
Innovation Showcase: (Upstairs Lobby) Neil Parekh | VWO
Optimization Station: (Grand Bazaar – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
The Generosity Jones Experience: (1st Floor Lobby) Record yourself in a Generosity Jones movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens! ore details coming soon!
Swag Store: (1st Floor Lobby) 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!
Innovation Showcase by VWO: Amplifying Impact: Smart Testing for Nonprofit Success
- 3:35PM - 4:00PM
- Old National Center - Upstairs Lobby
- Neil Parekh | VWO
Non-profit organizations need to run cost-effective campaigns that boost donor engagement. In this presentation, Generosity X and Nextafter will share successful examples of how they’ve helped non-profits increase key metrics like donation and donor retention. We’ll highlight effective strategies and tactics and demonstrate how easy it is to get started with VWO. Join us to learn how smart experimentation can drive significant revenue growth for you.
Generosity Jones and the Fundraiser's Tomb Begins
- 4:10PM - 4:25PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
Get ready for another thrilling adventure with Generosity Jones at NIO Summit! When sacred fundraising stones are stolen from a needy village, Generosity Jones journeys to the Himalayas. The Cult of Adequacy’s sinister plot to sabotage fundraisers everywhere is discovered. Don’t miss Generosity Jones and the quest to reclaim the sacred stones, only at NIO Summit!
SPEAKING SESSION: Do it Differently.
- 4:25PM - 4:55PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Trovon Williams | NAACP
In today’s dynamic environment, effective communication is more important than ever. Communication methods have undergone tremendous development to thrive and fulfill audiences’ changing needs. Join us at the NIO Summit in September to hear from Trovon Williams, the NAACP’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Williams will look at how industry leaders have responded to the modern demands for communication, technology, and authenticity. Learn the value of strategically leveraging digital platforms and how organizations are reinventing themselves to propel their brands to unprecedented heights.
qUICK TIP by IDonate: 3 Optimizations Proven to Drive Monthly Giving On Your Website
- 4:55PM - 5:05PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Nacho Andrade | iDonate
We’re dishing out 3 optimization tips aimed at increasing monthly giving in 7 minutes (or less). We’ve got a little something for everyone with experiment-backed recommendations for your homepage and main donation page.
SPEAKING SESSION: Donor Retention: The Surprisingly Simple Strategy to Improve Your Most Critical Metric
- 5:05PM - 5:35PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Nathan Hill | NextAfter
Donor retention tops the list of the most critical metrics for fundraisers to improve. Yet proven donor retention strategies continue to be elusive in the nonprofit sector. In this data-driven & research-backed session, you’ll discover a hidden metric that has the potential to unlock drastically better donor retention rates—improving everything from donor acquisition performance to lifetime donor value.
Join this session based on first-hand research and real-world experimentation to discover this critical retention metric and proven tactics that can meaningfully improve your performance.
Generosity Jones and the Fundraiser's Tomb Continues
- 5:35PM - 5:45PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Tucker Wannamaker
Get ready for an epic continuation of Generosity Jones and the Fundraiser’s Tomb! The action is ramping up! Will our fundraising adventurers rescue the stolen stones of Compassion, Empathy, and Responsibility? Or will the Cult of Adequacy succeed in their evil mission? Don’t miss the next exciting installment of Generosity Jones and the Fundraiser’s Tomb at NIO Summit!
Cocktail Hour
Sponsored by: RKD Group
- 5:45PM - 7:00PM
- Old National Center - Grand Bazaar
It’s time to unwind after a full day of great speakers and incredible content. Come mix and mingle with your colleagues and enjoy a cocktail or two and some appetizers.
Vendor Exhibits: (Egyptian Room) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program
The Virtuous Live Stream Media Center: (Egyptian Room) Q&A with Trovon Williams
Optimization Station: (Egyptian Room – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
The Generosity Jones Experience: (1st Floor Lobby) Record yourself in a Generosity Jones movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens! ore details coming soon!
Swag Store: (1st Floor Lobby) 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!
Sponsored by:
Dinner on your own
- 7:00PM - 8:30PM
- TBD
Indy was named the most ‘Underrated Food City in America’ by Condé Nast Traveler, and for good reason. Try classics like the searing shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo, the piled-high reuben at Shapiro’s, or the oversized pork tenderloin that is served almost everywhere. James Beard-recognized chefs are on display at Bluebeard, Vida, and Milktooth. If you can’t decide what to eat, wander into a food hall at The Garage, AMP, or City Market. From local restaurants to acclaimed breweries, Indy is fit for foodies.
Then wander over to the Official NIO Summit Party that starts at 8:30 PM at Howl at the Moon.
The Official NIO Summit Party
Sponsored by Classy
- 8:00PM - 11:00PM
- Howl at the Moon Indianapolis
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a whale of a good time at the Official NIO Summit Party. There will be drinks and vittles and lots of great music as you hang out with your new friends and boogie the night away at the fun-filled Howl at the Moon Indianapolis.
Live Band Karaoke was such a hit last year, let’s do it again! And if that is not your thing, we are also closing down the street for a DJ and some fun games.
Sponsored by:
Breakfast & Networking
Sponsored by Mile 19
- 7:30AM - 8:15AM
- Old National Center - Grand Bazaar
Are you tired after the Summit Party last night?? Start the second day right with a continental breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee in the Grand Bazaar Expo Hall. Let’s talk about that karaoke last night! Join us for a morning of good food, great company, and inspiring conversations. We look forward to seeing you there and kicking off the day on a high note together!
Sponsored by:
NIO Day 1 Recap Video & Generosity Jones and the Fundraiser's Tomb Concludes
- 8:15AM - 8:40AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
Don’t miss the recap video of NIO Summit Day 1 including the Summit party! And then the story of Generosity Jones concludes. In the final chapter, Jones faces off against the nefarious High Priest in a battle to save fundraising. It’s fundraising with a blockbuster twist!
SPEAKING SESSION: Elevating Fundraising with AI: Faster, Smarter, Joyful Strategies
- 8:40AM - 9:10AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Kishshana Palmer | ManageMint Inc.
In a world where fundraising can often feel like a daunting task, this session “Elevating Fundraising with AI: Faster, Smarter, Joyful Strategies,” aims to revolutionize this critical aspect of nonprofit work.
Kishshana Palmer, CEO of ManageMint, Inc. will share how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can not only make fundraising more efficient but also reintroduce joy and ease into these vital activities. Kishshana, known for her dynamic leadership and innovative approaches, will share her insights on harnessing AI to accelerate, not impede, our fundraising work. She will draw from her extensive experience to show how AI can be a game-changer in understanding donor behaviors and tailoring communication effectively.
Kishshana will explore practical AI applications that have transformed fundraising efforts – from automated data analysis tools that provide real-time insights to AI-driven communication platforms that foster personalized donor engagement. Kishshana will emphasize the importance of integrating AI seamlessly into current workflows, ensuring that technology acts as a catalyst for productivity rather than a hindrance.
This presentation promises to be a thought-provoking and actionable session. It’s designed for those ready to embrace AI as a partner in their mission, enhancing their impact while rediscovering the joy in their fundraising journey. Join us to be part of this transformative experience, where technology meets philanthropy in the most empowering way.
QUICK TIP by DonorPerfect: Dare to Go Off-Course: Shake Up Your Regular Routine to Raise More for Your Cause
- 9:10AM - 9:20AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Danielle McGruder | DonorPerfect
Does your fundraising feel more like meaningful relationship-building, or trying to outrun the careening boulder of funding gaps and program needs?
With case studies and data, you can blaze a new trail that will help you evaluate your fundraising strategy, get creative with your tactics, and try out solutions that will make it possible for you to spend more time focused on your mission.
SPEAKING SESSION: To Get Funding, Be Fundable and Findable
- 9:20AM - 9:50AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Kevin L. Brown | Mighty Ally
Fundraising alone can’t fix your fundraising. So stop chasing donations and do this instead:
𝘽𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚: show donors why you exist, what you do, where you’re going, who will do it, how to get there, and when it will be done. That’s your theory of change and strategic plan (your brand). And that can fix your fundraising.
𝘽𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚: occupy a distinct space in the minds of your funders, plus routinely communicate these brand promises. That’s your positioning strategy and marketing communications (your brand). And that can also fix your fundraising.
Just remember: brand first, fundraising second.
Session Review with learning Guide
- 9:50AM - 10:00AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Tucker Wannamaker
Join us for the Session Review with Learning Guide, Tucker Wannamaker. In these pre-break sessions, Tucker will recap the most intriguing and actionable insights from our previous speakers. Designed to reinforce key takeaways, these reviews ensure you leave with practical strategies you can apply right away. Tucker will highlight the main points and facilitate brief discussions to deepen your understanding. Don’t miss this opportunity to consolidate your learning and maximize your NIO Summit experience!
Morning Break — Networking, Exhibits, & Innovation Showcase
- 10:00AM - 10:50AM
- Old National Center
Vendor Exhibits: (Grand Bazaar) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program **Hint – this is where the snacks and beverages are located
The Virtuous Live Stream Media Center: (Grand Bazaar) Q&A with Kishshana Palmer & Kevin L. Brown
Innovation Showcase: (Upstairs Lobby) Taryn Myers & Melqui Pires | TrueSense
Optimization Station: (Grand Bazaar – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
The Generosity Jones Experience: (1st Floor Lobby) Record yourself in a Generosity Jones movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens! ore details coming soon!
Swag Store: (1st Floor Lobby) 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!
Innovation Showcase By TrueSense: Innovative Media Channels for Nonprofit Success
- 10:15AM - 10:40AM
- Old National Center - Upstairs Lobby
- Taryn Myers & Melqui Pires | TrueSense
Discover how your nonprofit organization can leverage cutting-edge media channels like Connected TV (CTV), Native advertising, programmatic audio, programmatic Out-of-Home (OOH), Performance Max, and Demand Generation to amplify your reach and engagement. This presentation will explore the integration of traditional digital channels with dynamic and responsive creative strategies, showcasing compelling case studies from TrueSense’s successful campaigns. Learn how to navigate and utilize these innovative platforms to drive your mission forward and achieve greater impact.
Generosity Jones and the Holy Grail of Fundraising Story Begins
- 10:50AM - 11:05AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
As the Generosity Jones adventure continues, with Jones discovering his father’s pursuit of the legendary Holy Grail of Fundraising, leading him to a mysterious tomb. You won’t want to miss it – it’s fundraising like you’ve never seen before!
SPEAKING SESSION: How to Create a Website People (Actually) Want to Support and Donate To
- 11:05AM - 11:35AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Talia Wolf | Getuplift
Optimizing your website for conversion is never easy. All the GA4’s and AI tools in the world will not help you create high-converting websites for your prospects and donors if you fail to leverage the one component that matters more than anything else in marketing: Emotion.
During this session, Talia Wolf will show you how to run emotion-based experiments that increase subscribers, conversions and donations.
In this talk, you will learn:
- How to go beyond testing random elements on a page, to running meaningful tests that drive scalable growth
- How to uncover what your prospects need to see, read and FEEL on the website to convert (so you can optimize your message, design and funnel)
- The 4-step process to uncovering how your prospects make conversion decisions and the framework Talia’s team uses to drive consistent results
fUNDRAISING NUGGETS: Raiders of the Lost donation: How Authentic Cultivation Uncovers Hidden Gold in Your Donor File
- 11:35AM - 11:50AM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Ardee Coolidge | NextAfter
Adree will focus on actionable techniques or testing lessons you can implement quickly.
Searching for that elusive donation? Discover why authentic donor cultivation is the key to building long-lasting donor support and driving increased results for your fundraising program.
SPEAKING SESSION: Why Can’t We Be Friends? How to End the Endless Battle Between Marketing and Fundraising
- 11:50AM - 12:20PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Jeff Giddens | NextAfter
Why are marketers and fundraisers so constantly at odds? Why do they have separate KPIs that never seem to exist in the same journey or funnel? We’ll explore whether marketers and fundraisers can become friends or are doomed to be lifelong rivals.
Session Review with learning Guide
- 12:20PM - 12:30PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Tucker Wannamaker
Join us for the Session Review with Learning Guide, Tucker Wannamaker. In these pre-break sessions, Tucker will recap the most intriguing and actionable insights from our previous speakers. Designed to reinforce key takeaways, these reviews ensure you leave with practical strategies you can apply right away. Tucker will highlight the main points and facilitate brief discussions to deepen your understanding. Don’t miss this opportunity to consolidate your learning and maximize your NIO Summit experience!
Lunch
Sponsored by Mile 19
- 12:30PM - 1:30PM
- Old National Center
Lunch: (Parking Lot) 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: (Grand Bazaar) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program
The Virtuous Live Stream Media Center: (Grand Bazaar) Q&A with Talia Wolf & Jeff Giddens
Optimization Station: (Grand Bazaar – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
The Generosity Jones Experience: (1st Floor Lobby) Record yourself in a Generosity Jones movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens! ore details coming soon!
Swag Store: (1st Floor Lobby) 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!
Generosity Jones and the Holy Grail of Fundraising Story Continues
- 1:30PM - 1:45PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
The adventure at NIO Summit continues as Generosity Jones returns from his latest quest, only to face a new challenge! Back at the museum, Brody delivers shocking news— Don’t miss this exciting continuation of the Generosity Jones saga at NIO Summit—where every twist and turn is designed to inspire and engage today’s fundraisers!
QUICK TIP by TrueSense: AI-Powered Fundraising with Google Ads: Performance Max & Demand Gen
- 1:45PM - 1:55PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Melqui Pires | TrueSense
Google Ads are a powerful tactic in digital strategies. Artificial Intelligence turbo-charges that impact dramatically. Discover key strategies and best practices to optimize performance across channels, gain more conversions and value and drive results with immersive, relevant creative.
SPEAKING SESSION: The Quest for Future Demand: How Investing In Your Brand Today Unlocks Greater Growth Tomorrow
- 1:55PM - 2:25PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Brady Josephson | charity: water
Your cause is appealing, and your supporters are generous. You’ve got a good offer. Your website performs well. Your emails drive revenue. Your retention could always be better but it’s not terrible. You seem to be doing everything right but you’re not growing. Everything feels like a grind. What’s going on? What aren’t you doing? What are you missing?
Future Demand. Brand Awareness. Top of Funnel.
Whatever you call it, a lack of investment here is often what is limiting growth and preventing your marketing engine from operating with more power and efficiency.
In this session, you’ll learn how charity: water and other brands are working to create Future Demand, why it matters, and how you can too.
FUNDRAISING NUGGETS: Fundraising Myths: What Does the Data Say?
- 2:25PM - 2:40PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Charlie Smith | NextAfter
Charlie will focus on actionable techniques or testing lessons you can implement quickly.
As a Data Analyst at NextAfter, Charlie gets to sort through an immense amount of nonprofit data. Join him as he walks through fundraising tactics that oftentimes aren’t supported by data. He will also share how you can go about validating your fundraising ideas so that you end up making the right decisions for your organization.
SPEAKING SESSION: How Your Organization is Missing Out on the Most Important Audience Segments and How to Fix It!
- 2:40PM - 3:10PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Ben Smithee | The Smithee Group
Does your organization have what it takes to scale the Golden Pyramid? Consumer and Donor mindsets and consumption patterns have changed, but has your organization’s approach to Marketing and Advertising? Most organizations are missing out on the most important audience segments because they are using an outdated and incomplete approach. Let’s explore a new path that helps your organization build digital success and increase your donor base.
Session Review with learning Guide
- 3:10PM - 3:20PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Tucker Wannamaker
Join us for the Session Review with Learning Guide, Tucker Wannamaker. In these pre-break sessions, Tucker will recap the most intriguing and actionable insights from our previous speakers. Designed to reinforce key takeaways, these reviews ensure you leave with practical strategies you can apply right away. Tucker will highlight the main points and facilitate brief discussions to deepen your understanding. Don’t miss this opportunity to consolidate your learning and maximize your NIO Summit experience!
Afternoon Break — Networking, Exhibits, & Innovation Showcase
- 3:20PM - 4:10PM
- Old National Center
Vendor Exhibits: (Grand Bazaar) Browse various products & services to help supercharge your fundraising program **Hint – this is where the snacks and beverages are located
The Virtuous Live Stream Media Center: (Grand Bazaar) Q&A with Brady Josephson & Ben Smithee
Innovation Showcase: (Upstairs Lobby) Tim Paris | Dataro
Optimization Station: (Grand Bazaar – NextAfter Booth) Come let the experts give you some pointers!
The Generosity Jones Experience: (1st Floor Lobby) Record yourself in a Generosity Jones movie scene! Be a movie star and then share your adventure on your social media for swag tokens! ore details coming soon!
Swag Store: (1st Floor Lobby) 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!
Innovation Showcase by Dataro: From Data Chaos to Donor Clarity: Why You Need Better Data Intelligence
- 3:35PM - 4:00PM
- Old National Center - Upstairs Lobby
- Tim Paris | Dataro
Chances are, your donor data is an unchartered jungle – tangled and chaotic, and you don’t have a map to understand a donor’s journey across your organization and chart the right course of action. Until now.
In a fundraising world where data is often siloed and scattered, Dataro’s Data Intelligence Platform offers a holistic view of your donors and actionable AI-powered predictions that help you deliver truly personalized donor journeys and smarter fundraising campaigns.
Join Dataro’s CEO Tim Paris to discover why integrating your data sources and leveraging the power of predictive AI is key to finding more meaning in your data, getting more accurate donor predictions, and creating truly personalized donor journeys that build lasting relationships.
It’s time to turn your data chaos into donor clarity.
Generosity Jones and the Holy Grail of Fundraising Continues
- 4:10PM - 4:25PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
The adventure of Generosity Jones and the Holy Grail reaches a thrilling climax as his father’s life hang’s in the balance. It’s more than just a story—it’s an inspiring lesson for fundraisers on courage, empathy, and optimism.
SPEAKING SESSION: People Want to Give: Leveraging GivingTuesday Data Trends for Year-End Fundraising Strategies
- 4:25PM - 4:55PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Woodrow Rosenbaum | GivingTuesday
As large donor dollars dwindle, nonprofits must shift from competing for a shrinking pie to embracing a new, relational model of giving. This session will dive into GivingTuesday’s latest reporting to uncover the untapped potential of everyday givers—an often overlooked segment that can be crucial to your year-end fundraising success. By analyzing findings from GivingTuesday’s latest reporting, this session will illuminate how nonprofits can embrace this shift, leveraging the power of storytelling, technology, and community engagement to build lasting, meaningful relationships with their supporters – not just for GivingTuesday but for year-round fundraising campaigns. Participants will gain actionable insights and best practices for maximizing donor engagement, increasing generosity, and improving campaign resiliency.
QUICK TIP by Donor Money: Embracing a Philanthropic Currency & Noncash Gifts
- 4:55PM - 5:05PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Matt Elston | Donor Money
In this powerful and visionary 8-minute presentation, you are invited to imagine the transformative impact of the nonprofit community rallying together behind a single, unified philanthropic currency. Discover how organizations embracing noncash gifts are thriving -growing six times faster than those restricted to cash donations – and how we can extend this success to a common currency that unites us all. Together, we’ll explore the unparalleled benefits of harnessing network effects, streamlining the giving process for donors, and shifting focus from soliciting value to creating it. Learn how this innovative strategy is revolutionizing fundraising and maximizing impact to propel the entire nonprofit ecosystem forward.
SPEAKING SESSION: The Quest for the Greatest Treasure of All: Recurring Donors
- 5:05PM - 5:35PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Courtney Krus | NextAfter
Just as Indiana Jones faced numerous obstacles in his adventures to find treasure, we too, as fundraisers, must navigate the many challenges of acquiring and retaining our greatest treasure: recurring donors!
Recurring giving presents the greatest opportunity for a sustainable fundraising program and is key to developing deeper donor relationships.
So, what are the latest research and trends around recurring giving? How can we shift from a passive to an active approach in acquiring new recurring donors? And how do we steward these donors to ensure their ongoing engagement and satisfaction?
Discover the answers to these questions as we uncover the true treasure of recurring giving.
Session Review and wrap up with learning Guide
- 5:35PM - 5:45PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
- Tucker Wannamaker
Join us for the final Session Review with Learning Guide, Tucker Wannamaker. In this closing session, Tucker will recap the most impactful and actionable insights from the entire conference. Designed to reinforce the key takeaways, this review ensures you leave with practical strategies ready to implement in your fundraising efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to consolidate your learning and make the most of your NIO Summit experience as you prepare to take your fundraising to the next level!
Generosity Jones and the Holy Grail of Fundraising Concludes & NIO Summit 2025 Location announcement
- 5:45PM - 6:00PM
- Old National Center - NIO Summit Theater
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!
Breakfast
- TBD
- Old National Center
More coming soon.
Morning Sessions
- TBD
- Old National Center
More coming soon.
Morning Break — Networking, Exhibits, & Product Showcase
- TBD
- Old National Center
More coming soon.
Morning Sessions
- TBD
- Old National Center
More coming soon.
Lunch & Networking
- TBD
- Old National Center
More coming soon.
Afternoon Sessions
- TBD
- Old National Center
More coming soon.
Afternoon Break — Networking, Exhibits, & Product Showcase
- TBD
- Old National Center
More coming soon.
Afternoon Sessions
- TBD
- Old National Center
More coming soon.
NIO Summit 2025 Location & Theme Reveal
- TBD
- Old National Center
More coming soon.
"X" Marks the Spot
NIO Summit 2024 will take you to Indianapolis, IN on September 18-19
You can book your stay in Indy at:
Home2 Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown — 0.2 mile from the Sheraton Indianapolis Downtown where the conference shuttle will run
115 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
The NIO Summit discounted cost is $164 per night plus tax.
*SOLD OUT*
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel — 0.8 mile from the NIO Summit at Old National Center
31 West Ohio Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
The NIO Summit discounted cost is $179 per night plus tax.
*SOLD OUT*
Shuttles will be provided to Old National Center to and from the Sheraton in the morning, evening and offsite parties (if needed). The exact shuttle schedule is TBA.
