Challenging Times, New Opportunities

Highlights of the 2009 Annual Conference

The 2009 Annual Conference was groundbreaking:

• It attracted a record 1,100 participants from across the nonprofit and philanthropic community.
• It introduced new, interactive formats that drew on the expertise of both panelists and participants.
• It used the partnership between IS and the Council of Michigan Foundations to create a dynamic program addressing issues facing our organizations and the people we serve.

Most important, it helped attendees find ways to have an even greater impact on the people they serve, both now and in the future.

Highlights include:

Insightful plenaries in which leaders in our sector examined how government, business, and nonprofits can collaborate in strengthening communities and improving lives.

Compelling words from IS President and CEO Diana Aviv (left), White House senior advisor Melody Barnes, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Chief Executive Officer Jeff Raikes.

More than 40 highly interactive breakout sessions exploring issues vital to our organizations, such as diversity and inclusion; increasing impact; strengthening corporate and family philanthropy; volunteer management; and developing and renewing leaders. In addition, site sessions brought participants into the community to consider areas such as immigration and creativity.

Honoring Geoffrey Canada (left) of the Harlem Children's Zone with the John W. Gardner Leadership Award, and Community Voices Heard with the American Express Building Leadership Award.

Also making Detroit an outstanding gathering were special sessions and programs:

The sixth Public Policy Action Institute, which brought together more than 70 nonprofit leaders, policy advocates, and communications professionals. They explored the 2010 political landscape at the state and federal levels, discussed effective communications and advocacy strategies for addressing policy issues confronting today's nonprofit sector, and learned techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of advocacy efforts.

Two hundred talented professionals under the age of 40 registered for the 2009 NGen: Moving Nonprofit Leaders from Next to Now program, which offered targeted pre-conference programming and networking opportunities to connect emerging leaders to each other and to vital conversations about the future of our sector. Recognizing that the leaders of tomorrow are already making important contributions today, IS also honored a diverse and accomplished group of 12 American Express NGen Fellows.