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Elevate Conference 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Speakers
Schedule
Sponsors
Registration
Scholarships
What Is Elevate?

Who Should Attend?

Elevate is designed for fundraisers looking to increase the results of their donor events including:

  • Executive Directors
  • Development Directors
  • Development Managers
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Event Planners
  • Auctioneers
  • Board Members
  • Volunteer Planning Committee Members

What To Expect

Virtual Attendance: 

  • Two full days of learning, 22 sessions—all dedicated to growing your fundraising event
  • All content on the stage will be streamed to the virtual audience in real time
  • Participants will have the opportunity to engage with each other through a group chat feature and ask questions of the speakers
  • During content breaks for the in-person audience, virtual-only sessions will be offered
  • On-demand replay of all sessions
  • Prior to the event, all registered attendees will receive login details to a livestream conference page which will link to hand outs, on-demand learning, and resources
  • Find the conference on event day at https://www.avstream.me/elevate2026 your password will be emailed to you
  • For tech support during the conference, please call 503-564-3044

In-Person Attendance: 

If you’re joining us in Portland we utilize the conference as an opportunity to also put a lot of event best practices into the planning so you get to experience the guest perspective. As an in-person attendee you get: 

  • Two full days of learning, 22 sessions—all dedicated to growing your fundraising event
  • Breakfast daily at 8AM
  • Lunch daily 
  • Round table Meet the Expert discussions
  • Day 1 reception to network with presenters and other attendees, hosted by Greater Giving
  • On-demand replay of all sessions
  • Prior to the event, all registered attendees will receive login details to a livestream conference page which will link to hand outs, on-demand learning, and resources
  • Vendor booth resource fair

Virtual FAQ

Find the conference on event day at https://www.avstream.me/elevate2026 your password will be emailed to you.

For tech support during the conference, please call 503-564-3044.

Try hitting refresh on your browser first. If that still doesn’t work, close the browser and try opening a new window. Find the conference on event day at https://www.avstream.me/elevate2026 your password will be emailed to you.

At the end of each day the content from that day will be uploaded to the same livestream page. You can return to it anytime to watch content. At https://www.avstream.me/elevate2026 your password will be emailed to you. If you need help finding your password feel free to email mary@swaimstrategies.com.

The chat is being moderated by volunteers in the room. When the speakers are hosting Q+A they will relay your question as time allows. If we run out of time all questions remaining in the chat will be included in future Elevate Q+A on the Swaim Strategies’ Substack. 

In-Person FAQ

Come comfortable and casual. Portland in the spring sometimes can be wet or cool. We recommend layers.

If you are traveling to join us in Portland we have two partner hotels offering discounted room rates. Look below for travel details to find booking links for them.

We have a mass transit option called MAX that runs right from the airport door to the door at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Hop on at the airport and get off at the convention center stop and you’ll be at the Hyatt or just one block from the Hotel Eastlund. Lyft and Uber are both easy to access in Portland, and we have a local taxi company called Radio Cab.

We are a foodie town! Traveling to Portland should include a few yummy meals. We also have lots of options for the very Portland food cart scene. Here are a few of our favorite recommendations:

Elevate is hosted at AVENUE, 631 NE Grand Ave., Portland, OR 97232 

AVENUE is one block east of the Oregon Convention Center in Northeast Portland. AVENUE is accessible by Portland Streetcar, TriMet bus, and MAX lines. Nearby pay-to-park options include two large parking garages, multiple surface parking lots, and metered street parking. Unfortunately, the bank parking lot immediately next door is not for attendees, but the lot next to it is a paid public lot.

View a parking and transportation map here: AVENUE Parking

At Elevate we are committed to making sure everyone has access. Here are the elements we have built into Elevate to create access, but when you register if you have any additional requests we will work to meet them: 

  • Hybrid access from home or in person
  • Scholarship funding + volunteer opportunities to reduce cost
  • AVENUE’s single-floor, wheelchair-accessible space
  • All-gender restrooms
  • Arm-free, wood folding chairs
  • Virtual content with engagement opportunities
  • Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegetarian meals
  • Additional accommodations upon request during registration

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be available both days. A reception will offer light bites and beverages later on day 1. We will have all food marked for allergens and can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free in our menu. Additional requests can be made at registration and will be met by our catering partner. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or allergens at the time that you register or my email mary@swaimstrategies.com.

The Venue

AVENUE was designed as an AV-forward event venue with the nonprofit gala in mind! Owned by The AV Department, there is a commitment to always producing a quality show that brings a nonprofit mission to life. With livestream and video wall capability built in, we are honored to partner with AVENUE to host Elevate. 

Travel Logistics

We’re excited to host you in Portland. If you are traveling and need to book a hotel you have a few options. Our official conference hotel is a boutique hotel called Hotel Eastlund. It is a short 3-block walk to the venue. But if you’re looking for other options the Hyatt is across the street. Deadline for booking in the conference block is February 2nd.