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Calendar of 2011 nonprofit & social change conferences

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Crowdsourcing Innovative Social Change, SXSW
Amy Sample Ward, Holly Ross and Kari Dunn Saratovsky at the Crowdsourcing Innovative Social Change panel at SXSW 2010. (Photo by JD Lasica)

 

Superguide to events for nonprofits & social good organizations

See our Calendar of 2012 nonprofit & social change conferences.

JD LasicaFollowing is a roundup of conferences and events scheduled in the nonprofit and social change sector in 2011, with a few related events tossed in as well. This is now an annual tradition here at Socialbrite.

We’ll be reporting on many of these events and invite you to share your coverage or observations here. Throughout the year you’ll be able to see a list of all these events in the weekly Google calendar at the lower right of nearly every page on Socialbrite. And don’t forget to attend a local Netsquared event!

If you know of other must-attend events, please add them by posting in the comments at the bottom. Note that we’ve also published a calendar of 2011 conferences in social media, tech and marketing on our sister site, Socialmedia.biz. We’ll continue to update this calendar throughout the year.

 

Jan­u­ary | Feb­ru­ary | March | April | May | June | July | August | Sep­tem­ber | Octo­ber | Novem­ber | Decem­ber

Conference Date Place
January
NETA Jan. 11-13 Nashville, Tenn.
The NETA Conference will help you learn new ideas for workflow and staff, gain opportunities to share/exhibit/demonstrate ideas that make a tangible difference and put you in touch with people who understand the value of what you do. neta
10 Years of Wikipedia Jan. 15 Global
A series of events to mark the democratic online encyclopedia’s 10th birthday. See the wiki for a location near you.
Leadership for Social Change Jan. 19-21 New York City
This executive education program will help you learn how to open new markets using responsible programs, how to build relationships through public/private partnerships to achieve impact and value and how to meet the challenges of implementing social-benefit programs. Seth-Godin
PodCamp Halifax 2011 Jan. 23 Halifax, Nova Scotia
A PodCamp is a free BarCamp-style community unconference for new media enthusiasts and professionals including bloggers, podcasters, YouTube producers, social networkers and anyone curious about new media. podcamp-halifax
BlissDom Jan. 26-28 Nashville, Tenn.
BlissDom is designed with content suited to diverse interests. Look for a Professional Track, Writing Track and tracks on Brand Partnerships and Personal Strategy.
World Economic Forum Jan. 26-30 Davos, Switzerland
The Annual Meeting provides a rethinking of our systems and exploration of strategies and solutions that have positive transformational implications. Particular emphasis will be placed on addressing the question of “how” at this invitation-only event. putin
Global Ignite Week Jan. 27 Various
During the week 50-plus Ignites will take place in cities around the world. As many as 10,000 entrepreneurs, technologists, DIYers, creative professionals and enthusiastic knowledge-seekers will gather in local pubs, theaters and other venues for an evening that is a unique blend of networking, information and fun, encapsulated in the Ignite motto: “Enlighten us, but make it quick.” micki
She’s Geeky Bay Area 4 Jan. 28-30 Mountain View, Calif.
This event is for women from a diverse array of technological fields and those doing technology within non-technical fields. shesgeeky4
WordCamp Various Worldwide
WordCamps, where WordPress aficionados congregate, are happening in dozens of cities this year, including Phoenix on Jan. 29, Orlando on Feb. 5, Melbourne on Feb. 26-27 and elsewhere. wordcamp
A Helluva Camp for Nonprofit Rebels TBA San Francisco
As the economy faces a jobless recovery, social entrepreneurs are emerging in all sectors and industries. This content-packed camp features new faces and new ideas for the rebels who want to shake up the nonprofit world.
February
Social Media Week Feb. 7-11 Various
Social Media Week is a global platform that connects people, content and conversation around emerging trends in social and mobile media. The goal of the event series is to help people, brands, companies, not-for-profits and governments around the world establish deeper and more valuable relationships through open collaboration and social communication. Social Media Week
edSocial Media Bootcamp Feb. 8 San Francisco
This full day workshop provides an in-depth, hands-on introduction to social media technology. Learn how social media can help you strengthen relationships with the constituents that matter most – your students, parents, faculty & alumni. clock
Twiistup 8 Infinity Feb. 9-10 Los Angeles
More than just a conference, Twiistup is LA’s biggest technology event. Twiistup combines a showcase for innovation, a platform for thought leaders and an audience of entrepreneurs, media and investors all wrapped in a unique, stylized environment that rivals a Hollywood production. David Cohen
Washington Nonprofit Conference Feb. 17-18 Washington, DC
At this gathering you’ll be able to explore new marketing strategies and fresh fundraising techniques, glean new insights and perspectives on donor acquisition, and learn how to use new technologies to establish and nurture relationships, mobilize fundraising during a crisis, expand globally into international fundraising and more.
Computer-Assisted Reporting Feb. 24-27 Raleigh, NC
In this annual conference devoted to computer-assisted reporting, come and learn about tools you need to dig deeper into stories and give readers and viewers the information they want.
Wisdom 2.0 Feb. 25-27 Mountain View, Calif.
In this three-day event, attendees investigate how to create a world that is both technologically advanced and also highly developed in universal qualities such as mindfulness, wisdom and compassion that are essential for any society to flourish. See our interview with a speaker at the 2010 event. wisdom20
TED Feb 28-Mar 4 Long Beach, Calif.
TED2011 will assemble a cast of characters capable of stirring the imagination. Explorers, storytellers, photographers, scientific pioneers, visionaries and provocateurs from all parts of the globe will participate in this seminal event. TED2011
March
Social Enterprise Conference March 5-6 Boston
The 2011 Social Enterprise Conference will provide a platform for you to explore how others are living change and for you to be inspired to live change through your own life in your own way. social-enterprise-conference
ReVisioning Value March 7-8 Portland, Ore.
ReVV 2011 will be a must-attend event for innovators from nonprofits, for-profits, finance institutions, investors, educational institutions and people interested in making their money matter. The event will provide a deeper engagement for attendees ready and willing to integrate new best practices into their business. Woody Tasch
South by Southwest March 11-20 Austin, TX
South by Southwest offers an amazing gathering of thought leaders in independent music, independent films and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW is the premier destination for discovery. The Integrated Media Association Conference will take place March 10 within SXSW. tim street
Innovative Giving March 16 Washington, DC
Innogive – Mobile Giving Applied lets you connect with peers who share the same questions and some that have answers regarding online giving technologies. Make new friends, meet old and meet yet others from intriguing mobile and innovative giving technology companies – all coming together to understand how to forward their cause in a changing and increasingly mobile world. Innogive
Web and New Media Conference March 17–18 Washington, DC
This conference is for government new media managers and webmasters, many of whom are wearing both hats in 2011. It’s proved to be an excellent networking and educational forum.
NTC: Nonprofit Technology Conference March 17-19 Washington, DC
This three-day gathering from NTEN brings together nonprofit professionals from around the world to collaborate, innovate and maximize effectiveness. It’s perhaps the key nonprofit conference of the year. leif-utne
Left Forum March 18-20 New York
A one-of-a-kind gathering, Left Forum convenes the largest annual conference of a broad spectrum of left and progressive intellectuals, activists, academics, organizations and the public. Conference participants come together to engage a wide range of critical perspectives on the world, to discuss differences, commonalities and alternatives to current predicaments, and to share ideas for understanding and transforming the world. LeftForum
AFP International Conference on Fundraising March 20-22 Chicago
More than 4,000 professionals will come together in Chicago for a three-day immersion to share stories and strategies that work. It’s a place to gain insight from industry and world leaders, a chance to learn breakthrough fundraising tactics and an opportunity to share best practices by meeting colleagues from across town and around the globe. The 47th AFP International Conference on Fundraising
eCampaigning Forum March 22-23 Oxford, UK
The event for e-campaigning practitioners to share their expertise.
Twestival Local March 24 Global
Twestival uses social media for social good. It’s the largest global grassroots social media fundraising initiative to date, raising $1.2 million within 14 months for 137 nonprofits. All local events are organized by volunteers and 100% of all ticket sales and donations go directly to projects. twestival
Skoll World Forum Mar 30-Apr 1 Oxford, UK
The theme for the 2011 Forum is “Large Scale Change – ecosystems, networks and collaborative action.” Delegates will explore the increasingly global, complex and interrelated nature of pressing social problems, while also surfacing conditions and challenges that help or inhibit large scale change. Sessions will focus on the ideas, knowledge, networks and actions needed to span geographic areas, issues and institutional boundaries to achieve large-scale change. skoll
Sustainatopia Mar31-Apr6 Miami
With 60 individual events in film, art, music, eco-fashion, food, design & parties, Sustainatopia is one of the biggest sustainability and impact investing events in the world. (I’ll be speaking there.)
April
Clinton Global Initiative University April 1-3 San Diego
Building on President Clinton’s lifetime in public service, the Clinton Global Initiative reflects his belief that governments need collaboration from the private sector, non-governmental organizations and global leaders to confront the world’s most pressing problems. clinton-global
Data 2.0 April 4 San Francisco
Data 2.0 is a full-day conference that spotlights how greater accessibility to data will impact business, technology and society. Organized by midVentures, the conference will take an interdisciplinary approach to government data, financial data, social data and the startups that take advantage of such data. Brett Sheppard
Social Venture Capital/Social Enterprise Conference April 4-6 Miami
Socialbrite’s JD Lasica & Sloane Berrent will be presenting the Move the Needle Bootcamp to kick off the conference. This is the largest impact investing and sustainability conference on the East Coast of U.S. and Latin America. 1,000+ attendees and 300+ speakers from around the world. Tracks include Philanthrocapitalism, Financing Impact, Empowering Women Through Investment, Defining Green Prosperity and Building Social Entrepreneurs. Social Venture Capital
Sustainable Haiti April 4-6 Miami
Sustainable Haiti Conference represents the most comprehensive economic development conference of all time for Haiti. Sustainable Haiti
Social Enterprise World Forum April 5-7 Johannesburg
This international forum advocates for increased social impact through social enterprise. Join more than 700 social entrepreneurs in South Africa to learn, grow, be inspired, make new connections from around the globe and become part of this expanding movement. Social-Enterprise-Alliance
Social Venture Network April 7-10 Stevenson, Wash.
Social Venture Network connects, supports and inspires business leaders and social entrepreneurs in expanding practices that build a just and sustainable economy. The next conference, the Fall Invitational, will be held on Oct. 27-30 in Philadelphia. SVN
Power of Global Networks April 7-9 Brooklyn, NY
The conference will focus on how women’s funds turn the conventional model of philanthropy upside down, radically changing the way individuals, corporations, foundations and governments invest in women and girls, and how women’s funds, and the network at large, is an effective vehicle, for shared leadership and collective action, allowing us to increase our impact and build a movement for social change. Womens Funding Network
National Conference for Media Reform April 8-10 Boston
This is the biggest conference devoted to media, technology and democracy. You’ll be able to explore the future of journalism and public media, consider how technology is changing the world, look at the policies and politics shaping our media, and discuss strategies to build the movement for better media.
2nd World Non-Profit and Social Marketing April 11-12 Dublin, Ireland
The 2nd World conference will bring together those interested in applying strategic communications, marketing and behavior change methodology to solve key social challenges. social media prom
Digital Leap April 12 Toronto
The Digital Leap conference is about communication in a digital world, particularly the combination of technology, strategy and creative in a digital age.
ONN Unconference April 12-13 Toronto
This unconference offers lively opportunities to connect directly with peers who share your commitment and your challenges. Through hands-on problem solving sessions, topics built on delegate input, roundtable groups of common interests, an evening reception and practical follow-up, the ONN meeting offers plenty of opportunity to share challenges and successes, build strategic relationships and problem solve for your organization and your sector. ONN
Global Philanthropy Forum April 13-15 Redwood City, Calif.
The Global Philanthropy Forum Conference is intended for individuals who have made a significant commitment to philanthropy, and executives from private, public and corporate foundations. Participation in the conference is by invitation only, and invitations are not transferable. global
NCTech4Good April 15 Chapel Hill, NC
The NCTech4Good Conference is an annual day-long event that offers information and networking for staff, consultants and volunteers for all North Carolina nonprofits and similar organizations. nctech4good
Humber Initiative on Philanthropy Conference April 15 Toronto
This conference will bring together experienced industry leaders, up and coming Humber grads and innovative Humber students for a day of education on fundraising. The agenda includes educational lectures, interactive presentation sessions and networking assemblies. All profits from this conference will be donated to the Humber scholarship fund in order to support future generations of fundraisers. Denny Young
Earth Day Build-A-Thon April 16-19 Oakland, Calif.
The Earth Day Build-A-Thon is Habitat for Humanity East Bay’s annual celebration of green building. The Build-A-Thon is not only the biggest building event of the year, it is also their biggest fundraising event. Participants raise pledges, as they would for a walk-a-thon, to help raise the funds needed to purchase the building materials for the homes. Earth Day Build-a-thon
Global Engagement Summit April 20-24 Evanston, Ill.
The Global Engagement Summit is a five-day training conference for students committed to global change. Delegates come together to understand the opportunities for their engagement, to hone the skills and mindsets that will enable them to better plan and participate in change-based projects, and to connect with like-minded peers from around the world. Brian Bordainick
Transparency Camp Apr 30-May 1 Washington, DC
This unconference will convene a trans-partisan tribe of open government advocates — government reps, technologists, journalists, developers, NGOs, wonks, activists — to share knowledge on how to use new technologies to make our government transparent, accountable and accessible to the public.
May
99% Conference May 5-6 New York
This event brings together some of the world’s most productive creative visionaries to offer a behind-the-scenes look at their processes as they share road-tested insights on pushing ideas forward.
Women Entrepreneurs for Social Change May 13-14 Vancouver, BC
Women Entrepreneurs for Social Change is an intensive, interactive gathering focused on ways to lead a successful, socially conscious enterprise. This unique forum offers women from small and large organizations the chance to explore business challenges in an intimate and inspiring environment drawing on the successful Social Venture Institute model. womensconference
Media that Matters May 18-22 Cortes Island, BC
Media that Matters is a retreat and collaboratory for digital visionaries who are building bridges to broader audiences and new possibilities. This intimate, multidisciplinary gathering is aimed at sharpening skills, strengthening leadership, expanding professional connections, fueling passions and navigating the currents of today’s dynamic media climate. Media that Matters
ArtezInterAction May 19 San Francisco
The program will cover a range of topics from integration of social media tools to exploring mobile giving to best practices for online fundraising that will help nonprofits connect with their donors and prospects online. Learn about the latest trends in cloud computing, social network fundraising, smartphone apps and mobile web e-commerce. Clam Lorenz
Microfinance USA May 23-24 New York
This is the place where the nation’s leading microfinance champions exchange ideas and information that set the agenda for the future of the field. Join the conversation with expert practitioners, top investors and frontline researchers to explore and expand microfinance in the U.S.
SOCAP Europe May 30-June 1 Amsterdam
SOCAP is a multi-platform organization dedicated to the flow of capital toward social good. The event series connects global innovators – investors, foundations, institutions and social entrepreneurs – to build a market at the intersection of money and meaning. SOCAP is also returning to San Francisco in September.
June
Cause Marketing Forum June 1-3 Chicago
Highlights of the ninth annual forum include presentations full of news you can use from the cause marketing masters, dozens of topic roundtables and small breakouts that promote learning and networking, and Cause Marketing Halo Award presentations that go beyond the kudos to share key learnings. Charles Best
Connecting Up June 1-3 Melbourne
Connecting Up 2011 is the nonprofit interactive event for learning and thinking strategically about how innovation and technology can improve our operations and outcomes.
Fundraising Day June 2 Toronto
The Association of Fundraising Professionals represents 30,000 members in over 200 chapters in Canada, the United States, Mexico and China working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs.
Craigslist Foundation Boot Camp June 2 San Francisco
Craigslist Foundation Boot Camp helps people learn how to make a positive impact in their communities and neighborhoods. The expanded focus aims at community builders and people engaged with their neighborhoods and social good across all sectors. craigslist foundation
Personal Democracy Forum June 6-7 New York City
The annual gathering of people interested in how technology is changing politics, governance and society. pdf
MyCharityConnects June 6-7 Toronto
Join nonprofits from across Canada and social media experts for the premier social media and online fundraising learning opportunity of the year.
National Conference on Volunteering and Service June 6-8 New Orleans
I’ll be speaking at this annual event, which provides attendees with an opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired through plenary sessions, workshops, special events, service projects, exhibits, specialized corporate tracks and more. Aaron-Williams
Net Change Week June 6-10 Toronto
Net Change Week 2011 is a week dedicated to exploring the intersection between social technology and social change.
Social Change Institute June 8-12 Cortes Island, BC
SCI gathers seasoned and emerging leaders with thinkers and trainers from the change-making world. Designed to strengthen capacity, collaboration and success of the sector, SCI offers invaluable workshops, creative practices, dialogue circles and community building that will enhance your organizational effectiveness. Social Change Institute
North by Northeast June 13-19 Toronto
In its 17th year, North by Northeast Music Festival and Conference (NXNE) has become the Canadian festival destination for new and emerging talent: unsigned bands, indie favorites and major-label headlining artists. Seen as the most anticipated summer music event in Canada, NXNE Music, NXNE Film and NXNE Interactive are essential gatherings for artists, industry reps and fans.
New Media Consortium June 15-18 Madison, Wisc.
The NMC’s Summer Conference is an opportunity to learn about how higher-education institutions are using new media to improve teaching, learning and research. The conference offers presentations, workshops and networking opportunities and attracts an audience of hundreds of highly skilled professionals interested in the integration of emerging technologies into teaching, learning and creative inquiry. 2010 NMC Summer Conference
bigBANG! June 16 Dallas
Last June bigBANG! convened a community of investors, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders and others who want to helped catalyze positive impact. This year the organizers will continue to advance the agenda of social innovation in North Texas.
Netroots Nation June 16-19 Minneapolis, Minn.
Netroots Nation amplifies progressive voices by providing an online and in-person campus for exchanging ideas and learning how to be more effective in using technology to influence the public debate. Netroots Nation
Games for Change Festival June 20-22 New York City
The festival brings together leaders from government, philanthropy, civil society, academia and the game industry to explore the increasing real-world impact of digital games as an avenue for social change. The festival is also a showcase for some of the most innovative new games in development. games-for-change
Allied Media Conference June 23-26 Detroit
The conference seeks to cultivate strategies for a more just and creative world. Attendees come together to share tools and tactics for transforming our communities through media-based organizing. allied-media-conference
International Development Design Summit June 27 Ghana, Africa
IDDS 2011 brings together people from a variety of backgrounds to learn about design and practice it alongside users in villages in Ghana. The summit will focus on designing and developing products and the ventures to disseminate them via village-based market research, iterative design, field testing, user feedback and co-creation. IDDS
Aspen Ideas Festival June 27 -July 3 Aspen, Colo.
The Aspen Institute has been the nation’s premier gathering place for world leaders to engage in deep and inquisitive discussion of the ideas and issues that both shape our lives and challenge our times. The institute now seeks to engage a broader audience in a discussion of the significant issues that touch all parts of our society. aspen-ideas
Tällberg Forum June 29-Jul 3 Sigtuna, Sweden
With the theme “How on earth can we live together – How can we agree to agree?,” 500 leaders from all over the world and from different sectors of society will gather for a conversation about the whole – and in the interests of the whole. Tällberg Forum
Nonprofit 2.0 Unconference TBA TBA
The Nonprofit 2.0 Unconference was held last June at SEIU in Washington, DC; awaiting word on whethere there will be a 2011 event.
July
Project SEARCH July 11 Minneapolis, Minn.
With a theme that focusing on “Celebrating Innovations & Outcomes, the fifth annual Project SEARCH conference serves as an opportunity to convene an international network of partners for a weeklong offering of education, training and shared learning planned to assist new and existing program sites in executing the Project SEARCH model to its fullest potential. project-search
Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising July 20-22 National Harbor, Md.
The Bridge conference brings together some of the biggest buyers, sellers and users of fundraising and direct marketing products and services. The three-day event features nationally and internationally renowned speakers and top cutting-edge educational programming. 5th Annual Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference
OSCON July 25-29 Portland, Ore.
The O’Reilly Open Source Convention assembles the best, brightest and most interesting people to explore what’s new and to champion open source adoption across the computing industry. Participants from the vast, diverse community will come together to learn, collaborate and inspire each other. brian-fitzpatrick
Alliance for Community Media July 27-30 Tucson, Ariz.
The Alliance for Community Media is where progressive media makers come together to learn and collaborate.
August
ASAE Meeting & Exposition Aug. 6-9 St. Louis
At the ASAE 2011 Annual Meeting & Exposition, you’ll find focused learning sessions, thought-provoking speakers, a solution-filled Exposition Hall, and plenty of networking opportunities. ASAE
Global CSR Summit Aug. 11-12 Cebu, Philippines
This year, the Global CSR Summit will examine the issues of sustainability for businesses in Asia for the 21st century amid weaknesses in the global economy, environmental disasters, political instability in the Middle East and the global food crisis. The theme of the event is “Beyond Sustainability” and will highlight the future directions of corporate social responsibility. It will involve going beyond narrow concepts of sustainability that aims at “minimizing” environmental harm and maintaining the status quo toward a new paradigm of embracing innovative and cutting edge solutions that contribute beneficially to profits, societies and the environment. Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart
GOSCON DC Aug. 23 Washington, DC
This year, GOSCON will partner with the Meritalk Network for Goverment IT and co-locate with their Innovation Nation Forum for a special one-day program. Innovation Nation will focus on the three bellwether topics in Federal IT today — cloud, data center consolidation and cyber security — plus GOSCON will feature a full track on open source Dr Alan Greenspan
September
SOCAP Sept. 6-9 San Francisco
SOCAP is a multi-platform organization dedicated to the flow of capital toward social good. The event series connects leading global innovators – investors, foundations, institutions and social entrepreneurs – to build this market at the intersection of money and meaning. SOCAP11 is asking, What needs to be created, what needs to be put into action, what should the social capital market stand for? What does Money + Meaning = ? SOCAP
Open Video Conference Sept. 10-12 New York
This multi-day summit brings together thought leaders in business, academia, art and activism to shape the future of online video. It’s a forum for technical and creative innovation in online video as well as larger questions. This year’s event will be about a third as big as years past, with an emphasis on working groups and concrete action. OVC
Social Venture Institute Sept. 14-18 Cortes Island, BC
Participants will present their business problems to a panel of experienced business leaders and fellow participants. In return, they receive advice, tools, and resources to strengthen and grow their enterprise in a socially conscious way. SVI
Web of Change Sept. 21-25 Cortes Island, BC
Web of Change connects the foremost thinkers and do-ers in the growing community of social change and technology from across North America. Tim and Nicholas
IdeaFestival Sept. 21-24 Louisville, Ky.
IdeaFestival is a world-class event that attracts leading global innovators and thinkers to discuss and celebrate imagination, new perspectives and transformational ideas. (I’ve spoken here in the past and recommend it.) It provides a stage to explore the cross-cutting nature of innovation involving a range of diverse disciplines. ray-kurzweil
Artez InterAction Sept. 29 Toronto
Join thought leaders and peers and participate in one of the world’s top social fundraising exchanges. Watch an all-star lineup of speakers and sessions to explore the potential of mobile and social media on your fundraising programs. Steve Mast
October
Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits Oct. 2-5 Washington, DC
The gathering provides four days of educational content dedicated to your specific needs and unprecedented opportunities to network and interact with your peers and industry experts Allison Fine
Convio Summit Oct. 3-5 Baltimore
Convio Summit is an information-packed gathering of Convio clients, partners, industry experts and other invited guests. It’s an event filled with innovative ideas to get your creativity flowing, with real-world examples of techniques that you can start using right away to boost your fundraising, advocacy, marketing and donor management efforts. Convio Summit
SXSW Eco Oct. 4-6 Austin, Texas
The first SXSW Eco will feature three days of diverse, top-level programming for professionals in business, government, nonprofits and academia who want to look at environmental and sustainability issues though a fresh lens, develop new collaborations and contribute to innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the environment, the economy and civil society. Simran Sethi
Retail Sustainability Conference Oct. 12-14 Orlando, Fla.
The Retail Sustainability Conference brings together executives involved in establishing environmental programs and integrating green practices into their companies. The conference’s program will address the key operational aspects of environmental sustainability and compliance for the retail industry, including sessions on energy, waste management, water conservation, store operations, real estate development, supply chain issues and opportunities for improving corporate social responsibility. Walter Robb
Bioneers Conference Oct. 14-16 San Rafael, Calif.
Since 1990, the Bioneers conference has acted as a fertile hub of leading social and scientific innovators with practical and visionary solutions for the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. As a celebration of the genius of nature and human creativity, Bioneers connects people with solutions and each other. It’s a dynamic knowledge platform and a uniquely holistic and diverse network of networks. bioneers
fiess 2011 Oct. 17-20 Montreal
This forum is intended as a meeting place for people and ideas. The event aims to bring together key players in the social and solidarity economy from countries across the North and South and their partners in government, labor movements, research institutes and international organizations, to help strengthen partnerships between civil society and governments, to highlight successful partnerships, particularly in the development of public policy, and to encourage the exchange of ideas around the theme of the social and solidarity economy at the international and inter-regional level.
Pop!Tech Oct. 19-22 Camden, Maine
Pop!Tech will mark its 15th annual gathering with more than 600 remarkable thinkers, leaders and innovators showcasing powerful ideas and projects that are changing the world. I attended one year — it’s a great gathering. jaron-lanier
Social Venture Network Oct. 27-30 Philadelphia
Social Venture Network connects, supports and inspires business leaders and social entrepreneurs in expanding practices that build a just and sustainable economy. SVN
Social Enterprise Summit Oct 31-Nov 2 Chicago
This international forum advocates for increased social impact through social enterprise. Join over 700 social entrepreneurs to learn, grow, be inspired, make new connections from around the globe and become part of this expanding movement. Social Enterprise Alliance 2
November
BSR Nov. 1-4 San Francisco
BSR works with its global network of more than 250 member companies to develop sustainable business strategies and solutions through consulting, research, and cross-sector collaboration. bsr
BlogWorld & New Media Expo Nov. 3-5 Los Angeles
BlogWorld moves from Las Vegas to LA, where experts from every field of blogging and new media will be on hand to share their knowledge, techniques and advice. Industry gurus will share their experiences and network with attendees in seminars and moderated panels. BlogWorld LA
Digital Capital Week Nov. 4-11 Washington, DC
DCWEEK is a festival focused on bringing together designers, developers, entrepreneurs and social innovators of all kinds. Last year, the inaugural Digital Capital Week showcased tech innovation in Washington. The 2011 version of Digital Capital Week promises to be even bigger.
Women in Computing Nov. 8-12 Portland, Ore.
The Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing is a series of conferences designed to bring the research and career interests of women in computing to the forefront. Presenters are leaders in their respective fields, representing industrial, academic and government communities. Women in Computing
BigTent Nov. 3-5 Omaha, Neb.
The BigTent Conference is a three-day day gathering of youth leaders, educators, advocates and young people who will share strategies, philosophies and tools to advance the health and wellbeing of families and children. The conference combines inspiring presentations, practical workshops and celebratory community building all aimed at equipping individuals, organizations and communities to do their part to ensure that young people are ready for college, work and life by age 21. bigtent
Vivanista’s Charitable Fundraising Summit Nov. 10-12 San Francisco
Vivanista’s Charitable Fundraising Summit will bring together volunteer leaders, fundraising event chairs and nonprofit development staff to learn from experts as well as share fundraising best practices. This 1 ½ day conference will include an Awards Dinner honoring volunteers who have been nominated in a variety of fundraising fields. Fundraising-In-Action
Nonprofit Software Development Summit Nov. 16-18 Oakland, Calif.
Aspiration helps connect nonprofit organizations with software solutions that help them better carry out their work. The firm’s annual “NPTechie Love Fest” seeks to maximize nonprofits’ effectiveness and impact. Nonprofit Software Development Summit
NextGen Charity Nov. 17-18 New York
NextGen Charity is the conference on new strategies in nonprofit and philanthropy work.
ARNOVA Nov. 17-19 Toronto
ARNOVA, now in its 40th annual year, is the largest and most significant research conference focusing on nonprofits, philanthropy, voluntary action and civil society to be held on an annual basis. More than 600 prominent scholars and teachers, as well as practice leaders for the nonprofit sector, from across the U.S. and around the world will participate.
International Green Awards Nov. 24 London
The International Green Awards is an initiative enlightening the world through showcasing the best in class examples of creativity in business, citizen and government initiatives leading to sustainable outcomes. This year, the gathering looks to reward sustainable achievement right across Business, Government & Citizen initiatives that influence positive change. International Green Awards
December
Securing Our Rights in the Information-Sharing Era Dec. 1-2 San Francisco
The convening will bring together organizers, policy experts and community leaders to better connect our work. Learn about existing data sharing programs and the different federal, public and private agencies involved in these programs, develop capacity to fight back and connect privacy experts with the communities affected by surveillance and information sharing. Securing Our Rights
Big Ideas Fest Dec. 4-7 Half Moon Bay, Calif.
Conference participants will delve into the many opportunities in education to say “Yes, and” in an effort to build new solutions for education to better serve learning. Rapid Fire speakers provide the inspiration to think differently, and Action Collabs lead the charge to create and act differently. Big Ideas Fest

Other conferences and events

We can’t possibly list every conference in the world, but if you know of addtional gatherings that should be included here (or if you see anything amiss), please share in the comments!.

Note: We couldn’t find any 2011 listing yet for:

• Global Voices Citizen Media Summit: Last year’s event was held May 6-7 in Santiago, Chile.
• Nonprofit 2.0: Last year’s event was held June 25 in Washington, D.C.
• Communicating Sustainability: Last year’s event was held Sept. 22-23 in Santa Clara, Calif.
• The Feast Conference: Last year’s event was held Oct. 14-16 in New York
• Association of Fundraising Professionals: Massachusetts Conference on Philanthropy: Last year’s event was held in December in Boston.

— Thanks to Serge Paulyn Ramirez for helping to compile this directory of events.JD Lasica, founder and former editor of Socialbrite, is co-founder of Cruiseable. Contact JD or follow him on Twitter or Google Plus.

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  1. National Association of Government Webmasters (NAGW.org) 9th National Conference. September 14 – 16, 2011. Cincinnati Ohio. Hilton Cincinnati Netherlands Hilton.

    While focused on government web professionals, anyone can attend. Last year, attendees had the opportunity to meet Adriel Hampton, Molly Holzschlag, Jared Spool, John F. Moore, Phil Mui from Google, and Andy Krzmarzick from GovLoop.

    See what Andy had to say about our conference: http://www.govloop.com/profiles/blogs/best-of-201…

    • Thanks, Carol, we're trying to do more with the government sector, so very helpful suggestion!

  3. Awesome list again this year, JD! Thank you for putting it together. Another great one coming up this month:

    TechSoup Global's Digital Storytelling Event and Challenge
    Learn how to create your story, produce your own 60 second YouTube video or 5-picture Flickr slideshow, and win prizes.

    More info + Register: http://tiny.cc/tsdigs

  4. Microfinance USA Conference 2011 (May 23-24, New York City)
    Microfinance USA is the conference where the nation's leading microfinance champions exchange ideas and information that set the agenda for the future of the field. Join the conversation with expert practitioners, top investors, and frontline researchers to explore and expand microfinance in the U.S.
    http://www.microfinanceusaconference.org/home/

  5. Unite For Sight’s Global Health & Innovation Conference is the largest global health conference in the U.S. The conference includes 2,200 participants and more than 200 speakers, as well as social enterprise pitch sessions. http://www.uniteforsight.org/conference April 16-17, 2011 at Yale University

  6. The Communications Network holds its annual Fall Conference September 21-23 in Boston. Last year's event in Los Angeles (http://bit.ly/fp50hM) drew over 300 people involved in foundation and nonprofit communications who heard from leading thinkers and observers and engaged in discussions about trends and other developments affecting the use of communications to advance philanthropy. For more, go here: http://bit.ly/gCynWR

  7. Run Walk Ride 2011 Conference in Atlanta, March 1&2.
    A MUST for EVENT fundraisers. Aim is for "industry leaders share success strategies to help you raise more money, cut costs while maintaining quality, manage people and technology better." http://www.runwalkride.com/conference.asp

  8. ReVisioning Value – A Community Innovation Summit
    Portland, OR
    March 7th & 8th

    Not Another Conference… A Learning Summit

    ReVV 2011 will be a unique opportunity to learn how to implement the new tools and ideas we've been hearing about at conferences and in books. How do we adopt new IRIS metrics? What does research tell us about how to make better business decisions? How do you match investers with new business opportunities? What strategies are nonprofits adopting to become financially sustainable?

    Our mission is to generate real change by identifying and teaching smarter strategies that yield results. Our ReVisioning Value (ReVV2011) Summit is an extension of that mission. ReVV2011 will bring the best of the best together in Portland to give you a chance to gain traction around the most promising ideas.

  9. Sustainatopia
    Miami, FL
    March 31 – April 6, 2011
    http://www.sustainatopia.com/about

    SUSTAINATOPIA 2011 is a unique, seven-day fusion event focusing passionately on sustainability and impact investing as cooperative solutions. Our objective is to change the world – forever. We believe this is entirely realistic. Connect with thousands of like-minded individuals at SUSTAINATOPIA 2011 from March 31- April 6, 2011 in Miami, Florida. It is now within our economic power to rollback the scourge of poverty, end gender inequality, and go green in the grandest of styles. This is our time.

  10. January 24 in Boston, GAN-e-meed Theatre Project is presenting The Power to Ask: A workshop in Negotiation for Women in Theatre and the Arts. Led by Sara Laschever. Sponsored by StageSource and hosted by The Boston Center for the Arts. ganemeed.eventbrite.com

  13. TechNow 2011, Thursday, October 27, at Robert Morris University's Sewall Center in Moon Township, PA

    TechNow is the Pittsburgh region’s premier one-day conference devoted to new and important trends and opportunities in technology for nonprofits. A great day of learning, networking and fun!

    It's too early for the new conference website to be up, but the URL will be http://technow2011.wordpress.com. Interested parties can check out last year's agenda and conference information at http://technow2010.wordpress.com.

  14. What's Next DC Marketing and Communications Conference Monday January 24, 2011, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Marvin Center, The George Washington University, 800 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20052

    What's Next DC is a one-day marketing and communications conference which aims to help organizations understand and implement the latest innovations and trends into their 2011 marketing efforts and initiatives.

    Hosted by Green Buzz Agency, the conference will feature 16 communications experts including keynote speaker Brian Halligan, CEO & founder, Hubspot. In addition, Darell Hammond, CEO & founder, KaBOOM! is a featured speaker.

    Event highlights will include: strategy brainstorming sessions, one-on-one time with floating experts, collaboration sessions with attendees in related fields, and networking. Sessions include real world case studies in Social Media, Search Engine Marketing, Facebook Marketing, Public Relations, Word of Mouth Marketing, Intelligent Media, and Mobile Marketing.

    Visit http://www.whatsnextdc.com for more information. Nonprofit organizations receive 60% discount, utilize code: NONPROFIT when registering. HASHTAG: #whatsnextdc

  16. Here are a few Canadian conferences to add to the list!

    Digital Leap Canada: April 12, 2011 http://www.digitalleap.org

    MyCharityConnects 2011: June 6-7, 2011, Toronto http://mycharityconnects.org/2011Conference

    Net Change Week 2011: June 6 – 10, 2011, Toronto http://www.netchangeweek.ca

    NXNE – North by North East: June 13 – 19, 2011, Toronto http://nxne.com

    AFP Fundraising Day Toronto, June 2, 2011 http://afptoronto.org/index.php/fundraising-day

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  18. Social Solutions presents: ETOLUTION 2011

    You are cordially invited to the exclusive ETOlution 2011 Annual Conference presented by Social Solutions. Join renowned industry leaders and peers for a comprehensive look into the innovative future of nonprofits and human service organizations.

    After attending this unique conference, you and your organization will be empowered to leverage industry-leading expertise and best practices to enhance your daily victories while in position to exceed your mission's expectations.

    Attract More Funding
    Prove Good Intent
    Measure Change
    Relate Efforts To Outcomes

    Day 1 (September 26, 2011): Speaker Series & Networking Party
    Insight from sector thought-leaders such as Ken Berger, President & Chief Executive Officer, Charity Navigator

    Day 2 (September 27, 2011): Personalized break-out sessions with two tracks
    Track One: Becoming a High Performer
    Track Two: Getting the most out of Efforts to Outcomes (ETOTM) software

    Attend In-Person (Baltimore, MD) or Virtually via Live Video Feed
    (Live feed only available for day one)

  20. Social Entrepreneurship Conference: Innovative Ideas to Transform your World2011 Leadership Conference on Social Entrepreneurship – Maryland, USA

    The Daniel Leadership Institute’s Leadership Conference on Social Entrepreneurship attracts aspiring social entrepreneurs, key thought leaders, and strategic partners to an exciting forum for learning and new collaborations. This year, speakers will feature changemakers in microenterprise and education who will share their ideas on how to start or support a social enterprise. Speakers will also share information on how their organizations are making large-scale impact in their communities. The theme of this must-attend event is “Social Entrepreneurship: Innovative ideas to transform your world.”

    The free registration includes a light lunch.

    Please Fill out This Form to Register
    https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHRsa0VXZm0yVW9BLW5EaGtZdUxjS2c6MA

    Speakers

    Our confirmed Speakers include;

    Nicole Baker Fulgham, Vice President, Faith Community Relations, Teach For America
    Rebecca Doherty, Founder & Director of Alvania Bridge Foundation
    Darlene Damm, Ashoka Global Engagement Team
    Shannon Maynard, Bankers without Borders – A Grameen Foundation Initiative
    Beatrix Van der Vossen, Women’s Microfinance Initiative
    June Kyakobye, Women’s Microfinance Initiative
    Date: August 6, 2011
    Time: 11 AM to 4 PM ET
    Location: Main Auditorium, 921 Philadelphia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
    For further information about the conference or sponsorship opportunities, contact: dliconference@gmail.com or (202) 642-9760.

    MORE / LE

  22. “The Way We See Them: How Our Vision of Babies Shapes Their Development.”
    23rd Annual RIE Infant / Toddler Conference for Parents and Professionals
    Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA

    The Board of Resources for Infant Educarers, founded by Magda Gerber in 1978, is pleased to announce that author, researcher and lecturer Alison Gopnik will be be our keynote speaker. Her most recent book is The Philosophical Baby and she co-authored The Scientist in the Crib. The title of her keynote will be “What It’s Like To Be A Baby: Are Babies More Conscious Than We Are?” “Conventional wisdom suggests that babies are less conscious than we are, if they are conscious at all. Alison argues, on the contrary, that recent neuroscientific discoveries suggest that babies are more aware of more of the world than we are.” The science behind The EducaringTM Approach will be very enlightening and validating for participants learning all about Gerber’s pioneering and seminal work in the infant care field. Online registration opens in December http://www.rie.org

  24. Interdependence 2012 Conference and Expo
    May 15 – 18, Vancouver, Canada
    http://www.rickhansen.com/interdependence2012

    As part of the 25th Anniversary of Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour, the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) and the Rick Hansen Institute (RHI) are co-hosting a global conference and expos to inspire collaboration towards a healthier and more inclusive world.

    Interdependence 2012 will engage international leaders and influencers and accelerate progress towards accessible communities for all and a cure for paralysis after spinal cord injury (SCI).

  25. “CONNECTIONS 2012: Three Sectors for Strong Community” Conference, organized by the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO).

    April 25-26, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    CCVO’s CONNECTIONS Conference is proposing to bring together leaders from the three sectors: nonprofit, business and government, and open a dialogue about the significant changes that will impact the sector and its ability to meet community needs in the foreseeable future. At the 2012 CCVO CONNECTIONS Conference, your voice, your thoughts and your perspectives are needed. Our goal – and the true value of this event – is to spark open conversations and to foster enhanced understanding across the three sectors.

    Contact: Adriana Simon, asimon@calgarycvo.org
    http://www.calgarycvo.org

  27. Congratulations for all the people involved in these nonprofit activities and conferences that promote free thinking and dissemination of great ideas. 2011 was a great year for social events related to technology and especially to software developments

  30. CSI-Golaganyang is a 2 day conference with exhibition stands, held in Potchefstroom, South Africa on 14 and 15 March 2012. The aim of the conference is to unite funders and fund seekers so that they can cooperate in a structured manner to improve the wide social situation. More details and registration procedures are available at http://www.csi-golaganyang.co.za. There are still a few seats available.