Schedule and Sessions

Scroll down to see a full list of sessions, or check out session spotlight videos to get a preview of the content you could learn at AFP LEAD.

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

Thursday, October 22
7:00am-5:00pm Conference Registration Open
7:45-8:30am Continental Breakfast (Chapter Leaders Only)
8:00am-12:00pm DAF Essentials Workshop (Invitation Only)
8:30am-12:30pm Chapter Leaders Meeting (For Chapter Leaders only)
12:45-2:15pm Opening Plenary Luncheon
2:30-3:30pm Education Breakout Sessions
3:45-4:45pm Education Breakout Sessions
5:00-6:00pm Opening Reception
Friday, October 23
8:00am-4:00pm Conference Registration Open
8:00-8:45am Anonymous Recovery Program Meeting
8:00-9:00am Continental Breakfast
9:00-10:00am Education Breakout Sessions
10:15-11:15am Education Breakout Sessions
11:30am-12:30pm Education Breakout Sessions
12:45-2:30pm Networking Lunch
2:45-3:45pm Education Breakout Sessions
4:00-5:00pm Education Breakout Sessions
5:00-6:00pm PAC Reception
Saturday, October 24
7:00-8:00am Continental Breakfast
8:00-9:00am Education Breakout Sessions
9:15-10:15am Education Breakout Sessions
10:30-11:30am Closing Plenary

Quiz

All Sessions

We have a wide array of educational sessions waiting for you at AFP LEAD to unlock your fundraising potential. Session dates and times will be published at a later date. Sessions, speakers, times, dates, and rooms are all subject to change.
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ThursdayOctober 22
2:30 pm3:30 pm
Imperial AB
Applied

Mattership: The Power of One Word

Introducing Mattership: the practice of helping people feel seen, valued, and significant. This presentation explores why Mattership is one of the most powerful forces in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and human connection. Grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and real-world nonprofit data, this presentation reveals how the simple message of “you matter” builds trust, strengthens relationships, increases donor loyalty, and fuels sustainable impact. Through storytelling, reflection, and practical leadership insights, participants will leave with a renewed lens and actionable strategies to transform donor engagement, team culture, and mission-driven results.

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