JOIN

Annual Conference

A confidential, director-level gathering for peer exchange, strategy, and shared leadership in annual giving.

Conference Year

2026

Location

To be announced

Host Institution

To be announced

Registration

Members notified directly

About the Conference

The Consortium's Flagship Convening

The AGDC Annual Conference brings together member directors for multi-day sessions of strategic exchange, professional development, and collaborative problem-solving among institutional peers.
Unlike industry conferences or vendor-sponsored events, our gathering is designed exclusively for and by directors. The confidential setting enables candid dialogue on challenges, strategies, and opportunities that shape annual giving leadership.

Conference Principles

1

Peer-to-peer exchange without vendor presence

2

Confidential environment for candid discussion

3

Active participation expected of all attendees

4

Focus on strategic and operational leadership

5

Relationship-building alongside formal sessions

Conference Program

What to Expect

The conference program balances structured sessions with informal exchange, ensuring both substantive content and meaningful peer connection.

Peer Roundtables

Facilitated, confidential discussions organized by topic or institutional context. Directors share strategies and learn from peers facing similar circumstances.

Benchmarking Sessions

Analysis of consortium data and metrics. Examine trends, compare practices, and contextualize your institution's performance within the peer group.

Operational Leadership

Sessions addressing staffing models, vendor relationships, compliance considerations, and organizational positioning within advancement.

Strategic Planning

Forward-looking exchanges on long-term program direction, campaign integration, donor pipeline development, and evolving giving channels.

Consortium Governance

Working sessions for standing committees, task forces, and full-group governance. Participate in shaping AGDC's direction and priorities.

Peer Consultation

Structured and informal time for one-on-one and small group conversations. Build relationships that extend beyond the conference.

Typical Schedule

Conference Flow

The conference typically spans three days, with arrival and welcome on the first day and departure following the closing session. Specific scheduling is communicated to members in advance.

Day 1

Arrival & Welcome

  • Registration and check-in
  • Welcome reception and informal networking

Day 2 Morning

Opening Session

  • Conference welcome and framing
  • State of annual giving address
  • Introductions and agenda overview

Day 2

Peer Roundtables

  • Topic-based small group discussions
  • Rotating facilitator-led conversations
  • Peer matching and consultation

Days 2–3

Benchmarking & Practice

  • Data review sessions
  • Member case study presentations
  • Best practice exchanges

Final Morning

Closing Session

  • Key takeaways and action items
  • Planning for continued collaboration
  • Departure

Attendance & Participation

Conference attendance is a core benefit and expectation of membership. Registration details, venue information, and logistics are communicated directly to member directors. Non-member attendance is not available.
Members Only

Questions About the Conference?

Current members receive conference communications directly. If you have questions about membership or future participation, we welcome your inquiry.
Contact the Consortium
Membership Information