Leadership Conference Event Guide

PLEASE NOTE: Due to Hurricane Milton, the Nonprofit Leadership Conference will now take place on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. We have automatically transferred your ticket and registration to the new event date, so no additional action is required from you. If you purchased your own ticket and can no longer attend, please email us at info@nlctb.org to receive reimbursement or program credit. If you are sitting at a sponsored table, please contact the person who invited you to inform them about your schedule.

The Nonprofit Leadership Center looks forward to welcoming you at the 2024 Nonprofit Leadership Conference. This frequently asked questions guide contains everything you need to know to prepare and plan for a successful event experience.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

When is the conference?

The 2024 Nonprofit Leadership Conference is hosted by the Nonprofit Leadership Center and co-presented by Bank of America and the Helios Education Foundation. 

After being rescheduled due to Hurricane Milton, the conference will take place on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Tampa Marriott Water Street in Downtown Tampa.

Check-in, networking, the exhibit hall and a light breakfast begin at 8 a.m.

The conference program will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 2:30 p.m.

Where is this year’s conference located?

The 2024 Nonprofit Leadership Conference takes place at the Tampa Marriott Water Street, located at 505 Water Street, Tampa, Florida, 33602. 

What time should I arrive?

On November 19, 2024, registration, networking and the exhibit hall begin at 8 a.m. Coffee, tea and light breakfast items will also be available starting at that time. Although the conference program will begin at 9 a.m. we strongly recommend arriving early to give yourself plenty of time to park and enjoy networking and breakfast time.

What should I wear?

Conference attire is business or business casual. We want you to feel comfortable and come as your authentic self. We recommend bringing a light sweater or jacket because it can get chilly in the ballroom.

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing several things to this year’s conference:

  • An open mind and eagerness to learn.
  • Lots of business cards — You will meet and network with many peers and potential partners.
  • You will receive a personalized name badge on a lanyard at check-in, thanks to HR Soul. Feel free to bring your branded name badge if you have one or would prefer to wear your own.
  • Any materials that allow you to capture notes and takeaways from the sessions based on your preferred learning style.

What networking opportunities will be available? How much networking time will I have?

Networking and registration on October 8 will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until the conference starts at 9 a.m., allowing meaningful networking before the conference with peers and potential partners. Networking time will also be available for 30 minutes before breakout sessions begin and another 30 minutes after the conference concludes. Be sure to bring lots of business cards!

How do I choose which breakout session to attend? 

All participants will have the opportunity to choose one of the following five breakout sessions to attend at the conference. The breakout sessions will take place just before lunch. 

11:05 am. to 12:05 p.m. 

  • Values in Action: How to Foster Psychological Safety Through Inclusive Leadership with Dawn Hunter, J.D., Founder, The Dawn Lab
  • Promising Trends and Workplace Design Methods for Hiring and Retaining Top Talent with Keri Higgins-Bigelow, Founder & CEO, LivingHR
  • Harness the Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence with Joe Lugo, Chief of Staff for, AMPLIFYClearwater and Founder of J^3 Creations
  • Ignite Your Impact: Mastering Cross-Sector Collaboration for Nonprofits with Nestor Ortiz, Founder, 16 Point Compass Consulting
  • Conquering Board Culture for Mission Impact with Vernetta Walker, J.D., CEO and Chief Governance Gladiator of Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting

We recommend reading the descriptions and speaker bios for each session in advance so you know which session you are most interested in and where it is located to ensure you get a seat.

Is the conference eligible for CFRE continuing education credit?

CFRE Badge 2024

Yes, full participation in the 2024 Nonprofit Leadership Conference: It Starts With Us is applicable for 3 points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

PARKING INFORMATION

Where can I park for the conference?

The Nonprofit Leadership Center is delighted to cover the cost of parking for guests who park in the Fort Brooke Garage or the Pam Iorio Garage. 

The public entrance to the Fort Brooke Garage is located on Whiting Street. 

The Pam Iorio Garage is located on the corner of Channelside Drive and Florida Avenue. 

Payment for all other parking options will be your responsibility.

To facilitate a smooth parking experience, please note the following information:

  • When you check into the conference, please remember to take your parking chaser ticket with you. This is what you will use to pay for your parking when you exit the garage.
  • We highly recommend arriving early (check-in begins at 8 a.m.) and/or carpooling with friends or colleagues. There may be other events taking place in downtown Tampa, and those event-goers will also be utilizing this garage. Please remember, parking in this garage is on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking in any lot other than Fort Brooke or Pam Iorio will be your financial responsibility.
  • If your office or home is along the route of TECO’s free trolley, you might consider that option (the trolley runs every 15 minutes beginning at 7 a.m.). Click here for trolley details.

LUNCH INFORMATION

What’s for lunch?

Attendees will receive a seated lunch that includes a mixed greens salad with Champagne vinaigrette and a lemon-herb brined roasted chicken breast with jumbo asparagus, rosemary and garlic roasted potatoes, and a vegetable risotto.

Dessert is a gluten-free triple chocolate cake.

Those who selected a vegan option will receive a creamy risotto with seasonal vegetables and sorbet for dessert.

What if I have a dietary restriction? 

Those who require a vegan entrée will receive a creamy risotto with seasonal vegetables and sorbet for dessert.

When you check in at the conference, please confirm with the registration volunteer that you have selected a vegan meal. You will receive a vegan meal ticket to provide to your lunch server.

SOCIAL MEDIA & PHOTOGRAPHY

What are the social media hashtags and handles for this event?

We encourage you to share your conference experience before, during and after the event. Please follow and tag the Nonprofit Leadership Center using @nlctb and use the hashtag #ItStartsWithUs. We love to reshare and elevate your posts!

Will you be taking professional photos during the event?

Yes. The Nonprofit Leadership Center will take professional photos and video footage throughout the event. All conference attendees understand that the Nonprofit Leadership Center may include all photos and footage from the event on social media, its website and other digital communications. That means you may appear in photos and videos taken during the event.

CONFERENCE SPONSORS

Who are the conference sponsors?

This year’s event is only possible because of the generous support of our passionate partners that believe in the nonprofit community’s importance and impact. Please join us in thanking the sponsors featured below, and be sure to show them some love before, during and after the event on social media.

Co-Presenting Sponsors

Helios Education Foundation logo in black text with the O in Helios being a yellow spiral

Lunch Sponsor

Technology & Innovation Sponsors

LivingHR logo
Warren Averett logo, a blue and grey logo with a large W and the words CPAs and Advisors underneath

Stage Sponsor

The Visot Family

Notebook Sponsor

Networking Sponsor

Opening Video Sponsor

Community Foundation Tampa Bay Logo

Name Badge Sponsor

HR Soul logo

Year of Training Sponsor

United Way Suncoast Logo

Breakout Sponsors

Blue logo that says Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

CONTACT INFORMATION

Who should I contact if I have questions or need more information?

If you have questions about the conference, want to join the waitlist for in-person tickets or have feedback to share, please contact the Nonprofit Leadership Center team at info@nlctb.org or 813-287-8779.

What is the Nonprofit Leadership Center?

The Nonprofit Leadership Center develops and connects nonprofit leaders to strengthen organizations and our communities. As a nonprofit organization that exists to support other nonprofits, we offer professional development classes, certificate programs, an annual conference and customized learning experiences for nonprofit leaders of all experience levels. Learn more about us and how we can help you and your nonprofit at nlctb.org.