The homepage for the National Association for Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) annual conference includes a “Make the Case with the CGP Conference” letter template to demonstrate to leadership the value of attending. Potential attendees are encouraged to customize the letter “based on your specific goals and how you will make a return on investment (of both time and money!).”

Taking time away from daily work and family responsibilities is difficult. To do this for yourself is even more difficult. But I’ve found attending these conferences to be both memorable and well worth it.

There are many development opportunities for gift planning officers: CGP, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Council for Advancement in Secondary Education and the American Council on Gift Annuities, to name just a few. If you are unsure which one(s) are for you, review past agendas and speak with colleagues. 

With fundraising being a dynamic field, you will be brought up to date on changing trends and regulations, and with technology playing a larger role, you will be exposed to developing tools. Conferences present opportunities to connect with both peers and mentors, gain new knowledge and be inspired to implement new ideas as you learn of others’ successes.

To make the most of your time, engage in the sessions and outside with other attendees. You will be building a professional network that may last your entire career.

The relationship with one of my early planned giving peers was forged overnight on a hotel lobby floor because of an earthquake during a Charitable Gift Planners conference. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and though we lost sleep, we gained a lifetime friendship.

Engage and enjoy!