print  e-mail

November 4 - November 6, 2009 | Detroit, Michigan

"Challenging Times, New Opportunities: 2009 Annual Conference" — Independent Sector

When:	November 4 - November 6, 2009
Where:	Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Detroit, Michigan

Save November 4-6 for this year's conference, taking place at the Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit and organized in partnership with the Council of Michigan Foundations.

Taking a cue from the Temptations hit, "Get Ready," the conference will focus on strengthening the nonprofit community's ability to respond to the economic conditions facing our organizations and our communities. The innovative programs Michigan's charities and foundations have developed to address a changing economy and society — both on their own and in collaboration with government and business — make Detroit a fitting location to discover how we can create meaningful and enduring solutions to our current challenges.

Information on how to register will be posted in the spring, and updates on the main program will be added throughout the year.

Special Conference Programs: Each year onference provides unparalleled learning experiences, networking opportunities, and dialogue for nonprofit leaders from across the nation. In addition to a series of plenary sessions and workshops, the conference offers various special opportunities, including:

• NGen: Moving Nonprofit Leaders from Next to Now — introduced at the 2008 conference, this program is designed for nonprofit professionals under the age of 40 and focuses on expanding the nonprofit talent pool by developing leadership skills and networks of emerging leaders. This year's program offeres a series of special sessions addressing a variety of issues facing emerging leaders as well as unique opportunities for networking with leaders of all ages.
• CEO Track — this comprehensive track gives CEOs the opportunity to meet with peers to discuss special concerns of leadership. Spread throughout the conference, CEO track sessions generally include discussions with plenary speakers, top thinkers, and strategists. These sessions are open to the heads of IS member organizations.
• Public Policy Action Institute — held annually immediately prior to the conference, this 1½- day program attracts up to 100 mid- and senior-level nonprofit policy leaders. Through discussions with key policy leaders and sector advocates, this interactive seminar provides cutting-edge knowledge on the most pressing advocacy strategies, and meaningful contact with peers.

Benefits of Attending: Conference participants report that the IS Annual Conference gives them the opportunity to:

• Engage with other leaders on critical issues facing the sector
• Learn peer-to-peer from the nation's top thinkers and doers in the nonprofit community
• Develop an invaluable network of contacts
• Exchange ideas and best practices with other leaders in nonprofit organizations and foundations
• Work side-by-side with professionals from both sides of the grant making relationship to develop strategies and solutions to current challenges
• Equip themselves with dozens of new connections, countless great ideas, and a renewed commitment to serve