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 and tools 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.

SAVE THE DATES

2023

Join us in Indianapolis, Indiana from August 28-30, 2023!

2024

Join us in Indianapolis, Indiana from August 19-21, 2024!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

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

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

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Programming features 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 FGA Symposium or FFE Post-Con Workshop).

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.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

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

Seminar 2022 will feature engaging, dynamic keynote and breakout sessions where fraternal fundraisers gain insight and knowledge about the future of fundraising and getting back into the game post-pandemic.

2022 SEMINAR KEYNOTES

CREATING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

Mari Ann Callais, Ph.D., Delta Delta Delta Fraternity & The For College For Life Speakers Team

We all want to feel like we are cared about and that we belong. In your business, listening to stories, passions, what's important to your donors happens long before you make the ask. Maybe now more than ever, understanding what others are feeling and where they would like to invest their treasure might look different. The pandemic created an even greater need for this sense of belonging and community, but the struggle is real. It might be that we all need to feel a little more connected, a sense of belonging, and that who I am is even more important than what I do. This keynote will discuss the importance of belonging, bring some joy to our time and space together, and hopefully leave you with a sense of you are important to helping others feel like they belong. It's who you are, not just what you do.

INDUSTRY BY THE NUMBERS

Patrick Alderdice and Aaron Parker, Pennington & Company

Pennington & Company has researched, compiled and evaluated the IRS Form 990 (c)(3) filings for fraternal foundations for the past 18 years. Pennington has assessed and analyzed this data to find trends from both the administrative and donor perspectives, as well identify the opportunities and challenges that fraternal foundations face in regard to operations and fundraising. This session provides baseline data in regard to assets, revenue and various expenses, in order to provide the State of the Industry.

THE FUTURE OF FUNDRAISING

Rachel Muir, CFRE

Can you snap your fingers to see the future of fundraising? Come get a front-row seat in this eye-opening exploration loaded with practical and aspirational fundraising ideas. Discover the biggest fundraising trends and enjoy eye candy fundraising campaigns from budgets small and large. You’ll leave energized, entertained, and ready to win your donors hearts, minds & wallets!

GET TO KNOW OUR KEYNOTE PRESENTERS

2022 SEMINAR BREAKOUTS

Seminar breakouts will largely cater to the following peer groups (click the schedule button below to view details breakout information):

Foundation Executives
Board of Trustees
Annual Giving Staff
Major Gift Officers
Marketing/Communications Staff
Development Operations Staff

VIEW THE 2022 SCHEDULE

ABOUT THE 2022 DUAL MEETING

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

DUAL MEETING INFORMATION

LOCATION & LODGING

The event will take place at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. A room block will available for attendees.

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

Questions?

Question about future Seminar programming? Contact Director of Programs Desiree Paulhamus.