Schedule and Sessions

A wide array of educational sessions are waiting for you at AFP ICON. In addition to searching the sessions below, get a quick dose of fundraising insight and inspiration by visiting the AFP ICON Session Spotlights page—which provides short video interviews featuring ICON speakers sharing practical tips, fresh ideas, and key takeaways from their upcoming 2026 sessions.

AFP ICON 2026 Schedule at a Glance (Subject to Change)

Friday, April 24 (Pre-Conference)
7:00am-5:30pm Pre-Conference Deep Dives Registration Open
8:00am-5:30pm Pre-Conference Deep Dives

All scheduled events to take place at San Diego Convention Center unless otherwise noted. Schedule subject to change.

Saturday, April 25 (Pre-Conference)
7:00am-5:30pm Pre-Conference Deep Dives Registration Open
8:00am-5:30pm Pre-Conference Deep Dives
12:30-2:00pm Lunch for Chapter Leaders and AFP Global Board Members
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1:00-7:00pm Conference Registration Open
1:00-5:00pm Executive CoachingAdditional Registration Required
1:30-5:00pm Chapter Leader Meetings
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
4:00-6:15pm Affinity Group Networking Receptions - All attendees welcome!
6:00-7:30pm Conference Welcome Reception & Networking - All attendees welcome!

All scheduled events to take place at San Diego Convention Center unless otherwise noted. Schedule subject to change.

Sunday, April 26
7:00am-5:00pm Conference Registration Open
8:00-8:45am Speed Networking - 
All attendees welcome, especially first-time conference attendees!
8:00am-5:30pm Executive CoachingAdditional Registration Required
9:00-10:00am Education Breakout Sessions
10:30am-11:30am Education Breakout Sessions
11:00am-5:00pm AFP EXCHANGE Hours
11:30am-1:30pm Lunch in the AFP EXCHANGE
1:30-3:00pm Opening General Session featuring Jamais Cascio
3:00-3:45pm Coffee & AFP EXCHANGE Time
4:30-5:30pm Education Breakout Sessions
6:00-7:30pm Community Group ReceptionsAll attendees welcome!
Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Boulevard

All scheduled events to take place at San Diego Convention Center unless otherwise noted. Schedule subject to change.

Monday, April 27
7:00am-6:00pm Conference Registration Open
8:30-9:30am Education Breakout Sessions
8:00am-4:30pm Executive CoachingAdditional Registration Required
9:00am-5:30pm AFP EXCHANGE Hours
9:30-10:30am Coffee & AFP EXCHANGE Time
10:45-11:45am Education Breakout Sessions
11:45am-1:30pm Lunch in the AFP EXCHANGE
1:45-2:45pm Education Breakout Sessions
3:15-4:15pm Education Breakout Sessions
4:30-5:30pm AFP EXCHANGE Hours & Happy Hour
6:00-9:00pm Monday Night Party hosted by AFP CA, San Diego Chapter 
Additional registration required. 

All scheduled events to take place at San Diego Convention Center unless otherwise noted. Schedule subject to change.

Tuesday, April 28
7:00am-3:00pm Conference Registration Open
8:00-9:00am Education Breakout Sessions
8:00am-12:30pm Executive CoachingAdditional Registration Required
9:00am-1:30pm AFP EXCHANGE Hours
9:00-9:45am Coffee & AFP EXCHANGE Time
10:00-11:00am Education Breakout Sessions
11:15am-12:15pm Education Breakout Sessions
12:15-1:30pm Lunch in the AFP EXCHANGE
1:30-2:45pm Closing General Session

All scheduled events to take place at San Diego Convention Center unless otherwise noted. Schedule subject to change.

All Sessions

We have a wide array of educational sessions waiting for you at AFP ICON to unlock your fundraising potential. Sessions, speakers, times, dates, and rooms are all subject to change.
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TuesdayApril 28
11:15 am12:15 pm
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Put Them in the Story: Immersive Donor Experiences That Stick

Education track

Relationship Building

Today’s donors don’t just want to know they made a difference—they want to feel it. This session will explore how immersive donor experiences can deepen emotional connection, build trust, and inspire transformational giving. From mission simulations to multisensory storytelling and behind-the-scenes access, you’ll discover creative, human-centered ways to move beyond traditional engagement.
We’ll look at real-world examples, break down the core elements of effective immersive design, and give you tools to start crafting unforgettable donor experiences. Whether you’re working with major donors, monthly givers, or campaign supporters, this session will spark fresh ideas.

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