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Elevate Conference

The Elevate Conference is a masterclass in fundraising events. The best nonprofit conference for your signature event fundraising. We bring nonprofit and fundraising professionals together from all over the country to network, share resources, take part in demos and get hands-on experience with our team of experts. Join us.

About the conference

We know that sometimes planning a fundraising event isn’t easy, but we also know that done well, events have the power to connect more donors to your work. That’s why we created the Elevate Conference, to bring our community together and take some of the guesswork out of planning a successful fundraising event. 

Join us for Elevate 2025 on March 12 + 13 . This hybrid fundraising conference will be hosted at AVENUE in Portland, Oregon and broadcast online for virtual attendance. We’ll share practical tools you can implement right now to elevate your storytelling, fundraising strategy and donor experience.

In-Person Registration
Virtual Registration
Submit to be a Speaker

What is the difference between in-person and virtual attendance?

In-Person
– Live participation
– On demand playback of content to share with your team
– 4 Networking sessions with content not available online including: expert round tables, vendor booths, event planning bingo
– Experience a hybrid gala as an in-person audience member in real time
– Snacks and beverage service
– Lunch service
– Time with speakers
Virtual
– Live participation via a livestream
– On demand playback of content to share with your team
– Experience a virtual gala in real time

If you have further questions about the Elevate Conference, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions found below or contact us at mary@swaimstrategies.com.

Our partners

Attendee Success Stories

“It’s like you can’t write your notes fast enough. It’s just amazing the family of people that are out here that can support you with your fundraiser.”

- 2019 Elevate Attendee

“This conference is simply amazing. I fly all the way across to the west coast to figure out nuances to help me make sure that the message is clear, concise and it keeps with the arc.”

- 2018, 2019, 2020 Elevate Attendee

“It’s inspiring to hear other people’s stories and it’s inspiring to be with the kind of people that are doing social justice work like I am.”

- 2022 Elevate Attendee

“I came last year. I went home, applied all the knowledge and was able to raise three times as much money as we did the year before.”

- 2020 Elevate Attendee

“It’s been amazing to come here and not only be reaffirmed by some of the stuff we do know, but to learn more things and understand the best practices.”

- 2018 Elevate Attendee

“My favorite part is the networking. I’ve really enjoyed also seeing and meeting people from all over the country. All of that collective knowledge is a great asset.”

- 2018 Elevate Partner

“It’s not your grandfather’s fundraising conference. It’s absolutely current information. I think it’s time for a lot of nonprofits to get up to speed to be able to maximize their fundraising through the ideals and practices that these lovely people at Elevate share with us.”

- 2018 Elevate Attendee

AVENUE

The 2025 Elevate Conference will be a hybrid event with the in-person option held at AVENUE. This is an AV-forward event space in Portland, Oregon that caters high-quality sound, lighting and video projection for nonprofit galas and live auctions.

More information

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Elevate Conference FAQ, your go-to guide for this premier two-day nonprofit fundraising event conference. Designed for nonprofit leaders and fundraising professionals, the Elevate Conference focuses on enhancing signature fundraising events, creating impactful programs, and building sustainable movements through effective strategies, storytelling, and meaningful engagement. Whether you’re joining in-person or virtually, find all the details you need here—from registration to networking and session highlights.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Elevate Conference, the ultimate nonprofit fundraising event conference, where your fundraising efforts will soar to new heights!

What is the Elevate Conference?

The Elevate Conference is a two-day, hybrid nonprofit fundraising event conference dedicated to advancing fundraising strategies, creating programs that make a difference, and developing sustainable movements centered around your signature fundraising event. Join us March 12-13, 2025, at AVENUE in Portland, Oregon.

Who is sponsoring the conference?

This nonprofit fundraising event conference is proudly sponsored by Swaim Strategies, The AV Department, AVENUE, Greater Giving, LIFE Event Staffing, The Cause Catalyst, Bloomerang, The Fundraising Event Company, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Artisan Auctions, Kitchen Killa, NW Natural, Vibrant Table, Tree Swing Media, and Alpha Lit.

What is the difference between virtual and in-person attendance?

In-person attendance at the nonprofit fundraising event conference includes:

  • Meal service each day
  • Exclusive demos, like raffle and auction previews with prizes
  • Round table networking discussions and Breakfast Club conversations tailored to your organizational role
  • Vendor booths with opportunities for direct expert engagement
  • A reception hosted by Greater Giving on day 1
Are registration scholarships available?

Yes! Generous scholarships for LGBTQ and BIPOC-led and serving organizations are provided by OnPoint Credit Union and NW Natural. Scholarship tickets are accessible through our ticket purchase page.

Is the Elevate Conference in-person, virtual, or hybrid?

This nonprofit fundraising event conference is hybrid, allowing you to participate in person at AVENUE in Portland or virtually. All attendees will receive recorded copies of the sessions.

What can I expect from the sessions?

Experience a diverse lineup of sessions at this nonprofit fundraising event conference, led by industry experts covering innovative fundraising strategies, impactful community work, and movement building. Learn essential building blocks for your signature event and get inspired by the latest trends.

Who are the speakers at the Elevate Conference?

The nonprofit fundraising event conference features renowned experts such as Rachel Bearbower, Clay Buck, Samantha Swaim, Kristin Steele, Mary Elizabeth, Jenna Watanabe, Ryan Goodwin, Jedediah Chavez, Erica Soto, Veronica Kim, and Kurt Beadell. Crystal Chanel from PressRelease Marketing will emcee the event.

What accessibility options are available?

This nonprofit fundraising event conference prioritizes accessibility with:

  • AVENUE’s single-floor, wheelchair-accessible space
  • All-gender restrooms
  • Arm-free, wood folding chairs
  • Virtual content with engagement opportunities
  • English and Spanish captions
  • Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegetarian meals
  • Additional accommodations upon request during registration
Will there be networking opportunities?

Absolutely! In-person attendees can engage in networking sessions designed to connect you with speakers and fellow participants. Plus, Greater Giving will host a special reception on day 1, perfect for networking at this nonprofit fundraising event conference.

Will recordings of the sessions be available after the conference?

Yes, all registered participants of the nonprofit fundraising event conference will have access to session recordings, enabling you to revisit critical insights and strategies.

What safety measures will be in place for in-person attendees?

We are committed to creating a safe environment by following current health guidelines. If you feel unwell, you can join the nonprofit fundraising event conference virtually from home.

Who can I contact for more information?

For further questions, reach out to our support team at mary@swaimstrategies.com.