Mike's Monday Message Takeover: What’s New at AFP ICON 2025

AFP is thrilled to be heading to Seattle for AFP ICON 2025! With the invaluable support of our volunteer ICON Education Advisory Committee, we have been working diligently to craft an impactful ICON experience with robust educational offerings, as well as program enhancements including pre-conference deep dives, executive coaching, networking opportunities such as a  reception at the Museum of Pop Culture hosted by the AFP Advancement NW Chapter, an exhibit hall featuring more than 140 exhibitors, and our newest program, AFP CATALYST. 

Make sure to register before February 7 to take advantage of discounted registration pricing.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new this year: 

Education Sessions that Elevate Impact

This year's AFP ICON theme, "Elevating Impact," reflects our commitment to advancing the fundraising profession and amplifying the positive change it drives in communities worldwide. We’re excited to offer more than 135 education sessions and learning labs addressing pressing trends and challenges in the field, ensuring that attendees gain valuable insights and practical strategies for enhancing their work.

Here are a few key topics that we’ve found extremely timely this year: 

Community-Centered Fundraising 

• From Donor-Centered to Community-Centered Fundraising: Results and Learnings from a National Study-Strategic
• Transforming Philanthropy: How to Implement Community-Centric Fundraising for Equitable Impact  

Donor-Advised Funds

• Demystifying DAFs: Findings from the National Survey of DAF Donors  
• How to Work with DAF Donors: Strategies from the Field  
• Demystifying and Leveraging Donor-Advised Funds for Your Nonprofit  

Mental Health

• Building Workforce Strength Through Mental Health: Helping Organizations Prioritize Wellness
• Fundraiser Burnout and Attrition - Are We Looking After Ourselves and Our Colleagues?
  Storytelling 
• Creating a Departmental Framework for Ethical Storytelling
• Compelling & Inclusive Storytelling – How to Center Underrepresented Voice
• Who are “Those People?”: Trauma-Informed Storytelling for Brighter Futures

AI 

• What fundraisers Need to Know About AI’s Impact on Marginalized Communities (Presented by Alford Group)  
• Ready, Set, Ethical AI: Preparing Your Organization for AI in Fundraising    
• Using AI & Technology to Drive Small Shop Fundraising Growth 
• From Data Analysis to Action: Utilizing AI for Nonprofit Success
• A Guided Discussion on AI Equity, Adoption, and Utilization in the Workplace 

We’re also reimagining our Closing Keynote by replacing the traditional speaker with a series of TED Talk-style presentations from leaders in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, sharing insights on the topics that matter most to today’s fundraisers. Stay tuned for more information! 

Pre-Conference Deep Dives: Check Out the New CFRE Test Prep Course

If you’re able to get to Seattle a day or two early, our Pre-Conference Deep Dives, taking place April 25-26, provide an opportunity for attendees to explore key topics such as donor retention, major gifts, sponsorships, capital campaigns, and legacy giving in greater depth. See the full list of deep dive sessions. 

We’re particularly excited to introduce the new CFRE Test Prep course, brought to us by CFRE International. Unlike the CFRE refresher courses we have offered in the past, this new prep course is specifically designed to simulate the test experience with a 30-minute practice test which will help you understand the style of the exam questions and pace you’ll need to set for yourself when it’s time to take the real exam. You’ll also receive a copy of the official CFRE Exam Compass Study Guide, the CFRE Exam Compass Workbook, and a personalized study plan to help you focus on the areas where you need the most skill development. 

Introducing AFP CATALYST: The Sector Leadership Forum

New this year, AFP CATALYST is a “conference within a conference,” designed to provide professional development, networking, and relationship-building opportunities for advanced-career fundraising professionals—those in C-suite positions and with 15+ years in the fundraising profession. During this meeting, attendees will use their experience and expertise to address growing challenges in our profession today, helping AFP plan for a sustainable future for our sector.  

Updates to the AFP Exchange

New for 2025 are the Fundraising Tech and Consultant’s Corner pavilions, two dedicated exhibit areas within the AFP Exchange, designed specifically for companies that provide disruptive technologies and consulting expertise to fundraisers and their organizations. Each offers budget-friendly, all-inclusive exhibit options, alongside a dynamic presentation stage where exhibitors will discuss their products and capabilities.

We can’t wait to see you in Seattle! Don’t forget to register before February 7 to take advantage of discounted registration pricing.