This flagship program of the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence is the largest of its kind dedicated to education and professional development for fraternal foundation staff and volunteers. Seminar provides attendees with a forum to collaborate on advancing our organizations’ mission while also offering an opportunity to learn new strategies for our work, collaborate on shared business problems and network with peers. In addition, Seminar provides a chance to recognize outstanding achievements of FFE member organizations and individuals through Awards of Distinction.

August 31 - September 2, 2026

Registration information coming soon!

2026 SEMINAR REGISTRATION & COSTS

Registration includes programming and lunch on Monday, August 31, as well as all programming and meals on Tuesday, September 1. Also included is individual access to digital resources from FFE educational breakout sessions following the conclusion of the program.

FFE Member Organization Registration Rates:
• Early-Bird Registration, May 1 – June 30: $575
• Standard Registration, July 1 – July 31: $675
• Late Registration, August 1 – 14: $775

Not an FFE member? $200 will be billed to your account following registration. Contact FFE Executive Director Will Foran to join/renew your FFE membership and have this fee waived.

Interested in registering 8-10 from your organization? If you would like information about bundle pricing ($4,250 for up to 10 organization registrants) for your group to attend Seminar, contact Gretchen Foran and include the number of attendees.

Awards of Distinction Reception & Dinner

Registration information coming soon.
FFE’s Awards of Distinction reception and dinner will take place on Tuesday, September 2. If you would like to purchase an additional ticket for another staff member not already attending Seminar or a spouse, family member, etc., they will need to register separately.

Registration information coming soon.

How to Register: Log into FS Central and complete the 2026 NIC Annual Meeting & FFE Seminar form on the Events tab. Select the "Monday & Tuesday (FFE Seminar only)" registration type.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Seminar benefits fraternal foundation staff in all functional areas, as well as volunteer and board leadership.

This shared educational experience offers staff and volunteers a full slate of programming aimed at expanding knowledge across the organization that drives greater benefit for each attendee and greater overall impact.

Educational sessions will engage the following areas of work or related roles within your organization: 
• Applied Industry Research AI, Automation or Operations Improvement
• Bridging the Fraternity & Foundation
• Collegiate Giving Programs
• Cultivating Donor Loyalty
• Event-Based Donor Engagement
• Leadership & Team Management
• Marketing the Foundation
• Parent/Guardian Segmentation
• Portfolio Management, Metrics & Accountability
• Scholarship Programs
• Smart Dashboards & Data Processes
• Smart Gifts for Modern Donors
• Volunteer Management
• Young Alumni/ae Engagement & Cultivation

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Programming will feature a mix of keynote content, focused breakout sessions, small group discussions and networking over the agenda spanning two full days and a partial third day (if opting into add-on experiences such as the NIC FGA Symposium or FFE Post-Con Workshops).

The curriculum is designed to help participants advance our organizations’ missions while also offering an opportunity to learn new strategies and tools, dig into shared business problems and collaborate in a variety of settings. 

Additionally, attendees get to participate in the time-honored tradition of FFE's Awards of Distinction banquet where the best foundation work from the past year is recognized and celebrated.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Seminar content is curated specifically to cover a variety of curriculum areas for fraternal industry professionals and volunteers, including membership data, communications, engagement, fundraising, management and stewardship.

Attendees will leave Seminar with:
• Data-driven strategies to engage alumni/ae and donors
• Leadership framework for purpose-driven results
• A mindset shift for leading through complexity
• And much more!

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

While some attendees participate in the Dual Meeting experience, which includes both the NIC Annual Meeting of Members and FFE Seminar, there are a few add-on experiences designed to meet the specific needs of our fraternal organizations and making the most of your time in Indianapolis.

Consider registering for one of the following pre-con or post-con add-on experiences that supports your role:
• NIC FGA Symposium
(FGA members only; Aug. 30)
• FFE Pre-Con Workshop
(Aug. 30)
• FFE Post-Con Workshops (Sept. 2)

LOCATION & LODGING

The event will take place at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.

  • A room block is available at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown (IMD) for attendees. FFE rates start at $189/night + taxes/fees for reservations booked by August 17, 2026.
  • In the event the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown room block is fully booked before August 17, attendees will be able to book their stay at a nearby property secured by NIC & FFE. Available room rates, proximity and room types will be communicated at that time. 

Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
350 West Maryland Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

BOOK HOTEL STAY

Cancellation Policy for FFE rate: Hotel cancellations made 48 hours or less before arrival will be subject to a charge of one night plus applicable taxes.

ABOUT THE DUAL MEETING

Seminar is a part of the Dual Meeting (inclusive of the NIC Annual Meeting of Members and FFE Seminar). Because of this FFE is able to offer an even greater opportunity for fraternal industry peers to grow together.

Interested in learning more about Dual Meeting registration and costs for your team? Read more on the Dual Meeting page.

DUAL MEETING INFORMATION

Questions?