Branching out at our Annual Conference
I don’t mind repeating myself – or other people – for a good cause, and I consider making the case that aging should be a compelling priority for all funders to be an excellent cause. So when I described the GIA Annual Conference to a new acquaintance recently, I quoted GIA member Julio Urbina of The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, who calls our meeting “a supermarket of ideas.”
I’ll definitely be shopping in every aisle when we get to Long Beach, but right now I want to share a few thoughts about what matters most to me about the conference. Since that’s very subjective, I’ll also quote some feedback we received after last year’s conference.
Here goes:
I like that I leave the conference feeling smarter, with fresh insights and new knowledge I can actually use.
“I absorb my ‘a-ha’ moments and apply them to grantmaking.”
Especially in these unsettled times, I value the hopeful feeling that comes from being around people who share my enthusiasm for creating a better later life.
I appreciate being challenged by thought leaders. This year, there are many, including former Administration for Community Living (ACL) Administrator Alison Barkoff; BJ Miller, the palliative care physician whose TED Talk has been viewed 17 million times; and Sandy Ho, Executive Director of the Disability & Philanthropy Forum and co-leader of the Access Is Love campaign. (Find the full conference agenda here.)
“...Just right mix of information.”
I get excited when new people join us, and I like it when they have different funding priorities, because it enriches the conversation and shows how adding an aging angle can strengthen many kinds of investments.
“I made many great new connections I will build upon.”
It feels good knowing we set you up for conference success. Whether you’re new to GIA or aren’t a member, our First-Time Attendee Reception is the perfect place to meet people and our Community Dinners make socializing easy. Just sign up and you’ll be added to one of several groups that go out to eat at local restaurants.
“Networking opportunities were amazing.”
The conference is a good chance to learn more about what GIA offers (even if you are already a member.) This year, all of our Funders Communities are holding special in-person meetings and any funder is invited to drop in. Find people who share your interest in caregiving, mental health, aging and technology, housing, serious illness and end of life, rural health, and multisector plans for aging.
“I feel energized, inspired, and ready to collaborate!”
Some things sell themselves, like the AgeFest celebration, which will be at the Long Beach Museum of Art. Enjoy viewing both art and the Pacific Ocean while mellowing out to a Yacht Rock tribute band. The event is free, with continuous shuttle service to the hotel and dinner (I’m clearly very concerned about food).
We all go to a lot of conferences, so I appreciate it when people tell me this one is a highlight of their year. I hope you’ll feel that the time away from family and work responsibilities is worthwhile, enhances your funding strategy and provides you with a meaningful and memorable experience.
See you in Long Beach.
