Why not attend a mini-conference stream that runs alongside Convention workshop sessions?
Focus On sessions are full day in-depth mini conference sessions which run as part of the National Convention. Where these mini-conference sessions allow you to dig deep in to a particular fundraising area, there is also the possibility to dip in and out of the programme to allow you to attend other workshop sessions at the event.
These mini-conference days are tailor-made for Convention to give you the chance to focus on Face-to-Face Fundraising, The Six Secrets to Being a Great Fundraiser and Events Fundraising.

Face-to-Face Fundraising
Prosperous Face-to-Face Campaigns for Long-Term Results
Face-to-face fundraising is a very effective fundraising method that has seen a considerable amount of growth over the last ten years. However, despite being a great way of extending your supporter base and attracting younger donors, long-term results are often hard to quantify. Negative press references to 'chuggers' and a minority of high-profile critics have resulted in a perception of face-to-face fatigue. Is it time to rethink our strategies to improve long-term ROI and change the public's attitude towards face-to-face fundraisers?
This Focus On session includes a range of different case studies, addressing some of the issues surrounding face-to-face fundraising in order to help you get more out of your campaigns, deal with current issues and raise more income in the future.
09.30
Chair's Opening Remarks
09.35
KEYNOTE: Face-to-Face Fundraising Campaigns Across the World
10.20
Open Forum
10.30
Refreshment Break
11.15
ADVISORY SESSION: The Increasing Importance of Good Attrition Management
- Benchmarking attrition and maximising your return from committed giving
- Understanding the key factors that affect attrition
- Do's and don'ts for successful attrition management
- Engaging with your donors: ideas for good donor stewardship
12.00
Open Forum
12.15
Break for Convention Plenary
13.15
Lunch
14.45
CASE STUDY: The League Against Cruel Sports Prospecting for Future Success: Converting Data Into Donors
Prospecting is a great way to collect data, extend your supporter base and raise awareness for your cause. This session will look at different ways of converting potential donors into active supporters using the latest digital data capture technology.- Making an impact - leaving an impression
- Identifying new supporters and attracting them
- Data collection: Getting it right first time - How digital data capture saves time and money.
- Developing the relationship, instant text and email messaging - reinforcing the message
- Making the right ask, at the right time, in the right place
15.30
Open Forum
15.45
Refreshment Break
16.15
CASE STUDY: Concern Worldwide Comparing In-House Versus Agency Fundraisers
Concern Worldwide will share their experiences of using both in-house and agency fundraisers for their face-to-face campaigns. In an honest account of their experiences they will try to establish why an organisation might decide to invest in one method rather than the other. The aim of this session is to provide a comparison of both models in terms of setting up a campaign, preparing the fundraisers, considering targets and working out the resources needed. A helpful session for anyone planning to embark on a new campaign or considering swapping one method for the other.17.00
Open Forum
17.15
Close of Conference

The Six Secrets to Being a Great Fundraiser
Habits and Behaviours That Make a Fundraiser Special and Drive Results
Delegates from previous conferences have informed us that they like sessions that stare into the future. This Focus-On session will do that, as well as invite you to stare deep into yourself. The Institute of Fundraising and its Convention Board have taken the plunge and prepared something brand new for Convention 2008. This Focus On session will present the results of bespoke, especially commissioned research. There will also be opportunities for delegates to question and challenge the outcomes and recommendations.
So What Are These Secrets? (Secret, of course!)
Behaviours and cultures are the zeitgeist in fundraising management theory. There is no doubt that the great fundraisers and fundraising departments have distinct habits and learned behaviours that supplement their hard skills. This is what makes them different and drive performance.But what are these mysterious behaviours, character traits and behaviours? Institute of Fundraising staff have been working with Convention Board volunteers and interviewing a vast spectrum of fundraisers. The outcome is the “Six Secrets to being a Great Fundraiser.” The things that make special fundraisers so special.
09.30
Chair's Opening Remarks
09.35
Introduction
10.00
Secret One
10.30
Refreshment Break
11.15
Secret Two
11.45
Secret Three
12.15
Break for Convention Plenary
13.15
Lunch
14.45
Secret Four
15.15
Secret Five
15.45
Refreshment Break
16.15
Secret Six
16.45
Summary and closing remarks
17.15
Close of Conference

Events Fundraising
Practical Advice and Innovative Ideas for Continuous Success
Apart from raising a substantial amount of income, successful events hold the potential to raise awareness of your cause and attract new supporters. However, due to a saturated market and fierce competition it is becoming increasingly difficult to create an outstanding event. Exceptional events require a vast range of skills and experience, each vital to success.
This Focus On session will explore some of the hot topics around event fundraising. We will give you practical advice on how to avoid legal pitfalls and develop a successful and cost-effective marketing strategy. Further food for thought will be provided by Jon Duschinsky who will tell you how to stay ahead of the game and recruit tomorrow’s donors today. The day presents an exciting mix of case studies and advisory sessions which aim to inspire and motivate.
09.30
Chair's Opening Remarks
09.35
Case Study: The National Autistic Society Event Marketing - Ensuring Your Event is Cost-Effective and Successful
- Examining cost-effective event marketing techniques
- Top tips for increasing media coverage and promoting your event
- Benefits of e-marketing and viral marketing
- Identifying your unique selling point to beat competition
- Engaging the public and turning them into volunteer fundraisers
- Appealing to new supporters whilst retaining existing ones
- Collecting useful data for future event research
- The ten stars of outstanding supporter care


