Three Long Years: Reconnecting Our Community

I walked off the plenary stage three years ago in San Antonio, having said goodbye to AFP ICON 2019 and how much I was looking forward to seeing all of you in Baltimore the next year.

We all know what happened next.

That story has been told before, so I won’t get into that. Every organization has a similar one.

But what I do really miss, and what I always think about with regards to that day three years ago, is all of you.

No, really.

That’s what I’m most looking forward to about AFP ICON 2022 in Las Vegas, May 2-4.

There’s just something about our AFP community coming together. That feeling we get when we look around and can identify with so many people because they share our beliefs, our values and our commitment to something inspiring. And that something is fundraising, the IMPACT profession, and the extraordinary change we help make every day.

I know some of you may be anxious or concerned about being in a large group of people. I understand that. We are requiring all attendees to show proof of vaccination (the vast majority of your fellow attendees have already uploaded their proof to the Clear portal we are using), and we’re following the updated guidelines for larger events published by the Centers for Disease Control. I know that may not be enough for some, and I totally understand. We’ll look forward to seeing you at a future event when you feel more comfortable.

And listen, I’m an introvert. No seriously, I am. Being around a lot of people for long periods of time exhausts me. I have to pace myself, especially for a big event like AFP ICON.

But the experience is so incredibly rewarding. I love hearing your stories as I’m walking through the exhibition floor. I love talking with you and listening to what your AFP membership has meant for you. I love seeing so many of you sharing your challenges and victories with each other and learning so much along the way.

I can tell you all about the 100 educational sessions we’ll have at ICON (plus you get recordings of EVERY session). I can tell you about our two great plenary speakers: Allyson Felix and Zainab Salbi. I can tell you about all the incredible networking opportunities you will have.

But what ICON is really all about. And what I miss the most is community. The AFP community.

I love that ICON offers so many opportunities to meet people, including our welcome reception on Sunday night, our speed networking on Monday morning, and community receptions on Monday evening. And of course, you’ll have the conference App handy on your phone to make connections and be a part of the community virtually as well.

I love that ICON gives our local chapter a time to shine. The Las Vegas Chapter is hosting the “ICONic” After Party on Tuesday evening, and you won’t want to miss that (register here!). Plus, the chapter has put together a list of locals’ favorite things to do, favorite dinners, favorite casinos, best views of the Strip—you name it! You can find that list here.

And finally, I just love that we come together. As a community. Because that’s what people need. We’ll continue to come together virtually, I know, but being in-person is different, and we need that sort of interaction. There’s no better way to learn, share and advance your career.

There are four days left until our Advance Registration ends, and you’ll save up to $250 by acting before March 31.

I encourage you to register now and be part of the largest gathering of fundraising professionals in the world. That’s one heck of a community. It makes incredible impact every day. And it will be even stronger, more vibrant and frankly just better if you’re there too.

It’s been a long three years. I can’t wait to see you in Vegas!