ADRP 2026 Annual International Conference Request for Proposals
Resilience and Reinvention
Conference Discovery Areas | RFP Webinar & Tips | Submission Guidelines
Presenter Benefits and Expectations
Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026
Conference Theme:
Resilience and Reinvention
Conference Theme Description:
Resilience and reinvention are essential to the future of our work. As donor expectations evolve, technologies advance, and organizations face increasing complexity, our ability to adapt with purpose has never mattered more. True resilience is not simply weathering change – it is learning, strengthening, and moving forward with intention. Reinvention is not about abandoning what works, but about building on strong foundations while thoughtfully evolving our approaches to stewardship, engagement, and impact to meet this moment and the next. At #ADRP2026, you will explore how embracing both can unlock new possibilities, strengthen organizational capacity, and deepen the meaningful connections at the heart of donor relations – join us to reconnect, recharge, and return home ready for what comes next.
Conference Discovery Areas
1. Foundations for Donor Relations
Strong donor relationships are built on reliable, ethical, and repeatable practices. These sessions guide attendees through the fundamental skills and principles of donor relations, helping organizations build trust, consistency, and long‑term retention—even in times of transition or uncertainty.
Topics could include:
- Acknowledgement practices
- Donor lifecycle management
- Gift acceptance
- Donor retention fundamentals
- Building trust & transparency
- Ethics
- Donor behaviour
- Generational giving
2. Messages and Recognition that Resonate and Endure
Resilient donor relationships are reinforced through thoughtful communication and genuine appreciation. These sessions explore how storytelling, recognition, and reporting can deepen connection, reinforce shared purpose, and adapt to changing donor expectations while remaining authentic.
Topics could include:
- Donor recognition strategies
- Stewardship activities
- Donor communications
- Impact reporting
- Storytelling and narrative models
- Personalization
- Inclusive marketing
- Donor surveys
- Donor walls and naming opportunities
3. Data, Insight, and Adaptation
These sessions focus on using data, metrics, and analysis to evaluate donor relationships, demonstrate impact, and adapt strategies in response to change. Attendees will explore how to turn numbers into insights that support sustainable donor engagement and organizational health.
Topics could include:
- Donor retention metrics
- Dashboards & data visualization
- Analytics & trend analysis
- ROI & optimization
- Strategic planning
- Impact mapping
- Predictive analytics
- Data‑informed decision‑making
4. Leadership, Careers, and Organizational Resilience
These sessions explore career development, leadership, management, and collaboration strategies that help professionals and teams remain adaptable, inclusive, and resilient.
Topics could include:
- Career growth and professional development
- Leadership and management
- Resilience and change management
- Cross‑functional partnerships
- Team building
- DEI in practice
- Volunteer and board relations
5. Innovation for a Resilient Future
These sessions invite attendees to explore emerging tools, technologies, and creative approaches that can strengthen donor relations while maintaining sustainability and purpose.
Topics could include:
- AI and automation
- Digital innovations
- Creative problem‑solving
- Emerging tools and platforms
- Fundraising trends
- Technology integration
- Sustainability practices
How To Draft a Great RFP
Using the categories above as a guide, we encourage proposals that reflect the expansive depth and breadth of donor relations and address the realities of today’s workplace.
RFP Webinar
Never submitted a proposal before, or want to brush up on this year’s guidelines? Join us for a free webinar on March 12 at 3 PM EST/12 AM PST during which we'll go over the ins and outs of proposal submissions.
Can't join live? Don't worry! We'll post the recording here after.
Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026
How to Prepare Before Submitting Your Proposal
Before submitting your proposal to present at the ADRP International Conference, please gather the following information. We encourage you to review and prepare your materials in advance to ensure a smooth submission process
- Proposed Session Title
- Proposed Session Marketing Description (for the website, 150 words maximum)
- Proposed Session Description (for the committee review, 200 words maximum)
- Learning Objectives
- Target Audience Industry, Expertise Level, and Shop Size
- Preferred Session Format (e.g.: presentation, guided discussion, group exercise, panel, or workshop)
- Review your calendar to share your availability during conference
- Presenter Information
- Contact Information
- Credentials & Title
- Organization & Organizational Type
- Bio (150 word max)
- Years of Experience in Donor Relations
- ADRP Membership Length (if applicable)
- Session Introduction (1–2 sentences for your on-site session host)
- Name(s) & Organization(s) of co-presenter(s), if applicable
Point of Contact
The individual submitting the speaker proposal will be designated as the primary Point of Contact. For proposals with multiple speakers, we will communicate directly with the Point of Contact if any questions arise or if additional information is needed.
Speaker Benefits and Expectations
Speakers selected for the ADRP International Conference will have their name, bio, and headshot featured on the conference website and app. Additionally, selected speakers will receive a registration discount. Speakers are responsible for any additional expenses, including travel and lodging.
All speakers for accepted proposals will be required to:
- Complete a speaker agreement
- Register for at least the day of their session
- Submit a final copy of their presentation to the ADRP Office before the conference
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