Welcome to the 2025
Nonprofit Storytelling Conference
Schedule

At this year’s conference, every session is built around one goal: helping you create meaningful moments that move people to give. And because this year's theme is Hollywood storytelling, many sessions will channel the magic (and techniques) of filmmaking to help you create meaningful moments that move people to give. 

We have three types of sessions this year ... 

Keynote Sessions are inspiring, big-picture presentations that set the tone for the entire conference. These main stage talks challenge conventional thinking, introduce breakthrough concepts, and give you fresh perspectives on storytelling and fundraising. Keynotes are designed to spark new ideas, shift your mindset, and energize you for the learning ahead.

Our Intensive Sessions are deep-dive workshops that run 2.5 hours long. These are hands-on, practical, and packed with live feedback and real-time implementation. You’ll roll up your sleeves, do the work, and leave with finished materials, polished skills, and proven strategies you can use the moment you return to your office.

And Breakout Sessions are shorter, high-impact sessions designed to shift your thinking and show you exactly how to improve your storytelling, fundraising, and donor communication. These sessions are packed with real-world examples, fresh ideas, and specific techniques you can apply right away.

Sessions are listed in chronological order as they'll happen at the conference. When multiple sessions run at the same time, you'll choose which one to attend. Schedule and session details are subject to change.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

8:00 - 10:30 am -- Opening Keynote

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

Channel Your Inner Filmmaker
Chris Davenport - Nonprofit Storytelling Conference

Most fundraisers think their job is to “make the ask.”

But if that’s all you’re doing, it’s no wonder donors tune you out. The real magic happens when you do what Hollywood does: create moments that make people feel something. In this opening session, you’ll discover why moments—not messages—move donors to say yes, and why emotion is the secret behind the biggest fundraising wins.

You’ll walk away seeing your work differently—not as asking for money, but as crafting scenes that spark generosity.

You already have the instincts. It’s time to channel your inner filmmaker—and become a moment maker.

Moments that Move Donors: What 20 Years of TV Fundraising Taught Me About Everyday Appeals
Steven Screen, Better Fundraising Company

When Steven Screen was writing and producing fundraising shows for television, he could literally watch donations rise and fall in real time — minute by minute, moment by moment. If giving dropped, he and his team would go back, re-edit, and change the way stories were told until the results improved.

Those lessons didn’t just work on TV. They apply to every piece of fundraising you’ll ever create — from letters and emails to major donor conversations. In this session, Steven will share how to identify the moments that make donors lean in, avoid the moments that push them away, and craft the kinds of stories that inspire generosity.

You’ll walk away knowing how to create more powerful fundraising moments that connect with your donors and raise more money.

TBA
Lisa Sargent, Lisa Sargent Communication

10:30 - 11:00 am -- Break

Time to recharge and connect. Visit our exhibitor area, network with fellow fundraisers, and let the day's insights settle in before diving into the next session.

11:00am - 12:00pm -- Breakout Sessions

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

Crafting Your Storytelling Super Hack: The Director's Cut
John Lepp, Agents of Good

Tired scripts, boring donors, and forgettable fundraising appeals? It's time for your creative breakthrough.

This session gives you the storytelling "super hack" that blockbuster fundraisers use to inspire action and spark generosity. You'll step into the role of creative director -- rewriting tired scripts, casting compelling characters, and using cinematic storytelling plus decision science insights to emotionally move your audience and their wallets.

Whether you're producing a suspenseful direct mail appeal, tear-jerking donor newsletter, or heartwarming legacy ask, you'll discover how to craft narratives that don't just inform but truly resonate. Leave with tools to transform passive viewers into passionate supporters who can't wait to be part of your fundraising stories.

Bloomerang Room (Seaport ED):

Using Data in Successful Storytelling
Daniel Jenkins, Storyfind Films

Cold statistics versus warm stories -- why do we act like these have to be enemies? The best fundraising narratives don't choose between data and emotion; they combine them into something irresistible.

Daniel Jenkins reveals the secret alchemy of transforming statistics into compelling narratives that inspire action. You'll learn the innovative "tuck and fold" method that weaves powerful data into emotional arcs, enhancing credibility while maintaining the human connection that drives donor motivation. Using Aristotle's Rhetorical Triangle, you'll discover how to balance credibility, emotion, and logic.

Like peanut butter and jelly, data and storytelling create magic when properly combined. You'll leave with practical techniques for infusing your stories with purposeful data that resonates long after your message is delivered.

Feathr Room (Seaport ABC):

Crafting Resilient Narratives for Nonprofits in Times of Change
Kiersten Hill, Firespring

In a world marked by profound societal shifts, nonprofits face unprecedented challenges in engaging donors and fulfilling their missions. How do you tell stories that cut through the noise and inspire action?

Join Kiersten Hill as she explores essential storytelling frameworks tailored for nonprofit impact. Discover practical tools to refine compelling narratives and harness social media for community building and advocacy.

This session equips you to navigate uncertainty with ethical storytelling that resonates and inspires action. You'll leave with frameworks to enhance your narratives and social media tools to foster genuine community engagement.

12:00 - 1:30 pm -- Lunch Break

There are restaurants conveniently located within the hotel and a short walk away.  The Conference does not provide lunch.

1:30 pm - 2:30pm -- Breakout Sessions

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

The Brain on Story: How Storytelling Impacts Giving
Mary Snyder, Impact with Story

Ever wondered why a great story sticks with you and moves people to give? The secret sauce for inspiring generosity lies in brain science.

In this workshop, you'll dive into the neuroscience behind storytelling and discover how to craft stories that trigger emotional and neurological responses, fostering genuine connections with your supporters. You'll learn the brain mechanisms that make stories stick and activate specific pathways that lead to giving.

The best part? You can start using these strategies right away. Walk away with ready-to-use storytelling frameworks that you can apply to your next fundraising campaign to captivate and inspire giving.

Bloomerang Room (Seaport ED):

Full Throttle Fundraising: Leadership Lessons from Top Gun
Erik Tomalis, Avid.ai

It's not the plane -- it's the pilot. In a world where nonprofit leaders are constantly asked to do more with less, sometimes what you need isn't more resources but a shift in mindset.

Inspired by the grit and Maverick-level resolve of Top Gun: Maverick, this session uses pop culture as a launchpad for powerful leadership lessons tailored to fundraisers and nonprofit professionals. Whether you're navigating change, mentoring your team, or recalibrating after a setback, the Maverick mindset is about leading with clarity, courage, and speed when it counts.

Leave with both inspiration and practical takeaways to pilot your organization with confidence -- through turbulence and all.

Feathr Room (Seaport ABC):

With  and : How to Make Every Email Feel Like a Personal Note
Frank Velásquez, Jr., 4 Da Hood

Sick of sending emails that sound canned and impersonal? It's time to crack the code on turning boring email blasts into messages your subscribers actually look forward to opening.

Frank reveals the secrets behind getting ridiculous open rates by keeping it real with every send. Hint: people open emails that feel like they're from a friend, not a brand. You'll ditch templates and cookie-cutter approaches to add your special flavor.

Walk away with practical techniques to transform your nonprofit's email communications from forgettable to friendship-building, creating authentic connections that drive engagement and support. 

1:30 pm - 4:00pm -- Intensive

Storytelling Pro Room (Seaport GH):

Transform Your Donor Newsletter from Snooze-Worthy to Spectacular
Jeff Brooks, Jeff Brooks Fundraising

Are your newsletters collecting dust instead of donations? You are not alone. Most nonprofits struggle to create newsletters that donors actually want to read. But what if your next newsletter was so compelling, donors called to thank you for sending it?

In this intensive, master fundraiser Jeff Brooks shares his proven system for creating newsletters that donors look forward to reading -- and that raise enough money to pay for themselves. You'll learn the secret formula that turns ordinary organizational updates into must-read donor communications, how to find and select photos that capture attention and emotions (even without a photographer), and the art of writing headlines and captions that pull donors into your stories.

Here's the thing about a good donor newsletter: Yes, it raises money. But it also increases donor retention, which means you'll raise even more money in the future. That's the whole basis of a sustainable fundraising system, and a high-performing donor newsletter is the linchpin.

When you walk out of this intensive, you'll take with you a clear blueprint for your next donor newsletter and a toolkit of proven storytelling techniques. Come learn how to create newsletters your donors will treasure, read, and respond to with joy and generosity.

2:30 - 3:00 pm -- Break

Time to recharge and connect. Visit our exhibitor area, network with fellow fundraisers, and let the day's insights settle in before diving into the next session.

3:00 - 4:00 pm -- Breakout Sessions

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

How to Get the Best Gift from A Major Donor Between Now and the End of the Year
Jim Shapiro, Better Fundraising Company

It's mid-November and the clock is ticking for you to hit your major gift fundraising number for the year. This session will help you identify one donor who can make a real difference in reaching your goal.

Jim Shapiro walks you through his proven "identify, rank, move, ask" framework to secure a quality year-end major gift. You'll learn to find that right donor (maybe someone who's already given this year, maybe someone new), craft compelling offers that create urgency, and deliver the ask that gets you that transformational gift.

This isn't theory -- it's a practical roadmap you can use immediately. You could literally call a donor after this session and get the gift that will put you over your fundraising goal.

Bloomerang Room (Seaport ED):

Next Level Consent: Centering Story Owners in Nonprofit Narratives
Diana Farias Heinrich, Habrá Marketing

You've got the signed consent form. The story is powerful. Your donors will love it. So why does something still feel... off?

Getting permission to share someone's story is just the beginning, not the end, of ethical storytelling. Too many nonprofits stop at consent forms and miss the deeper work of creating genuine partnerships with the people behind their most compelling narratives.

Diana will share with you her EquaStory™ framework -- a practical approach that moves organizations from permission-based to partnership-based storytelling. You'll learn to assess your current practices, identify digital privacy risks, and craft narratives that both respect boundaries and drive donor engagement. Walk away with concrete tools to build ethical storytelling practices where everyone wins.

Feathr Room (Seaport ABC):

From Story to Support: How (and Where) to Use Persuasive Narratives to Attract More Donors to Your Nonprofit
Janelle Suzanne, Louder Agency

How do the world's greatest creators, leaders, and brands earn trust? They don't just tell their story -- they tell their audience's story and how they fit into it.

This session reveals the strategy behind effective storytelling that resonates with donors on a deeper level. You'll discover how to use empathy to build genuine connections and create experiences that inspire action, turning supporters into passionate advocates for your cause.

Through real-world examples, you'll identify what's currently turning off your audience, clarify what makes your organization unique, and develop compelling stories that speak directly to your supporters' values. Leave knowing how to craft narratives that position your nonprofit as the essential partner in your donors' desire to make a difference.

4:00 - 4:30 pm -- Break

Time to recharge and connect. Visit our exhibitor area, network with fellow fundraisers, and let the day's insights settle in before diving into the next session.

4:30 - 5:30 pm -- Breakout Sessions

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

Lights, Camera, CONNECTION!: How to Transform Your Events from B-Movie Blunders to Blockbuster Experiences
Samantha Swaim + Kristin Steele, Swaim Strategies

Tired of hosting events that feel like straight-to-DVD flops? What if you could transform passive attendees into passionate protagonists in your nonprofit's story instead of just polite observers checking their phones?

Kristin Steele and Samantha Swaim reveal how to design gatherings that spark genuine "Aha!" moments and convert one-time guests into lifelong supporters. You'll discover how to craft purposeful experiences that create authentic connections and weave memorable storylines through every touchpoint.

Whether planning intimate donor dinners or gala premieres, you'll leave with a director's toolkit for experiences that don't just entertain -- they transform. Because you want to be the show-stopping blockbuster, not another forgettable flick.

Bloomerang Room (Seaport ED):

How Having An Opinion Will Raise Your Nonprofit More Money: 3 Ways (with Examples!) Thought Leadership Will Make Fundraising Easier
Jess Campbell, Out in the Boons

People give to people -- period. Now more than ever, donors want to align their giving with leaders of causes they trust. So how do you get donors to trust you?

By showing up as a thought leader who shares what keeps you up at night, your POV on important topics, and what really went down at the recent board meeting. When you pull back the curtain and give your donor community behind-the-scenes insights, you're not just being transparent -- you're building trust.

Jess Campbell teaches three practical ways to show up as a thought leader that will make fundraising significantly easier. Because the best fundraising doesn't feel like fundraising -- it feels like genuine connection.

Feathr Room (Seaport ABC):

From Script to Screen - How Fundraisers Turn Behavioral Science into Donor Magic
Ken Miller, Denali FSP

Step into the director's chair and learn how to turn donor engagement into a blockbuster experience. What if you could design giving moments that feel less like transactions and more like unforgettable scenes?

In this fast-paced, movie-themed session, Ken Miller combines behavioral economics with iconic movie moments to show you how to craft emotionally resonant, action-inspiring giving experiences. From choice framing to narrative timing, you'll discover how behavioral cues influence donor decision-making.

Walk away with practical tools to apply cinematic framing and behavioral science to design donor experiences that create lasting, meaningful moments and increase engagement. You'll turn donor psychology into fundraising gold. 

Friday, November 14, 2025

8:00 - 9:00 am -- Keynote Session

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

Casting Your Donors in a Lead Role: The Power of Immersion
Tammy Zonker, Fundraising Transformed

Today's donors don't just want to be told they made a difference -- they want to feel it.

This keynote explores how immersive donor experiences deepen emotional connection, build trust, and inspire transformational giving. From mission simulations to multisensory storytelling and behind-the-scenes access, you'll discover creative ways to move beyond traditional engagement tactics.

Tammy shares real-world examples, breaks down core elements of effective immersive design, and gives you tools to craft unforgettable donor experiences -- no big budget required. You'll leave with fresh ideas to turn inspiration into lasting donor relationships.

9:00 - 9:30 am -- Break

Time to recharge and connect. Visit our exhibitor area, network with fellow fundraisers, and let the day's insights settle in before diving into the next session.

9:30 - 10:30 am -- Breakout Sessions

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

The Yes Formula: How to Create Moments That Inspire Giving
Chris Davenport, Nonprofit Storytelling Conference

You've been taught how to ask --- but nobody taught you how to make a donor want to say yes, even before the ask.

That's what the Yes Formula is all about.

In this session, you'll discover a simple framework for creating story-driven moments that make giving feel natural, easy, and joyful. You'll learn how to move past surface-level emotion and into deeper connections that donors remember and respond to.

Walk away with practical tools you can use immediately in your next appeal, thank-you, or donor conversation.

Bloomerang Room (Seaport ED):

From Objectives to 'YES!': Aligning Your Grant Story with a Powerful 'Red Thread'
Diane H. Leonard, DHL Consulting

Your grant application has all the right pieces -- solid objectives, strong data, compelling need -- so why does it feel like something's missing? The problem isn't what you're saying, it's how it all fits together.

Diane Leonard shows you how to create a persuasive grant application by incorporating a "Red Thread" -- a central narrative concept that connects every element of your proposal. Building on Tamsen Webster's ideas, you'll learn to weave this cohesive storyline throughout your application in a way that engages reviewers and motivates them to champion your funding.

You'll discover how to seamlessly integrate SMART objectives into your narrative, ensuring each component strengthens your overall story. Leave with practical strategies to align every part of your application into a cohesive, compelling story that inspires grant reviewers to say yes.

Feathr Room (Seaport ABC):

Lights out! Cameras on! Spotlight on Storytelling for Recurring Donors
Erica Waasdorp, A Direct Solution

Great storytelling isn't just for one-time donations -- it's the key to building a loyal community of recurring donors who stay engaged and invested in your mission. When donors connect emotionally with your cause through powerful stories, they're more likely to commit to ongoing support.

You'll learn how to craft and share stories that inspire donors to give regularly and remain committed for the long haul. Erica shares the psychology behind sustained giving, demonstrates how to create emotionally resonant content across different channels including video, and shows you how to personalize your approach for different donor segments.

Leave with actionable strategies to harness storytelling and create lasting connections with your monthly supporters. 

9:30 am - 12:00 pm -- Intensive

Storytelling Pro Room (Seaport GH):

Your GivingTuesday and Year-End Email Campaigns from Start to Finish
Steven Screen, Better Fundraising Company

Here's a scary truth: The two biggest giving opportunities of the year -- GivingTuesday and End of December emails -- are often the most rushed, least planned campaigns fundraisers create.

But this year can be different. Instead of that last-minute scramble, imagine having these two important campaigns completed and ready to launch by mid-November. You'll craft these campaigns alongside Steven Screen, who's helped hundreds of nonprofits raise millions through powerful year-end campaigns.

Roll up your sleeves -- this is a working session. You'll create attention-grabbing emails that inspire action, social posts that stand out in crowded feeds, and even draft video scripts that tell your story in ways donors can't resist. Because you'll craft your GivingTuesday and Year-End Email series together, you can leverage the power of repetition to build momentum and boost revenue.

Steven will show you his proven method for securing matching gifts (spoiler alert: it's way easier than you think!). Throughout this intensive, you'll get real-time feedback from both Steven and your peers, so your campaigns will be polished and powerful. By the end, you'll have everything you need to launch successful campaigns as soon as you get back to the office.

10:30 - 11:00 am -- Break

Time to recharge and connect. Visit our exhibitor area, network with fellow fundraisers, and let the day's insights settle in before diving into the next session.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm -- Breakout Sessions

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

The Four Pillars of Sustainable Fundraising: Build Your Stronger System with Nonprofit Storytelling Pro
Chris Davenport + Joshua Alcorn, Nonprofit Storytelling Conference

Every strong fundraising program rests on four supports.

Miss one, and everything feels wobbly.

In this session, you'll discover the Four Pillars of Sustainable Fundraising -- and how to spot the weak leg holding your results back. You'll leave with practical ideas you can apply right away, plus a clear picture of what it takes to build a fundraising system that's steady and sustainable.

You'll also learn about Nonprofit Storytelling Pro, our year-round coaching program. This is a sales presentation, but you'll gain valuable insights whether or not you choose to join "Pro."

Bloomerang Room (Seaport ED):

Spellbound: How to Build Moments That Matter in Your Donor Communications
Lisa Sargent, Lisa Sargent Communications

Appeal letters. Thank-yous. Emails. Even newsletters. Too many donor communications today blend into a forgettable 'Sea of Sameness' when they could be creating genuine magic instead.

What if your next appeal made donors stop mid-sentence to call their spouse over? What if your thank-you note was so memorable they kept it on their desk for months?

Lisa reveals how to awaken unforgettable moments in every piece of donor communication you create. Drawing from filmmaking's most iconic scenes and backed by story science, you'll discover the four essential elements that transform ordinary messages into experiences your supporters will carry with them. In a world of generic nonprofit communications, the organizations that create real moments are the ones donors remember -- and support.

Feathr Room (Seaport ABC):

Decision Science Demystified: Your Fundraising Breakthrough Awaits
John Lepp, Agents for Good

Why do some fundraising campaigns absolutely crush it while others with similar budgets and causes fall flat? The answer isn't luck -- it's understanding how your donors' brains actually work.

John Lepp breaks down the behavioral science behind breakthrough fundraising results. Through real-world case studies, you'll discover how cognitive biases influence donor behavior and drive higher engagement and giving. You'll see how small tweaks -- like framing donation amounts, using human-like imagery, and strategically placing social proof -- create big breakthroughs in your results.

This fast-paced workshop reveals the science-backed strategies that top fundraisers use to optimize their campaigns. You'll leave with actionable techniques to crack the fundraising code and connect with donors in ways that feel natural to them -- and profitable for your cause.

12:00 - 1:30 pm -- Lunch Break

There are restaurants conveniently located within the hotel and a short walk away.  The Conference does not provide lunch.

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

Mission Retainable: Data-Backed Strategies to Keep Donors Coming Back Year After Year
Lisa Gonzalez, Bloomerang

Struggling to retain donors year after year? You're not alone. New research shows that 30% of nonprofits report donor fatigue as a major challenge, and 87% of donors stopped or reduced their giving because of financial strain.

Lisa Gonzalez shares fresh insights from Bloomerang's Mission Retainable Report, based on surveys of 380+ fundraisers and 1,000+ donors conducted in November 2024. You'll discover what's really driving donor attrition and learn practical strategies to close the retention gap.

This data-packed session reveals hidden challenges in donor retention and provides actionable tips plus real-world success stories. You'll leave with concrete tools to build lasting donor relationships, reduce churn, and make a bigger impact with your existing supporters.

Bloomerang Room (Seaport ED):

Creating a Love Story with Your Donors
Tammy Zonker, Fundraising Transformed

Imagine transforming your donor relationships from routine transactions into passionate partnerships that fuel your mission for years to come. This presentation unveils the art of donor connection through Love-Based Leadership -- where authenticity, humility, and genuine care become your most valuable fundraising tools.

You'll discover how leading with heart creates emotional resonance that turns occasional contributors into devoted advocates who champion your cause as their own. Through engaging stories and proven strategies, you'll learn to craft donor experiences that feel like meaningful collaborations in a shared journey.

Tammy shares practical, immediately applicable techniques for creating donor relationships that stand the test of time, including strategic storytelling and transparency that builds trust, plus personalized touchpoints that make donors feel truly valued.

Feathr Room (Seaport ABC):

Story Strategy Made Simple: Find, Plan, and Use the Right Stories 
Daniel Jenkins, Storyfind Films

If your nonprofit's stories feel scattered, repetitive, or hard to collect, you're not alone. Most organizations jump straight into storytelling without a clear plan -- and end up with communications that don't connect and fundraising that falls flat.

Daniel Jenkins shares a proven framework that helps you find the right stories, tell them well, and use them across your whole organization. You'll learn how to build a simple Story Strategy that saves time, improves your communications, and leads to stronger fundraising results.

Whether you're brand new to storytelling or ready to take it to the next level, this session gives you the structure and strategy to do it right -- while protecting and honoring the people whose stories you tell.

4:00 - 4:30 pm -- Break

Time to recharge and connect. Visit our exhibitor area, network with fellow fundraisers, and let the day's insights settle in before diving into the next session.

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

Avengers, Assemble! What the Marvel Cinematic Universe Teaches Us About Donor Connection
Cherian Koshy, Kindsight

What do Marvel blockbusters and major gift conversations have in common? More than you think.

In this session, you'll journey into the Marvel Cinematic Universe to uncover the neuroscience behind great storytelling -- specifically neural coupling, narrative transportation, and mirror neurons -- and how they create the "Oh" moment in donors' brains.

Using the architecture of successful cinematic universes, you'll explore how your nonprofit can craft a larger narrative arc that donors want to stay inside, invest in, and feel part of. Whether you're sending appeals or planning campaigns, you'll walk away with a powerful narrative framework that creates continuity, emotional resonance, and generous action across every donor touchpoint.

Bloomerang Room (Seaport ED):

Jurassic Spark: Turning Donors into Believers with Video
Natalie Monroe, MemoryFox

What if your next fundraising story felt like a Hollywood hit? You don't need a massive budget or film crew to create videos that grip donors and inspire action -- you just need the right techniques.

Natalie Monroe shares simple, budget-friendly ways to incorporate video into your fundraising strategy without compromising ethics. Backed by insights from the 2024 Ethical Storytelling Report, you'll see real examples from nonprofits using video to drive results -- from donor gratitude messages to unforgettable event moments.

Whether you're new to video or looking to improve your current approach, you'll walk away with practical, ethical storytelling techniques that help your organization create videos that grip donors like a great movie.

Feathr Room (Seaport ABC):

Cultivating Your Hollywood Story Garden: A Blockbuster Approach to Narrative Growth
Rachel Zant, Pen With A Purpose

Are you tired of your organization telling the same old story, from the same perspective? It's time to shake things up and bring magic to your narratives.

You'll learn a five-step Hollywood-style process to cultivate your own thriving story garden. Discover how to find fresh story perspectives, identify star-worthy interviewees, and craft empathetic interview questions that reveal compelling content for your appeals and communications.

Leave with a blockbuster process to grow diverse narratives that can be harvested for emails, newsletters, direct mail, and more -- stories as engaging as your favorite movies.

Saturday, November 15, 2025

8:00 - 9:00 am -- Breakout Sessions

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

The Sequel Business: The One Simple Trick Hollywood Uses to Print Money (And You Can Too!)
Steven Screen, Better Fundraising Company

Stop creating fundraising campaigns from scratch every single time. There's a smarter way that Hollywood figured out decades ago, and it can make your nonprofit's fundraising soar.

Marvel's secret wasn't making great movies -- it was making great sequels. Steven Screen shows you why smart fundraisers think like Hollywood studios, treating their campaigns as fundraising assets rather than one-time art projects. You'll discover how to track what works, learn from your data, and build on previous campaigns instead of starting over.

You'll see real examples of organizations systematically improving their results. Whether it's your year-end appeal or monthly donor campaign, you'll leave knowing how to turn every campaign into the foundation for an even better sequel.

Bloomerang Room (Seaport ED):

The Plot Twist: How Surprise and Disruption Create Unforgettable Donor Moments
Cherian Koshy, Kindsight

What makes a great movie twist so memorable? The same neuroscience that makes audiences gasp "I never saw that coming!" can transform your donor communications from predictable to unforgettable.

In film, plot twists grab attention and reframe meaning. In fundraising, they create moments of delight and emotional salience. This session unpacks the science of surprise -- dopamine, reward pathways, expectation violation -- and teaches you to use it ethically to enhance thank-yous, renewals, and event experiences.

You'll discover how the "Oh!" moment functions as a neurological reward, learn to ethically disrupt donor expectations to build emotional engagement, and see before-and-after examples of communications that surprise and move people to action.

Feathr Room (Seaport ABC):

Mission (Im)possible: Keeping Your Recurring Donor Base
Erica Waasdorp, A Direct Solution

One in five lapsed recurring donors would reactivate their monthly gift if you simply asked them. So why aren't you asking?

Most nonprofits never follow up with lapsed recurring donors, leaving serious money on the table. In today's rapidly changing fundraising landscape, sustaining donors have become the lifeblood of nonprofit stability and impact. While most organizations have mastered acquiring new recurring donors, the real challenge lies in what happens when they stop giving.

This session provides a comprehensive toolkit for engaging and retaining your most dedicated supporters through proven retention tactics, multi-channel engagement strategies, and best practices for stewarding monthly donors from day one. Whether you're struggling with donor attrition or want to strengthen your existing program, you'll leave with actionable insights to reset and reinvigorate your sustainer strategy.

9:00 - 11:30 am -- Intensive

Storytelling Pro Room (Seaport GH):

The Ethical Fundraising Blueprint: Centering Stories with Dignity for Major Gift Success
Diana Farias Heinrich, Habrá Marketing
Frank Velásquez, Jr., 4 Da Hood

Transformational gifts are locked inside transformational stories. So why do so many organizations rely on watered-down stories or statistics in their major gift fundraising? Because they've never been shown a better way -- a way that honors the dignity of their beneficiaries and community AND inspires donors to make their most meaningful gifts.

Frank Velásquez Jr. and Diana Farias Heinrich will show you how to unlock those transformational gifts with transformational stories. You'll learn two groundbreaking storytelling strategies -- 4 Da Hood's asset-based language application and Habrá Marketing's EquaStory™ framework -- which will revolutionize how you connect your beneficiaries and communities with your major donors.

During this collaborative session, you'll create a storytelling approach that builds genuine alliances with major donors while preserving story owner agency, learn the four-step EquaStory™ framework for ethical narrative development, identify and eliminate deficit-framed language that reinforces harmful stereotypes, and transform existing narratives into asset-based stories through practical exercises.

You'll walk away with a toolkit for conducting empowering interviews, templates for ethical consent forms, techniques for inspiring major gifts through narratives that highlight strengths, and a framework for building lasting donor-community relationships based on mutual respect. Frank and Diana will show you how ethical storytelling doesn't just inspire more transformational gifts -- it creates more just and equitable spaces for everyone involved in your mission.

9:00 - 9:30 am -- Break

Time to recharge and connect. Visit our exhibitor area, network with fellow fundraisers, and let the day's insights settle in before diving into the next session.

9:30 - 10:30 am -- Breakout Sessions

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

The Feedback Loop: Crafting Compelling Fundraising Stories Together
Diane H. Leonard, DHL Consulting

Getting honest feedback on your fundraising stories -- and giving it to others -- shouldn't feel like walking through a minefield. Yet most of us struggle with both sides of this equation when it comes to making our appeals, emails, and grant applications stronger.

Just as Seth Rogen's "The Note" humorously captures the delicate dance of giving and receiving feedback in Hollywood, fundraisers face similar challenges when crafting compelling stories for donors. This session tackles this universal challenge head-on, recognizing that feedback is indeed personal -- yet essential for excellence.

You'll discover specialized techniques like The Perfection Game and Mock/Peer Review that transform how you give and receive input on fundraising stories. You'll leave equipped with a versatile toolbox of feedback mechanisms and the confidence to foster open communication that turns good fundraising stories into great ones.

Bloomerang Room (Seaport ED):

The 'Default' Fundraising Direct Mail that Everyone Sends -- and What you Should Send Instead
Jeff Brooks, Jeff Brooks Fundraising

It's mind-numblingly common: Nonprofits everywhere send out direct mail appeals that look the same, are written the same, and have the same elements. It's easy, relatively inexpensive, and seems to make logical sense.

The problem? Almost every detail in the "default" appeal is ineffective at raising money! It's costing nonprofits millions in lost revenue every year.

Jeff Brooks shows you why the default appeal doesn't work and gives you alternative starting points that are proven to be effective -- and they won't break your budget. You'll discover what makes standard appeals fail and learn new approaches that actually motivate donors to give. You'll be fully equipped to confidently create direct mail fundraising that does the job.

Feathr Room (Seaport ABC):

Don't Have a Plan for Your Major Donors?  Try This One.
Joshua Alcorn, Nonprofit Storytelling Conference

Too many of us are building the plane as we fly it when it comes to major donor fundraising. Every year feels different, chaotic, and unpredictable. What if there was a better way?

This session reveals a systematic approach to major donor communications that takes the guesswork out of staying in touch with your biggest supporters. You'll learn how to create a simple, month-by-month plan that ensures four quality conversations per year with each donor -- including the perfect timing for asks, reports, and those personal touches that keep you top of mind.

You'll leave with a customizable worksheet system that organizes your major donor fundraising so you can confidently secure bigger gifts while building stronger relationships. No more winging it -- just results.

10:30 - 10:45 am -- Break (15 minutes!)

Time to recharge and connect. Visit our exhibitor area, network with fellow fundraisers, and let the day's insights settle in before diving into the next session.

10:45 - 11:45 am -- Breakout Sessions

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

Telling the Impossible Story: How to Spark Donor Emotion When You Don't Have a Tearjerker Tale
T. Clay Buck, Next River Fundraising Strategies

What if your nonprofit doesn't have a poster child? What if there's no single person to spotlight -- no dramatic rescue, no tidy before-and-after? What if your mission is the slow, steady work of systems change, community care, or public good?

This is the impossible story, and it's more common than you think. Clay Buck helps you crack the code on storytelling for organizations whose impact can't be summed up in a single anecdote. You'll learn how to craft emotionally resonant narratives without relying on individual drama to make your case -- and why that's actually a strength.

Through practical tools and field-tested examples, you'll see how to turn abstract outcomes into powerful donor invitations rooted in character, conflict, and mission

Bloomerang Room (Seaport ED):

Gratitude Scene by Scene: A Micro-Masterclass in Donor Magic 
Lisa Sargent, Lisa Sargent Communications

What if thanking wasn't just a task on your to-do list, but a turning point in your donor's story? Something that stays with them. A message that says: You matter here.

From CEO fan mail to powerful neurotransmitters that spark memory and trust, the proof is clear: well-timed, well-told gratitude may be the closest thing to a superpower your organization has. This practical session opens up the key places gratitude belongs -- overlooked scenes in your supporter's experience that cry out for something real.

You'll explore how consistent acts of appreciation speak to the heart across direct mail, phone, and digital channels. Learn to create messages that move your donors not just to give, but give again and stay with you for life.

Feathr Room (Seaport ABC):

Story Makeover!
Mary Snyder, Impact with Story

Bring your story, and let's make some magic. In this high-energy, interactive workshop, you'll watch stories go from "meh" to "mesmerizing" -- right on the spot.

Mary will guide volunteers through recasting their narratives to make them more inspiring and captivating, so donors can't help but respond. You'll see firsthand how to identify weak points in stories, transform ordinary narratives into captivating donor messages, and deliver stories in ways that create authentic connections and motivate generous responses.

Even if you don't share a story for Mary to workshop, you'll learn tremendously by watching how she helps others transform their narratives into compelling donor messages. Whether you're sharing stories from the stage or one-on-one with donors, you'll leave with practical methods to craft narratives that drive action.

11:45 am - 12:00 pm -- Break (15 minutes!)

Time to recharge and connect. Visit our exhibitor area, network with fellow fundraisers, and let the day's insights settle in before diving into the next session.

12:00 - 12:30 pm -- Closing Keynote

Better Fundraising Ballroom (Harbor Ballroom):

TBA
Chris Davenport + Joshua Alcorn, Nonprofit Storytelling Conferece

The Conference runs from November 13 - 15 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, CA.  Sessions start at 8 am and end at 5:30 pm on November 13 and 14 and 12:30 pm on November 15.  

(Sessions and speakers are subject to change between the time you're reading this and the start of the Conference.)