Photo by Marc Fest

The Fall 2007 Communications Network conference is organized around the theme: What We Know (Or Should Know) About Effective Communications.

Conference sessions will reinforce the principles and standards of effective communications that pros like you obsess about. Also included are some sessions designed to enlighten us on the latest bright ‘n shiny technologies for effectively communicating to new audiences. Overall, we committed ourselves to finding speakers and presenters who are “lively,” “funny,” or “thoughtful”--sometimes all three.

Here's a quick overview of the agenda. (Please note this schedule is subject to change and we’re waiting for a few final confirmations for speakers. We will put out another announcement once the agenda is final.)

Wednesday, October 31
We open at 4 p.m. with a brief update of developments at the Communications Network and what they mean to you. Next is a quick 360-degree overview of the most buzz-worthy technological changes to hit the communications world in the last several years. We’ll have a networking reception after that, and then you are free to dine on your own or to organize your own dine-arounds.

Thursday, November 1
After breakfast, we’ll kick off with a morning plenary discussion in which you are invited to help create a set of standards for excellence in foundation and nonprofit communications.

Over the course of the day, with time out for breaks and lunch, you can choose from an array of sessions on the following topics:

* How to use the Web and social networking sites to help new generations feel more connected to important issues that are affecting them and their communities.
* How foundation can better assess whether their communication strategies and tactics are effective.
* How to use the rapidly growing ethnic media outlets to reach increasing numbers of Americans who rely on them as their primary information sources.
* Why we should talk about failure, and the best ways (and risks) of doing so.
* Strategies for effectively building the communications capacity of grantees.
* Producing annual reports in the digital age.
* How to “brand” a foundation.
* Is it time for the equivalent of a philanthropy "Got Milk" campaign?

After breaking for the day, we’ll gather at an off-site location for a reception and then dinner on your own.

Friday, November 2
We are leaving the morning open, starting with breakfast at 8 a.m., and continuing to 10:30 a.m., so participants can use the time for informal networking, a chance to review and talk about Thursday’s sessions, or hold their own impromptu sessions.

We've also set aside this time for consultants and communications firms to meet with funders if they are interested in discussing their individual firms' capabilities. Interested consultants and firms will be asked to register in advance for this session by sending an email to conference07@comnetwork.org.

At 10:30 a.m., we’ll hold two more concurrent sessions:

* How to harness and integrate Web 2.0 into your communications.
* Swapping lessons between the public and private sector on the best communications tactics, for either selling products or "selling" social change.

We’ll have a wrap up session at noon, and for those who want to stick around are invited to share thoughts about the conference, as well as ways to build on exciting ideas generated in Miami after we return to our respective homes.

To register, click here. Conference fees are $325 for members and $375 for nonmembers. Please note: we are no longer able to guarantee a room at the Mayfair hotel.  Instead we will put your name on a waiting list. Or you can email conference07@comnetwork.org for information about other nearby hotels.

Finally, on behalf of the board of directors of the Communications Network, we want to take this opportunity to say thanks and acknowledge the planning and financial support for the conference from our host committee, whose members include: Community Foundation of Broward, Community Foundation/Palm Beach Martin Counties, Community Foundations of Florida, Dade Community Foundation, Donors Forum of South Florida, Florida Philanthropic Network, Health Foundation of South Florida, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Quantum Foundation, and Southeastern Council on Foundations.


See you in Miami in October.

The Communications Network 
Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved 
Privacy Notice, Best Viewed