An Insider’s Guide to bbcon 2023 in Denver

After three years of meeting virtually, we’re bringing bbcon back in-person October 22-24 in Denver! With three days packed with star-studded keynotes, thought-provoking panels, and inspiring networking opportunities, we’ve brought together an insider’s guide to getting the most out of your bbcon experience this year.

Build Your Agenda

In addition to keynotes and luminary super sessions, there are over 125 breakout sessions to choose from. Take the time to preview the session catalogue and, after you register, you can build a personalized agenda that fits your organization type or role.

Be sure to add the featured speakers coming to the bbcon mainstage including:

• Actress, director, and activist America Ferrera. You may know America from her standout performance in this summer’s Barbie movie, or from her breakthrough role as Ugly Betty, which earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe. She has worked to address social injustice and inequality through her activism, inspiring action through her work with her foundation, HARNESS and nonprofit, Poderistas, which she co-founded alongside nine other activists and leaders. She has also been involved in several documentaries covering topics from climate change to female empowerment.
• World champion Chaunté Lowe, sharing the inspiring story of her victories as an Olympian and American Record holder, as well as a breast cancer survivor. She’s used her personal experiences to raise awareness of triple negative breast cancer, driving research, early detection, and eradication.
• Co-chairs of the Generosity Commission, Jane Wales (Vice President, the Aspen Institute) and Mike Gianoni (CEO, Blackbaud), will address the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the social impact sector today.
• Blackbaud leaders Sudip Datta (Chief Product Officer and Senior Vice President), Carrie Cobb (Chief Data Officer), and Kevin McDearis (Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer) previewing the latest innovations coming to Blackbaud, including advances in AI for impact!

Gain insights from luminary speakers over brunch with super sessions on the industry’s hottest topics. Luminary speakers include Beth Kanter and Allison Fine, authors of “The Smart Nonprofit;” Chris Jarvis (Executive Director, Realized Worth Institute); author and entrepreneur Brandolon Barnett; Caroline Blackwell (Vice President for Equity and Justice, NAIS);  Susan Campbell-Baldridge, PhD (Executive Director, The Association of Boarding Schools); Stephanie Skryzowski, 100 Degrees Consulting; Holly Parrish, JCA; Scott A. Brown, PKF O’Connor Davies  and customers from Headwaters Foundation for Justice and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

TIP: As we get closer to the conference dates, you will be able to get to know who else is attending by checking out the 1:1 networking feature in the bbcon mobile app! Be sure to opt into networking at time of registration to be able to connect with people through the tool.   

Connect and Give Back

With thousands of attendees each year, bbcon has countless opportunities to network with other industry leaders and get inspired by the work of others. Between checking out our sponsor game zones and snapping a new professional headshot; make these networking events a priority:

• Kick off the action and excitement during the bbcon opening reception on Sunday, October 22^nd from 5:30 – 7:30pm. See technology in action, connect with our sponsors, discover innovations, and meet up with old friends and new.
• Celebrate each other and the work you do! The Colorado mountains inspired this event. Enjoy music, food, a fun ski lift photo and try your hand at the ski simulator on October 23^rd from 7-9:30pm!
• Give back to the Denver community by assembling hygiene and health kits, which will be donated to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. You can participate on Monday and Tuesday in the Expo Hall.

Expect the Unexpected

Whether bbcon is an annual tradition for you or this is your first time attending, there is something for everyone and new opportunities you won’t want to miss. Each moment of bbcon is designed to help you embrace the power of good and celebrate the impact that you and others make in the world.

• Welcome the K-12 User Conference, co-located this year to help the whole school get connected at bbcon!
• Hear about the next big thing before it hits the market with innovative pitches at the Social Good Startup Showcase.
• Power up your skills with pre-conference workshops! Join us on Blackbaud University Day for deep dives into Raiser’s Edge NXT®, Financial Edge NXT®, Blackbaud K­-12 Solutions, and Microsoft tools or embrace the low-code revolution with exclusive #bbdevdays content and full day pre-conference workshops for developers at all experience levels!
• Get to know our sponsors who help to make bbcon a reality and help you extend your Blackbaud technology investment!

Packing Your Bags?

Sign up today to save on registration and be sure to pick up your pre-conference pass as well! While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out discounted rates for a variety of hotels in walking distance to the Colorado Convention Center. Need a little help convincing your boss that you can’t miss bbcon this year? We’ve got you covered! Use this template with a list of professional development opportunities, cost breakdowns, and benefits for your organization.

We can’t wait to see you live in Denver!