As a leader of a volunteer program, building a sense of community is at the heart of your mission, making attendance at nonprofit conferences a crucial aspect of your professional growth. These gatherings provide a chance to connect with peers, gain insights from industry leaders, and discover tools and trends that can enhance your program, all while interacting with individuals who share your enthusiasm. To assist you in selecting the most suitable conferences for your objectives and interests, we have compiled a list of ten premier annual conferences for volunteer managers.
Why Volunteer Managers Should Attend Nonprofit Conferences
Nonprofit conferences deliver distinct advantages for volunteer managers, especially for those deeply engaged in daily program activities. These gatherings can offer a wider viewpoint, fresh motivation, and practical resources that can be directly implemented within your organization.
Key advantages of attending conferences geared towards nonprofits include:
- Participation in educational workshops, breakout sessions, and keynote speeches
- Opportunities for leadership and professional growth
- Networking with colleagues, industry leaders, and potential collaborators
- Understanding of emerging trends influencing the nonprofit sector
- Exposure to cutting-edge tools and technologies to boost your volunteer initiatives
Conferences also offer opportunities to connect with exhibitors who provide software and solutions that can enhance your program.
Below are nine standout conferences designed for volunteer managers, nonprofit professionals, and engaged supporters. These events are held annually, so if you miss this year’s, consider bookmarking the next opportunity.
bbcon (Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits)
bbcon is specifically designed for users of Blackbaud's nonprofit technology solutions. The conference features keynote addresses, expert-led "super sessions," networking opportunities, and a celebratory closing event. It is essential for organizations aiming to maximize their utilization of Blackbaud products.
Learn more about Blackbaud's bbcon
Points of Light Conference
The Points of Light Conference also referred to as the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, brings together professionals from across all 50 U.S. states and various countries. It features over 70 workshops aimed at providing participants with practical strategies, resources, and insights to enhance volunteerism. Points of Light was founded by President George H. W. Bush in 1990. He envisioned it as a nonpartisan organization to promote volunteerism and civic engagement in the United States and around the world.
Points of Light Conference 2026: Washington, DC, June 22–25, 2026
Points of Light Conference 2027: Long Beach, CA, June 28–July 1, 2027
Learn more about Points of Light
National Service-Learning Conference
At the intersection of education and nonprofit work, this conference bridges classroom instruction and real-world volunteerism. It’s a valuable resource for organizations looking to engage with educators and youth, especially those aiming to recruit student volunteers or offer service-learning experiences.
Learn more about the National Service-Learning Conference
Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC)
Organized by NTEN, NTC explores how technology can empower nonprofit organizations. Attendees gain insight into tools and best practices for enhancing mission delivery, improving efficiency, and ensuring ethical tech implementation—making it ideal for organizations beginning their digital transformation.
Learn more about the Nonprofit Technology Conference
Cause Camp
Cause Camp stands out for its customizable learning tracks, including fundraising, leadership, and faith-based work. It also provides attendees with tailored action plans, ensuring that lessons learned translate into meaningful change.
Engage for Good Conference
This conference connects nonprofit leaders with business professionals to promote corporate social responsibility and philanthropic partnerships. It’s an excellent venue for organizations seeking to deepen corporate relationships, enhance sponsorships, or expand donation-matching initiatives.
Learn more about the Engage for Good Conference
Independent Sector National Summit
Exclusively for members of the Independent Sector, this summit convenes foundations, nonprofits, and corporate giving programs. The focus is on strategic collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building for mission-driven organizations.
Learn more about independent Sectors National Summit
Elevate Conference (Nonprofit Leadership Alliance)
Elevate is a fully virtual event hosted in partnership with Leaderosity. It emphasizes inclusive leadership and features diverse speakers from across the sector. All sessions are recorded, giving participants the flexibility to learn on their schedule.
Learn more about the Elevate Conference
International Forum for Volunteering in Development (IVCO)
For organizations with an international or cross-cultural focus, IVCO connects global leaders in volunteerism. The forum includes over 40 speakers and workshops centered on collaboration, sustainability, and international development.
Learn more about the International Forum for Volunteering in Development
How to Choose the Right Conference
With so many compelling options, it’s important to evaluate which conference aligns best with your needs. Consider the following:
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Format – Are you seeking in-person interaction, virtual access, or a hybrid model?
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Location – How far are you willing or able to travel?
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Budget – Consider registration fees, as well as travel, accommodations, and other associated costs.
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Focus – What is the conference’s primary emphasis, and does it align with your organization’s current priorities?
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Professional goals – Are you looking to build skills, find mentors, or explore new strategies?
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Organizational goals – How can this event support your broader mission and volunteer engagement strategy?
Once you’ve identified the right fit, register early—or sign up for event updates if registration is not yet open.
Enhance Your Volunteer Program with VolunteerHub
Attending conferences is a powerful way to elevate your volunteer program. As you expand your network and deepen your knowledge, consider how technology can further support your mission.
VolunteerHub is a leading volunteer management software built specifically for nonprofits. From recruitment to recognition, VolunteerHub provides robust tools to streamline operations and amplify impact.
You’ll likely see us at several of these conferences—but you don’t have to wait to connect. Request a demo today to see how VolunteerHub can support your organization’s goals.
