#NTC23 Recap — What a Blast!
It felt like a breath of fresh air. After three long years of virtual conferences during the pandemic, NTC23 was back in-person and the big atmosphere matched Denver’s big altitude. There were standing-room-only sessions on A/B testing results; “birds of a feather” lunch meetings and networking; Happy Hours and catch-up dinners with colleagues. And of course, there was the Vendor Hall — the businessperson’s carnival — filled with giveaways, raffles and the next big thing!
The giant blue bear sculpture at the Colorado Convention Center. Photo credit: AndreyKrav.
Over 1,500 nonprofit digital professionals flew to the Mile High City in April for 2023’s Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC23). The 150+ sessions included topics such as Digital Advertising, Leadership Strategies, Data Security, SMS and eMarketing. Each session we attended was jam-packed with case studies, new strategies, and group discussions on navigating post-Covid fundraising.
While there were notable industry figures presenting, such as Kimberly O’Donnell, chief fundraising & engagement officer at Bonterra, and David Atkinson, a senior director at Classy.org — our totally unbiased opinion was that Jean Qiao of Lautman Maska Neill & Company stole the show.
Jean, a senior digital account executive at Lautman, presented on “472472: Texting for Equality with the Human Rights Campaign” alongside with James Servino, director of digital fundraising and mobilization at HRC. The session presented real examples of how to engage with supporters over SMS to improve advocacy and raise money.
Jean Qiao, Senior Digital Account Executive, Lautman, Maska, Neill & Co., presenting at NTC23.
James Servino, Director, Digital Fundraising and Mobilization Human Rights Campaign, presenting at NTC23.
James Servino and Jean Qiao presenting at NTC23.
“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend and present at NTC in person this year in Denver,” said Jean. “Aside from the always exciting sessions, amazing vendor hall and exploring a new city…more than anything, there’s nothing like an in-person conference. It’s great reconnecting with industry colleagues turned lifelong friends, hearing about what everyone’s been up to these past three years without having to ‘hop on zoom’ and of course sharing new ideas with the common goal of helping make this world a better place. I’m always in awe of this amazing community and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in person again very soon!”
Amy Sample Ward, NTEN CEO and event organizer, echoed those sentiments in her closing address. As everyone said their farewells and waved goodbye to the giant blue bear statue in front of the Colorado Convention Center, there was a feeling of inspiration in the air. All in all, the conference kicked off 2023 with big ideas in the nonprofit digital space!
For those who couldn’t attend and would like to learn more about the sessions, you can see the full program agenda at nten.org or contact us at Lautman and we’ll be happy to share presentation slides with you. We hope to see you next year at NTC24!