Your inbox is full of flags; you’ve got a series of events to prepare for; a board paper to write and a growing list of updates for the database.
The day-to-day demands of delivering a successful fundraising and engagement programme are significant. However, taking the time to look up, step back to review your strategy, and connect with colleagues in the sector, can help to inform and instil confidence in your next steps.
Taking place at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham next week, the Institute of Development Professionals in Education’s 2024 annual conference is an opportunity to do just that.
Inviting innovation
The programme includes over 45 sessions to support professional development, highlighting innovative approaches and emerging trends across the sector. New plenary panels will discuss what could be done differently to grow schools’ philanthropy and demonstrate its value; whilst “Horizon” sessions explore opportunities around resource sharing, global engagement and AI.
Welcoming disruptors
The conference will welcome speakers with expertise and experiences from other sectors – including charity, higher education and the private sector – helping us to think differently and advance best practice.
Panellists include Jennie Moule, interim director of advancement at University of Cambridge and Ed Sutcliffe, head of major giving at the NSPCC.
Speakers include Kurstin Finch Gnehm, group head of philanthropy, corporate partnerships and trusts at Dogs Trust, who will lead a workshop on harnessing the power of story in school fundraising. Jonathan Jeffrey, co-founder and director of Pyro Talks will explain how to “talk banker” in his session exploring the complex and often highly paid world of financiers.
Meanwhile, conference headline sponsor, ToucanTech, will welcome development directors with previous experience from a wide range of institutions including the BBC, British Army, Lloyds Banking Group, and The Samaritans for its session on bringing external ideas into schools’ development offices.
Supporting wellbeing and personal effectiveness
Recognising the impact of current pressures on individuals working in the sector, this year’s conference has a particular emphasis on personal effectiveness and wellbeing. Specialist clinicians and leadership coaches will lead sessions on dealing with stress, leading authentically and managing priorities. There are interactive workshops and practical sessions to equip delegates for having “brave” conversations’ and handling difficult news, and building resilience at leadership level.
Finding your people
The IDPE community fosters openness and collaboration, and the annual conference is a proven opportunity to meet supportive people working in similar contexts.
We are looking forward to welcoming colleagues from across the schools’ sector to refocus, upskill, be inspired and connect with colleagues from across the IDPE community.
Last-minute tickets to the conference are available by emailing info@idpe.org.uk