Perspectives

Are you ready to register for CGP Conference but still need to convince your boss? Whether you choose to join us virtually or for our in-person experience (which includes access to all virtual content), we’ve got you covered! Here are 6 steps to make your case.

Step 1: Make it about your organization (not you)
Discuss how advancing your skills is not just good for your professional development, but for your organization. Now more than ever, it is imperative that you stay up to date on donor demographics, economic conditions and legislative and regulatory developments. At the conference, you’ll learn about the most current and creative ways to navigate trends and develop deeper relationships with donors, leading to more meaningful gifts.

Step 2: Discuss what you will learn
Provide concrete examples of how your educational experience will positively impact your program and your day-to-day work. CGP has recently published the National Standards for Gift Planning Success that outline essential best practices for all gift planning programs. You can complete the NSGPS assessment surveys before the conference to identify areas of improvement for you and your shop, then select sessions that support your goals. All breakouts at the conference will be coded to specific standards.

Step 3: Emphasize the meaningful connections you will make
Identify the contacts you will make at CGP Conference to advance your organization’s goals. CGP Conference is the largest gathering of gift planning professionals, and you will have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with the most respected people in the field. The Solutions Center (exhibit hall) will host solution providers showcasing a wide range of innovative products and services to help meet your needs. In affinity group sessions, you can benchmark and strategize with your peers to bring proven tactics and fresh thinking back to your office. You can also use the conference app to make connections with both virtual and in-person attendees.

Step 4: Know your cost—and your benefit
The cost of attending the CGP Conference is a small price to pay for the benefits it delivers. The virtual conference is an extremely cost-effective way to prepare for gift planning’s next normal, but be sure to budget time away from meetings, phone and email to get the best return on your investment. If you are attending in person, the cost of the conference goes beyond the registration fee. However, travel gives you time to review on-demand sessions and lodging in the conference hotel brings you together with new mentors, colleagues and friends. Be sure to keep all your costs as low as possible by registering before the early-bird deadline.

Step 5: Put your case in writing
Use our letter templates to help your boss understand why CGP is the most valuable conference for you to attend. Customize these letters based on your specific goals and how you will make a return on investment (of both time and money!)

In-person Sample Letter       Virtual Sample Letter

Step 6: Bring it all home
Consider committing to a post-conference briefing for staff, senior management or your team, where you’ll highlight what you’ve learned from the conference. Tie your learnings to your organization’s long-term and short-term goals or strategic plan to demonstrate the value and impact of your education. 

Already convinced your boss? Register for CGP Conference now!