Will You Join Me? 4 Reasons Why I Go to bbcon
bbcon is a special kind of annual event that I was introduced to by a former supervisor in 2024, and I’ve been hooked on going to it ever since. This year’s conference is taking place from September 29–October 1, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. If you’re considering attending and need a last little push to click that register button, keep reading. Below are my reasons why I go to this conference.
1. Professional Development
bbcon is a great way to learn from professionals in the field who know so much more than me. Take the Super Users panel, a staple session at the conference, that is composed of database professionals who have been using Blackbaud’s products for years and who answer questions posed by the audience. I’ve discovered things I didn’t know I didn’t know from listening to other attendees ask questions. Every nugget of knowledge is worth more than gold to me and will likely save me time in the future.
The conference offers so many sessions on a variety of topics, and I pick those which I hope will provide solutions to the most urgent problems I’m encountering at my org. I take my trusty notebook and pen with me and jot down notes like a fiend, paying special attention to the names of the presenters, their orgs, and their email addresses. If they have business cards, I’ll happily ask for one. I never know when something I saw at a session at bbcon will suddenly become very helpful at my org, and if I have follow-up questions, the presenters are happy to answer them. All questions are valid, fantastic opportunities to learn.
Last year, 2025, I took the next step in my professional development journey and submitted a proposal to present a session myself. To my surprise and delight, it was accepted! Cue the trumpet fanfare. “How to Fail Well and Thrive in the Workplace” was my first-ever session that I’ve presented. Ever. Period. My co-presenters, Lauren Henderson of Phillips Academy and Elizabeth Johnson of The Putney School, made the experience a core happy memory for me, and I’ll be forever grateful to them. Presenting at a conference has given me the confidence to share my experiences with others. It’s an amazing feeling, and I highly encourage anyone who’s considered submitting to go for it.
It’s easy to get stuck in my little silo at work and lose track of what’s happening outside of my office building. Going to bbcon helps me keep abreast of current events, innovation, and trends, especially regarding AI. The session topics themselves are also telling: what are others in the industry focusing on? What should I likely be focusing on, too?
2. The bbcon Community
bbcon is a fabulous opportunity to immerse myself in a community of professionals who “get it.” I’m the sole fundraising database person at my org, so it’s difficult for anyone to relate to my struggles without their eyes glazing over. What do you mean you’re not interested in discussing the intricacies of data hygiene? How can you not find cleaning up old custom fields endlessly fun? There are so many nice and supportive people I’ve met at bbcon who have given me invaluable advice at and after the conference and who have become dear friends. Putting that “First Time Attendee” flag on my name badge my first year (it was ombré with shades of pink, blue, and peach, and you bet I still have it) was the best decision I ever made. Seasoned attendees—one of whom also happens to be a Blackbaud All-Star—went out of their way to make me feel welcome since I was all by myself. I’ve also made wonderful connections through the Blackbaud Champions and the Blackbaud All-Stars programs.
During my first year attending bbcon in 2024, I met some of my instructors from Blackbaud University. And by “met” I mean I positively fangirled and then shyly asked them if I could take selfies with them. (Best part: they said yes. Squeal!) These lovely folks are so kind and knowledgeable in class, and I always leave positive reviews, but it’s a completely different—and joyful—experience to tell them face-to-face that I would not be the database professional I am today without their expertise. I include one picture of me (left) with Jeff Lallo (middle) and my friend and fellow attendee, Kate Jankowski (right), taken at bbcon 2025.
3. A Chance to Travel, Explore, and Have Fun
bbcon gives me an opportunity to travel outside my home city of Albany, New York, and explore new places. I never would’ve gone to Seattle, Washington, and experienced the Space Needle if not for the conference. Outside of the sessions, I make a point to visit at least one museum and/or art gallery. Doing these things inspires me and enriches my soul.
bbcon also isn’t only about attending sessions. The evening celebrations after the last talks of the day are opportunities to celebrate innovation and share advice and resources to make the organizations we represent and the communities that we serve even better. It’s a place for live conversations, relaxing with new friends, and letting loose, something that is just as important for us as learning new things.
4. The Swag!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this, and I’m excited about it for two reasons. First, yes, swag is awesome. I’m happy to represent my favorite companies. It makes me feel special. My toddler also greatly appreciates the goodies Mama brings home. Last year, he happily claimed my “Team Unified View” hat as his own. Second, it also gives me tangible items with company names on them that I can research later for potential partnerships. My team appreciated my haul from bbcon 2025 because we were looking into different merch items for our own supply and liked the possible ideas.
In closing, bbcon is a great opportunity for professional development, building and being immersed in a like-minded and supportive community, traveling and exploring new places for inspiration and enrichment, and returning home with a few fun goodies to share. It has made a positive impact on me for the past two years, and I plan to keep going each year as I’m able. If you’re on the fence, I recommend seizing this opportunity. Will you join me? Please make sure to say hello to me when you do. I love making new friends.
