Elevate 2026 SessionsA Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to Elevate Conference 2026
Inspiration. Strategy. Community.
Elevate 2026 Is Just Around the Corner!
We’re just a few weeks out from Elevate 2026, the year’s biggest fundraising event conference for nonprofit professionals, development leaders, and the people who support their work. But Elevate is no ordinary conference—it’s a gathering of some of the most passionate people in the nonprofit world, an opportunity for fundraisers to connect with each other, share their experiences, and discover new ways to build relationships with donors through powerful fundraising events.
We’re thrilled to share an exciting slate of speakers for this year’s conference, as well as an array of vendors, sponsors, and other talented folks who have proven their expertise in the world of fundraising events.
Make sure to register to attend in person or for the virtual conference experience now, and check back soon for the complete schedule of sessions and events!
Conference Schedule
DAY 1 | Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Please note that information regarding the schedule, sessions and speaker information is subject to change.
H = Hybrid both in-person and online. | V = Virtual online only content | P = Portland in-person only content
8:00 AM | Doors Open / In-Person Registration Coffee + Breakfast (P)
Doors open! Grab your morning coffee and a bite to eat while you settle in and find your rhythm for the day ahead. This is your time to explore the space, connect with fellow attendees over shared goals and challenges, and discover the innovative sponsors who make Elevate possible. Whether you’re catching up with familiar faces or introducing yourself to someone new, these early moments set the tone for meaningful conversations that will carry throughout the conference.
9:00 AM | Broadcast Begins + Welcome with Kelly Russell (H)
Virtual and in-person guests, let’s begin! You’ll hear from our hosts as they set the stage for the day, acknowledge the people and partners who’ve made this gathering possible, and share what’s ahead. This is the moment we transition from individual arrivals into a collective experience—ready to learn, connect, and be inspired together.
9:15 AM | Opening Keynote Connection Design: Gatherings That Transform with Samantha Swaim + Kristin Steele (H)
Great events don’t happen by accident. They’re carefully designed to foster the human connections that inspire action and deepen commitment. Kristin and Samantha will share their approach to creating gatherings that move beyond logistics and into the realm of transformation.
9:45 AM | My Event Story Case Study: How to Address a Shortfall with Derria Ford (H)
When Deria Ford’s 50th anniversary gala faced an unexpected shortfall just weeks before the event, she had two options: scale back or get creative. This session tells the story of how she turned a looming financial gap into a record-breaking moment of generosity—all through a well-planned paddle raise. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or planning your first big event, this session will provide practical takeaways, lessons learned, and real-world inspiration to help you raise more when it matters most.
10:30 AM | Break (H)
10:45 AM | The Bar Charts of Belonging: Data-Driven Insights For Events with T. Clay Buck (H)
Fundraising decisions are stronger when they’re grounded in what we actually know, not just what we assume. This session dives into the data and research shaping the philanthropic landscape and examines giving patterns, emerging trends, and what the numbers tell us about what’s really working so we can plan better. You’ll explore how events fit into broader cultivation and stewardship strategies, myth-bust what channels and tactics are generating results, and how people are engaging with charities as part of their identity and values, not just transactionally. Rather than relying on intuition alone, you’ll learn to let data inform your decisions about how to nurture relationships, communicate with meaning, and design touchpoints that deepen connection over time. Because when we understand the patterns behind giving behavior, we can create experiences that truly resonate and build the belonging that turns attendees into lifelong supporters.
11:30 AM | From Save-the-Date to Standing Ovation: Mapping Your Event Timeline with Ryan Goodwin + Mary Elizabeth (H)
Great events don’t come together at the last minute—they’re built with intention, breathing room, and realistic planning. This session walks you through the complete event timeline, from that first save-the-date through post-event stewardship, helping you understand when critical decisions need to be made and why giving yourself adequate time at each phase creates better outcomes for everyone involved. You’ll learn how to map backward from your event date, identify the milestones that matter most, and build in buffer time so you’re leading with confidence instead of scrambling in crisis mode. Because when you give yourself the gift of time, you create space for creativity, thoughtful execution, and the kind of details that transform a good event into an unforgettable one.
12:00 PM | The Vibe: Great Event Design with Samantha Swaim, Matthew Kerrigan + The AV Department (H)
Creating an unforgettable atmosphere doesn’t require an unlimited budget, it requires smart choices and creative thinking. This session takes you behind the scenes of event design, from initial concept through final execution, proving that impactful experiences come from intentionality, not just expense. You’ll see how strategic use of audiovisual elements, thoughtful spatial design, and purposeful details can transform any space and elevate how people feel when they walk through your doors. Whether you’re working with a shoestring budget or simply want to maximize every dollar, you’ll leave with practical approaches to crafting events that resonate long after people leave.
12:30 PM | Break / Lunch Service (P)
12:30 PM | Virtual Session: Growing Your Event Income with a Committee-Based Approach with Sarah Andrews (V)
Does your annual plan include an increase to your event fundraising? This session will provide you with a proven, committee-based approach to significantly boost your event revenue.
Learn how to identify areas for growth within your current events and effectively leverage your volunteer committees to maximize fundraising results. We’ll provide practical strategies for empowering your committee members with the tools, resources, and training they need to be successful. Leave this session with actionable insights and a clear plan to increase your event income and achieve your fundraising goals!
1:00 PM | The Fundraising Elevator Podcast (Live Recording) with Kristin Steele, Samantha Swaim, T. Clay Buck, and Cherian Koshy (H)
Join co-hosts Kristin Steele and Samantha Swaim as they record a special live episode of The Fundraising Elevator Podcast, diving deep into the science behind events. This isn’t your typical fundraising conversation, Kristin and Samantha are getting wonderfully nerdy with guests Cherian Koshy and Clay Buck, exploring the data, research, and neuroscience that reveal what truly motivates donor behavior. You’ll witness an engaging dialogue that bridges the gap between academic insight and real-world practice, uncovering how understanding the human brain can make us all better at inspiring generosity. Whether you’re a data enthusiast or simply curious about what makes donors tick, this live recording offers a front-row seat to a conversation that we hope will spark some joy and new ideas.
2:00 PM | Story by Design: The Blueprint for Events That Resonate with Kristin Steele (H)
Every successful event follows an arc, a carefully crafted journey that moves attendees from arrival to inspiration to action. Kristin Steele reveals how to design that journey using the power of storytelling to create authentic connections between people and your mission. You’ll discover how to strategically weave narrative throughout your event, from the stories you choose to share to the moments you create for attendees to see themselves in your work. This session goes beyond selecting a good speaker or showing a compelling video. It’s about understanding the emotional architecture of your event and using story as the through-line that transforms passive attendees into passionate advocates. Walk away with a practical framework for designing events where every element serves the larger narrative of impact and possibility.
2:45 PM | Break (H)
3:00 PM | Story Stewardship: A Panel on Honoring People in the Narratives We Share, Moderated by Jenna Watanabe with Kristin Steele, Frank Velásquez, Jr., and Derria Ford (H)
The stories we tell have power: to inspire, to connect, to move people to action. But with that power comes profound responsibility. This panel brings together thoughtful practitioners to explore the ethics of storytelling in fundraising and events, examining how we can share compelling narratives while genuinely honoring the dignity, agency, and humanity of the people whose stories we’re entrusted to tell.
3:45 PM | Bid Wars: The Psychology and Strategy Behind Auction Success with Michelle Holman, Siri Lippy, Beth Sandefur, Dale Johannes + Kim Bauman (H)
What makes someone bid? Why do certain items ignite bidding wars while others fall flat? Michelle Holman from Greater Giving hosts a dynamic conversation with three auction experts who’ve mastered the art and science of driving competitive bidding. You’ll explore the psychology behind donor behavior during live and silent auctions, the strategic decisions that maximize revenue, and the often-overlooked details that can make or break an auction’s success. From item procurement to pacing and auctioneer techniques, this panel reveals the when, how, what, and why of a good auction plan.
This Session Sponsored by Greater Giving
4:30 PM | End of Broadcast (V)
4:30 PM | The Quick Fix Exchange: Real Experts with Real Solutions, A Series of Roundtable Discussions (P)
Sometimes you need answers fast, and you need them from people who’ve solved the problem before. This high-energy session connects you directly with vendor partners and event experts through rotating roundtable discussions. Spend 20 minutes at each table diving into specific challenges, asking the questions that keep you up at night, and walking away with actionable solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you’re troubleshooting a logistical headache, exploring new technology, or looking for creative approaches to common obstacles, these intimate conversations give you direct access to the people who do this work every day. Come with your questions, leave with your quick fixes, and make the connections that will serve you long after the conference ends.
5:30 PM | Greater Giving Reception: A Cocktail Hour (P)
The fun doesn’t stop when the sessions end. Greater Giving invites you to unwind, connect with fellow attendees, and continue the conversations that matter over light bites and beverages. Enjoy live demos, enter to win some fun giveaways, and take advantage of this relaxed time to share ideas and build the relationships that extend beyond the conference. This reception is your chance to socialize, celebrate the day, and discover new ways to elevate your events.
DAY 2 | Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Please note that information regarding the schedule, sessions and speaker information is subject to change.
H = Hybrid both in-person and online. | V = Virtual online only content | P = Portland in-person only content
8:00 AM | Doors Open / In-Person Coffee + Breakfast (P)
8:30 AM | Finding Your Flow: Building Authentic Connection in the Midst of Uncertainty with Mallory Erickson (H)
In a time of heightened uncertainty and overwhelm, many fundraisers find themselves frozen—either abandoning their events altogether or defaulting to old patterns that leave teams exhausted and wondering, “Did we actually build the connection we set out to create?”
This energizing 30-minute session kicks off Day 2 by addressing what really matters: you. Because when you’re stressed, scattered, and operating from survival mode, it’s nearly impossible to create the authentic donor connections and sense of belonging your events are designed to foster.
Drawing from neuroscience, executive coaching, and behavior design principles, Mallory Erickson guides you through practical, immediately actionable techniques to shift from reactive overwhelm to intentional flow. You’ll discover that building meaningful donor connections doesn’t require dramatic changes or more energy—it requires understanding what’s happening in your own nervous system and learning simple, accessible ways to regulate it.
Through interactive elements you can try right in your seat (yes, even virtually!), you’ll experience firsthand how small shifts in your internal state create dramatic improvements in your ability to connect authentically with donors—whether in pre-event conversations, during the event itself, or in crucial follow-up.
9:00 AM | My Event Story: How I Transformed My Fundraising Capacity with Beth McGorry (H)
Join veteran fundraiser and all-around nonprofit champion Beth McGorry as she creatively shares how the potential of her events grew when focusing on JOY and relationships. Authentic and fun, Beth wants to share the delight of events even when we are stuck in the grip of the details to get them produced. She hopes you feel a little love, cheer, and maybe a laugh while building capacity for your organization.
9:15 AM | Clicks to Seats: Digital Marketing for Your Fundraising Events with Bradley Martin (H)
Getting people through the door starts long before event day, it begins with strategic digital marketing that raises awareness, builds visibility, and drives participation. Feathr will walk you through the tools and tactics that turn online interest into actual attendance, introducing concepts like cart abandonment recovery, retargeting, and geofencing that help you reach the right people at the right moment. But digital marketing doesn’t work in isolation. You’ll learn how to integrate these powerful online strategies with the timeless effectiveness of person-to-person outreach: the phone calls, personal invitations, and direct conversations that seal the deal. This session bridges the digital and the human, showing you how to create a comprehensive marketing approach that fills seats and builds momentum for your event.
This Session Sponsored by Feathr
10:00 AM |Building Sponsor Relationships Before You Need Them and Knowing When to Pivot with Mariah Monique (H)
Whether your nonprofit has secured sponsorships before or you’re just getting started, this session will help you understand how to grow your sponsorship revenue. Sponsorships aren’t just for the big-name organizations — they’re for any nonprofit ready to form real relationships with aligned partners. In this session, we’ll cover why starting the conversation before you’re in fundraising mode is key, how to identify potential sponsors, and what makes sponsorships different (and more sustainable) than one-time donations or grants. You’ll leave with the clarity and confidence to either begin laying a strong sponsorship foundation or to take an already successful sponsorship portfolio to the next level.
10:30 AM | Break (H)
10:45 AM | Both Sides of the Table: Panel Discussion on Sponsorship Moderated by Sama Shagaga with Beth McGorry, Erica Soto, + Brittini Lasseigne (H)
Securing meaningful sponsorships requires strategy, relationship-building, and understanding what corporate partners truly value. In this panel discussion, a corporate giving officer moderates a conversation with three experienced fundraisers who’ve successfully landed major sponsors for their events. You’ll hear their real-world approaches, the pitches that worked, the mistakes they learned from, and the relationship strategies that turned initial conversations into multi-year partnerships. This is your chance to learn directly from those who’ve been in the trenches and hear both sides of the sponsorship equation—what fundraisers do to stand out and what corporate partners actually want to see. Walk away with practical advice you can apply immediately as you pursue your next big sponsor.
11:15 AM | Social Donation Matching: The Next Era of Generosity with Pooya Pourak (H)
Donation matching is often misunderstood, underutilized, or confined to outdated models. But that’s changing—fast.
In this dynamic and forward-looking session, Pooya Pourak, CEO of MatchNice, explores how donation matching is evolving beyond corporate employer programs into a more transparent, community-driven force for good. You’ll learn how everyday donors, major givers, and partners can fuel momentum, deepen trust, and dramatically increase donation conversions, average gift sizes, and total revenue.
We’ll unpack what makes a match truly motivating, where common pitfalls erode donor confidence, and how to activate matchers with clarity and intention. Whether you’re running grassroots campaigns or year-end appeals, this session will challenge your assumptions, offer new language and framing, and leave you with practical strategies to use matching as a catalyst for generosity.
12:00 PM | Break / Lunch Service (P)
12:00 PM | Virtual Session: Auction Science with Kelly Russell (V)
12:30 PM | Lunch Keynote: How Curiosity Saves the Cat and Herds Them to Create Incredible, Inclusive Events with Frank Velásquez Jr. (H)
What if I told you the biggest mistake event planners make happens before they even start planning?
Without a diverse group of folks in the room, it’s likely no one questions if the stories being told are ethical, if the speakers on stage represent the community’s voice, and if there is even the right environment to bring these thoughts forward candidly in the planning stages.
Through his work with 4 Da Hood, Frank Velásquez Jr. has cracked the code on getting people aligned before cats start moving in different directions. He’s created a space where folks can be radically honest about what’s made past events feel “icky,” allowing everything that follows, including the event itself, to be better.
Now, this isn’t a sit-and-listen keynote. Frank’s got something interactive planned that will get you talking about the moments that keep you up at night, the conversations you wish you’d had sooner, and what actually needs to shift. You’ll leave with practical tools for the hardest part of event planning: getting everyone on the same page to create a magical experience that connects to every person in the room.
And yes, there will be some truth-telling and a few surprises along the way.
1:30 PM | Our Collective Capacity with Paddle Raise Strategy with Samantha Swaim (H)
The paddle raise is more than a fundraising tactic—it’s a moment where individual generosity becomes collective power. This session explores how to design and execute paddle raises that honor every gift while demonstrating the transformative impact of what we can accomplish together. You’ll learn how to craft compelling cases, set strategic giving levels, and facilitate these moments with authenticity and skill so that every person in the room feels their contribution matters.
Whether you’re new to paddle raises or looking to refine your approach, you’ll walk away with practical strategies for maximizing participation and dollars raised while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the people you serve and the community of supporters who make the work possible.
2:00 PM | Funding the Future: A Paddle Raise Demo with Kelly Russell (H)
Now it’s time to see it all come together. After learning about crafting your story, structuring your ask, and managing the collection process, this live demonstration puts theory into practice. You’ll watch a benefit auctioneer walk through the execution of a paddle raise in real time, revealing the techniques, timing, and nuances that transform a good moment into a great one. This behind-the-scenes look will show you how language choices, pacing, audience read, and energy management work together to create an experience where people are eager to participate.
2:30 PM | Break (H)
2:45 PM | Your Event + The Mail + Email with Steven Screen (H)
Learn what’s working in pre- and post-event mail and email. You’ll hear how organizations are boosting event revenue with email, how they are raising money from non-attendees, and how they use events to cultivate major donor relationships. Perhaps most powerfully, you’ll learn how organizations fit their events into their overall annual plan.
3:30 PM | Closing Keynote - Neurogiving: Your Brain on Events and Generosity with Cherian Koshy (H)
Fundraising events aren’t just experiences. They’re memory-making machines. And in a sector living through constant change, uncertainty, and noise, the events we design can become something donors are hungry for: community that feels safe, meaningful, and worth returning to.
In this closing keynote, Cherian draws on neuroscience and behavioral science from his USA Today Bestselling book Neurogiving to explore what’s really happening in a donor’s brain during live gatherings: how attention is captured (or lost), how belonging drives behavior, how emotion becomes memory, and why the moments after an event often determine whether generosity becomes a one-time response or a long-term relationship.
You’ll learn how to design events that reduce decision friction, increase trust, and create “stickier” moments so supporters don’t just attend and applaud… they remember, reconnect, and come back ready to act. Because when your event becomes a community touchpoint, it becomes a safety net through change and a catalyst for sustained generosity.
4:15 PM |Mic Drop Moments: The Auctioneer Showdown with Kelly Russell (H)
4:45 PM | Rise Together: A Closing Celebration Kristin Steele + Samantha Swaim (H)
We close our time together with gratitude, reflection, and possibility. Kristin and Samantha will honor the connections made, the insights gained, and the commitment each of you brings to this work—especially during times that challenge us all. You’ll walk away with a key takeaway to carry forward, a powerful question to sit with, and an exercise designed to help you identify and release the limitations holding you back from your boldest ideas.
Because even when times are hard, we lead by bringing people together. That’s what we do. That’s who we are. And that’s how we’ll continue to rise.
5:00 PM | Conference Ends (H)
Meet Our Elevate 2026 Speakers
Get ready to be inspired by an incredible lineup of thought leaders, nonprofit innovators, and fundraising trailblazers. These experts bring game-changing insights, real-world experience, and fresh strategies to help you take your mission to the next level.
Auctioneers
- Kelly Russell, Artisan Auctions
- Adrienne Livingston, Artisan Auctions
- Bobby D. Ehlert, Call to Auction
- Stephen Kilbreath, Kilbreath Auctions
- Sasha Summer Cousineau, Revel Rouser Events
- Dale Johannes, DC Auctions
- Matt Roben, The Kilted Auctioneer
Proud Partners
