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Fundraisers Give Back at International Conference in Chicago

Fundraisers lent a helping hand to the community at the 48th AFP International Conference on Fundraising in Chicago, March 20-22. AFP assembled and distributed 500 kits of toys, books and supplies to 12 different Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago with help from Good360 (formerly Gifts in Kind International). AFP thanks the conference attendees who offered a hand creating the kits.
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Thank You for a Wonderful Conference!

The AFP 2011 Conference is wrapping up, and from the wonderful speakers to the great Marketplace and events, we hope you were able to enjoy everything it had to offer! Below are some link reminders as we head out of Chicago and start thinking about 2012 and Vancouver. Safe travels home, everyone!

• Order Conference Recordings: Word | PDF
• Conference Evaluations
• CFRE - CE Points Tracker
• Educational Session Handouts
• Follow AFP on Twitter (@afpihq), and search #afpmeet for all conference tweets
• Submit a proposal to speak at AFP 2012 Conference in Vancouver - Deadline is April 29!

Paulette Maehara Receives Prestigious Rosso Medal

Paulette V. Maehara, CFRE, CAE, president and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), was awarded the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University's highest honor, the Henry A. Rosso Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Ethical Fund Raising, on Saturday, March 19. The Rosso Medal recognizes lifelong dedication to emphasizing philanthropy's ethics and values, acting as a mentor to perpetuate and invigorate philanthropic traditions, and noted leadership in a long, productive career of distinction.
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Two-Thirds of Surveyed Charities Report Fundraising Results Held Steady or Improved in 2010
Nonprofits That Invested in Fundraising Staff, Resources Were More Likely to See Increases

A majority of charities surveyed saw their fundraising revenue remain stable or increase last year, according to the 2010 Year-End Survey of the Nonprofit Research Collaborative (NRC), a coalition of six fundraising and philanthropic organizations. The survey also showed that strong fundraising results were more likely when organizations invested resources in fundraising staff and infrastructure, including volunteer management.

* Download the Winter 2011 Nonprofit Fundraising Survey (NRC Report) Now!
* Previous (October 2010) NRC Report

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Your AFP Daily Digest for Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Today is the last day of the conference, and we hope you have found it a rewarding experience, giving you new perspectives on your career. Today focuses on “the future of the fundraising professional,” and how your work within the context of the philanthropic space will be brought to life.

afpmeet.org
The conference mobile site for information and last-minute updates!

General Session, Arie Crown Theater (NOT Hall D2), 2–3:30 p.m., President Bill Clinton

Buses
Buses run 6:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. (15-minute intervals); 9:30–4 p.m. (30-minute intervals); and 4–10 p.m. (15-minute intervals). This is rush hour, so allow at least 30 minutes to get to McCormick Place–Lakeside. Please board at the hotels in bold:
• Route 1 (Chicago Hilton, 8th St. entrance; Essex Inn, The Blackstone)
• Route 2 (Hyatt Regency, Wacker Dr. entrance; Fairmont, Swissotel)
• Route 3 (Sheraton Chicago, Columbus Dr. entrance; Embassy Suites Lakefront)

Educational Sessions, 8–9 a.m., 9:15–10:15 a.m. and 12:45–1:45 p.m.

Buzz Theater (booth 160) and Information Exchange (booth 660)
• Yeah, Yup, Right On—Getting Younger Donors to Say “Yes” to Your Nonprofit, 10:30–11:15 a.m. (Buzz Theater)
• Publishing a Book in the AFP/Wiley Fund Development Series, 10:30–11:15 a.m. (Information Exchange)
• Navigating the Waters in a Sea of Social Media, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. (Buzz Theater)
• How to Apply for AFP Research Grants, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. (Information Exchange)

Book signing, Bookfair, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Light lunch, Marketplace, 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Networking at the AFP Square

Please remember that there is no smoking except in designated areas.

Safeway Inc. Named Year’s Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) will honor Safeway Inc. as the year’s most exemplary philanthropic company with the 2011 Freeman Philanthropic Services Award for Outstanding Corporation.

The award honors a corporation that demonstrates outstanding commitment to important causes through financial support and encouragement, as well as the company’s ability to motivate others to take on leadership roles in their communities. The award will be presented to Larree Renda, executive vice president of Safeway Inc. and Chair of the Safeway Foundation, on March 21, 2011 at the Awards for Philanthropy Banquet in Chicago, Ill. during AFP’s 48th International Conference on Fundraising.
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AFP Announces Strategic Sponsorship With Blackbaud

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the largest community of fundraising professionals in the world, has announced a new strategic relationship with Blackbaud, a leading global provider of software and services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, enabling them to improve operational efficiency, build strong relationships, and raise more money to support their missions.

Blackbaud joins AFP’s Strategic Sponsorship program at the highest level. The sponsorship program supports AFP’s mission to advance effective fundraising in nonprofits around the world through the provision of top-notch, cutting-edge education and training and the promulgation of the highest ethical standards in the profession.
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Monday, February 21

Baton Rouge Area Foundation Named Year’s Most Outstanding Foundation

(Arlington, Va.) For its extraordinary work in responding to the hurricanes that have affected Louisiana since 2006, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation is the recipient of the 2011 Award for Outstanding Foundation presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

The award honors a foundation that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and national, international and/or community involvement. The award will be presented to Alice Greer, chair of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) at the Awards for Philanthropy Banquet in Chicago, Ill., during AFP’s 48th International Conference on Fundraising on Monday, March 21.
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Monday, March 21

Your AFP Daily Digest for Monday, March 21, 2011

We hope you are enjoying the conference so far and can’t wait to get to the first sessions this morning. Today focuses on how “fundraisers change lives” and sessions will offer new strategies for your work and new perspectives for your career.

afpmeet.org
The conference mobile site for information and last-minute updates!

Service project, Marketplace, 8:45 a.m.–4 p.m. (or when finished); help create special kits of new toys and other items for needy children in Chicago

General sessions, Hall D2, 9:30–11 a.m., Queen Latifah

Diversity Workshop, E451a, 1:15–2:30 p.m.; repeats 2:45–4 p.m.

Buses
Buses run 6:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. (15-minute intervals); 9:30–4 p.m. (30-minute intervals); and 4–10 p.m. (15-minute intervals). During rush hour allow at least 30 minutes to get to McCormick Place–Lakeside. Please board at the hotels in bold:
• Route 1 (Chicago Hilton, 8th St. entrance; Essex Inn, The Blackstone)
• Route 2 (Hyatt Regency, Wacker Dr. entrance; Fairmont, Swissotel)
• Route 3 (Sheraton Chicago, Columbus Dr. entrance; Embassy Suites Lakefront)

Educational Sessions, 8–9:15 a.m. and 1:15–4 p.m.

Buzz Theater (booth 160) and Information Exchange (booth 660)
• Camera Phone Fundraising, 11:15–12 p.m. (Buzz Theater)
• Innovative Leadership: Generating New Ideas to Create a Collaborative Team, 11:15–12 p.m. (Information Exchange)
• Strategies for Taking Annual Funds of All Sizes to the Next Level, 12:15–1 p.m. (Buzz Theater)
• How to Become a Conference Presenter, 12:15–1 p.m. (Information Exchange)
• Face-to-Face Fundraising: What Works and What Doesn’t, 1:45–2:30 p.m. (Buzz Theater)
• All Things PAD, 1:45–2:30 p.m. (Information Exchange)

Light lunch, Marketplace, 11 a.m.–1:15 p.m.

Book signings, Bookfair, 11:15 a.m.–12 p.m. and 12–1 p.m.

Networking at the AFP Square

Awards for Philanthropy Banquet, Hyatt Regency Chicago, 6–10 p.m., Crystal Ballroom (tickets required)

Please remember that there is no smoking except in designated areas.

Sunday, March 20

Your AFP Daily Digest for Sunday, March 20, 2011

Welcome to the AFP International Conference on Fundraising! Here are updates and helpful tips to help you get the most out of your conference experience today, which focuses on “the global philanthropic ecosystem.”

afpmeet.org
The conference mobile site for information and last-minute updates!

First Timers’ Orientation, Booth 660, 2:45–3:15 p.m.

Chamberlain Scholars, Room E353c, 11:30 a.m. (group photo afterward)

General Session, Hall D2, 1–2:30 p.m., Blake Mycoskie

Affinity Networking Sessions, Room 450A, 3–4 p.m.
Separate roundtable discussions in the following areas: African-American, arts/culture, Asian, education, faith-based, association foundations, GLBT, health, Hispanic, international, Jewish, public radio/TV, rural, a tweetup, young professionals and youth in philanthropy.

Say hello to Paulette, AFP Central (booth 348), 3–4 p.m.

Buses
Buses run 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (30-minute intervals) and 2:30– 5:30 p.m. (15-minute intervals). Again, no rush hour traffic today, but still allow time (20 to 30 minutes) to get to McCormick Place–Lakeside. Please board at the hotels in bold:
• Route 1 (Chicago Hilton, 8th St. entrance; Essex Inn, The Blackstone)
• Route 2 (Hyatt Regency, Wacker Dr. entrance; Fairmont, Swissotel)
• Route 3 (Sheraton Chicago, Columbus Dr. entrance; Embassy Suites Lakefront)

Educational Sessions, 10:15–11:30 a.m.

Buzz Theater (booth 160) and Information Exchange (booth 660)
• The “King of Aces”: How to Run a Successful Fundraising Golf Tournament, 12:15–12:45 p.m., (Buzz Theater)
• Navigating AFP’s Online Community: Getting the Most From Your Peers and Professional Network, 12:15–12:45 p.m., (Information Exchange)
• 8 to 8 Through 8: A Story of Change, 2:45–3:15 p.m., (Buzz Theater)
• Hands-on Twitter Lesson, 3:30–4 p.m., (Buzz Theater)
• The Omega Circle: How a Planned-Giving Program Works, 3:30–4 p.m., (Information Exchange)

Light lunch, Marketplace, 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Book signing, Bookfair, 3:30–4 p.m.

Networking at the AFP Square

Opening night reception, Marketplace, 4–5 p.m.

Community group receptions, evening, Hyatt Regency Chicago

A Night at the Museum With CCS (Chicago Chapter event; tickets $55 each), 7–9 p.m., Museum of Science and Industry, bus transportation available.

Please remember that there is no smoking except in designated areas.

Saturday, March 19

AFP Approves Creation of Nine New Chapters at Chicago Conference

On Saturday, March 19, 2010, the AFP board of directors approved the creation of nine new chapters-the most ever chartered at one time-including eight collegiate chapters.

The nine chapters are:

• The AFP Florida, Rollins College Collegiate Chapter, located in Winter Park, Fla. It was sponsored by the AFP Central Florida Chapter, and its first chapter president will be Yennie Tse.
• The AFP Florida, Florida Atlantic University Collegiate Chapter, located in Boca Raton, Fla. It was sponsored by the AFP Palm Beach County Chapter and will be led Stephanie David.
• The AFP Florida, Suncoast Collegiate Chapter, headquartered in Tampa Bay, Fla. It was sponsored by the AFP Suncoast Chapter and its first chapter president will be Nicole Swickle.
• The AFP Georgia, Greater Atlanta Collegiate Chapter, sponsored by the AFP Greater Atlanta Chapter. The first chapter president will be Pamela Wadlington.
• The AFP Ohio, Otterbein University Collegiate Chapter, located in Westerville, Ohio. It was sponsored by the AFP Central Ohio Chapter and will be led by Sheema Masood.
• The AFP Oregon, Portland State University Collegiate Chapter, in Portland, Oregon. It was sponsored by the AFP Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter, and its first chapter president will be Denise Harrison.
• The AFP Texas, Texas Tech Collegiate Chapter, located in Lubbock, Texas. It is sponsored by AFP Lubbock Chapter and will be led by Josh Peltier.
• The AFP Colorado, Roaring Fork Chapter, headquartered in Aspen, Colo. It is sponsored by the AFP Colorado Chapter, and its first chapter president will be Judy Clauson.
• The AFP Wisconsin, UW-Madison Collegiate Chapter, located in Madison, Wisc. It is sponsored by the Greater Madison Chapter and will be led by Rebecca Peloquin.

"It's so exciting to bring in so many new fundraisers into the AFP community, especially since many are young students looking at fundraising as a possible career," said Paulette V. Maehara, CFRE, CAE, president and CEO of AFP. "We welcome them all and look forward to working with them to encourage ethical and effective fundraising in their areas."

The nine new chapters brings the total number of AFP chapters to 222.

Saturday, March 19

AFP Announces Strategic Sponsorship With Convio

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the largest community of fundraising professionals in the world, has announced a new strategic relationship with Convio, Inc., the leading provider of on-demand constituent engagement solutions that enable nonprofit organizations to more effectively raise funds, advocate for change and cultivate relationships with donors, activists, volunteers, alumni and other constituents.

Convio is the first organization to join AFP's Strategic Sponsorship program. The sponsorship program supports the work of the association in providing the most comprehensive, cutting-edge knowledge and skills that fundraisers need in today's constantly changing philanthropic environment, and in advancing the fundraising profession around the world.
Read more.

Saturday, March 19

Your AFP Daily Digest for Saturday, March 19, 2011

Welcome to Chicago and the AFP International Conference on Fundraising! While the conference will not officially start until Sunday, there is a lot to do, learn and enjoy today.

afpmeet.org
The conference mobile site for information and last-minute updates!

Buses
The buses run 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (30-minute intervals). Luckily there is no rush hour traffic today, but still allow plenty of time (20 to 30 minutes) to get to McCormick Place–Lakeside. Board at the hotels in bold:
• Route 1 (Chicago Hilton, 8th St. entrance; Essex Inn, The Blackstone)
• Route 2 (Hyatt Regency, Wacker Dr. entrance; Fairmont, Swissotel)
• Route 3 (Sheraton Chicago, Columbus Dr. entrance; Embassy Suites Lakefront)

Educational Sessions. Get ready for the conference - plan your educational session schedule! You can find this online in two locations:
• The AFP Conference Website Education Page
• The AFPmeet.org mobile website Conference Schedule Page (and don't forget you can create a personalized conference schedule here!)

Restaurants at McCormick Place–Lakeside
• Bistro 23, carry out, level 2 (combination coffee shop and eatery, featuring Starbucks coffee)
• Lakeside Café, carry out, level 3 (cold sandwiches, pizza and salads)
• Starbucks Coffee, carry out and seating, level 2

In the Grand Concourse at McCormick Place, which connects the Lakeside, South and North buildings, there are more offerings:
• The Fine Print Restaurant, full service, level 2.5 (serves steaks, salads and other American favorites)
• Plate Room Food Court, seating, level 2.5 (this eclectic food court offers several options to choose from: Little Italy, Pacific Rim, American Grill, The Carvery, Fiesta Brava, Express to Go and a fabulous salad bar)
• Manny’s Deli, Plate Room Food Court, seating, level 2.5 (Manny’s, a Chicago tradition, offers its signature corned beef, peppery pastrami and original crisp potato pancakes)
• Starbucks Coffee , carry out, seating, level 3, B Hall entrance
• Café North, carry out, level 3, B Hall entrance (a great place to grab a quick sandwich, salad or beverage)
• Ryba’s Fudge Shop, carry out, level 2.5 (serving freshly made fudge, ice cream, nuts and candies)

Chicago Restaurants That Are Fairly Reasonable (check the Zagat guide, www.zagat.com/mobile)
• Bandera, 535 N. Michigan Ave., 2nd floor, 312-644-3524 (American, live nightly jazz)
• Bella Bacino’s, 75 E. Wacker Dr., 312-263-2350 (Italian)
• Bistro 110, 110 East Pearson, 312-266-3110 (French)
• Bistro Zinc, 1131 N. State St., 312-337-1131 (French)
• Café des Architectes, Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 20 E. Chestnut St., 312-324-4063 (French/Mediterranean, the “prix fixe special is a steal”)
• Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Mkt., 312-850-5005 (Nuevo Latino)
• Catch 35, Leo Burnett Bldg., 35 W. Wacker Dr., 312-346-3500 (Seafood)
• Gage, 24, S. Michigan Ave., 312-372-4243 (American)
• HUB 51, 51 W. Hubbard St., 312-828-0051 (American/Eclectic, “lively” scene)
• Le P’tit Paris, 260 E. Chestnut St., 312-787-8260 (Continental/French)
• Lockwood, Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St., 312-917-3404 (American)
• Rosebud, 3 First National Plaza, 70 W. Madison St., 312-332-9500 (Italian, closed Sundays)
• Shikago, 190 S. LaSalle St., 312-781-7300 (Asian, closed Sundays)
• State and Lake, theWit Hotel, 201 N. State St., 312-239-9400 (American)

Please remember that there is no smoking except in designated areas.

Friday, March 18

Do You Know, Where You're Going To ...

Bad 70's song lyrics aside, there has been some confusion in the early going about where exactly the AFP Conference is taking place … well, besides in Chicago. If you are taking a taxi or other non-AFP shuttle transportation to McCormick Place, please make sure to tell them to drop you off at “Lakeside Center” – this is where AFP is having its events. McCormick Place is vast space, and we don’t want you having to wander around to find us. Also, there’s a huge comic book convention taking place at the same time as our conference, and we wouldn’t want you inadvertently being abducted by Klingons…. See you at Lakeside!

Thursday, March 17

Top Philanthropy Research Prize Awarded to Philadelphia Fundraiser Michael Rosen

(Arlington, Va. - March 17, 2011) - The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has awarded its top research award, the Skystone Partners Prize for Research on Fundraising and Philanthropy, to Michael J. Rosen, CFRE, a fundraising consultant in Philadelphia, for his bestselling book, Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing.

Each year, the AFP Research Council awards the Skystone Partners Prize for Research to the author of a book that contributes substantially to the knowledge and understanding of fundraising or philanthropic behavior. The award is made possible by an endowment established by Skystone Partners, an international fundraising consulting firm, through the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy to encourage advanced research that extends the knowledge of fundraising and philanthropy.
Read more.

Tuesday, March 15

Chicago’s John Bryan Named Year’s Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

(Arlington, Va. - March 15, 2011) - John Bryan, former chairman and chief executive officer of the Sara Lee Corporation and a champion of Chicago and its charitable sector, is the recipient of the 2011 Award for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

The Award for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser honors an individual who demonstrates outstanding skills in coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for fundraising projects for the benefit of charitable institutions. The award will be presented on March 21, 2011, at the Awards for Philanthropy Banquet in Chicago, Ill., during AFP’s 48th International Conference on Fundraising, the largest gathering of fundraising professionals in the world.
Read more.

Monday, March 14

Adrienne Arsht Named Outstanding Philanthropist of 2011

(Arlington, Va. - March 14, 2011) - Adrienne Arsht, a long-time supporter of the arts and numerous other charitable causes across the United States, has been selected to receive the 2011 Award for Outstanding Philanthropist, given by the Association of Fundraising Professionals' (AFP) as the organization's top philanthropy honor.

The award honors an individual with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, demonstrates outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles on a community, national and/or international level. It will be presented to Ms. Arsht on March 21, 2011, at the Awards for Philanthropy Banquet in Chicago, during AFP's 48th International Conference on Fundraising, the largest gathering of fundraising professionals in the world. Read more.

Friday, March 11

Chicago and CE

Don't forget that the majority of sessions at this year's AFP conference are approved for CFRE continuing education credits! The full conference is worth 19 points; more points are possible if you attend a pre-conference session. For individual session points, please download the CFRE - CE Points Tracker. There will also be Trackers provided on-site at CFRE International's booth in the Marketplace!

Monday, March 7

Presenting afpmeet.org - AFP's New Conference Mobile Site for Chicago!

AFP is proud to announce afpmeet.org, the exclusive mobile site that will allow attendees to access everything they need to optimize their AFP 2011 Conference experience—right on their smartphone! The conference mobile site can be viewed across all smartphone browsers (iPhones, Blackberries, Droids, etc.), no matter the device (it also can be enjoyed on your computer’s normal browser). The mobile site will allow you to search the conference schedule and create a personalized daily schedule, search speakers and exhibitors, access the AFP Marketplace floor plan, follow the conference on Twitter, and more! Stay connected, learn new perspectives—keep afpmeet.org open on your smartphone all conference long!
Learn more about afpmeet.org | Access the mobile site

Monday, March 7

NEW for 2011 – March 11 Annual Meeting Registration Confirmation E-mail

Please note that AFP’s 48th International Conference on Fundraising will feature for the first time self-printing registration stations!

On March 11, please watch for a personalized 2011 AFP International Conference registration email from Experient. This email will confirm your attendance at AFP’s 48th International Conference on Fundraising in Chicago. Please print (make sure to right click and download pictures so your bar code appears) and bring this e-mail letter with you to AFP’s Registration area at McCormick Place – Lakeside Center, Level 3. You will scan the confirmation letter at the Pre-Registration desk, similar to an e-ticket for airline travel, to populate and print your personalized registration materials.

Remember to watch for this email in your inbox on March 11, 2011!

Monday, March 7

Your Last-Minute Information Guide to Chicago

How much do taxis in Chicago charge? Can I check my coat and bags in the conference center? Where and when will the conference shuttle buses run? Is there a dress code or can I wear my Bermuda shorts? These and other mysteries of the Windy City shall be revealed to you—simply access AFP's Last-Minute Guide to Chicago [Word Doc] for key information you may find useful when you arrive in Chicago!

Wednesday, March 2

Donate Your Time For a Special Service Project in Chicago - Help AFP and Good360 Sort Donations for Local Charities

Going to be in Chicago this year for AFP’s International Conference on Fundraising? In keeping with the values of the fundraising profession, this year’s conference features a service project on Monday, March 21. Interested volunteers will help sort product donations to be distributed to children served by nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area.

AFP and Good360 have organized a special event from 8:45 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (or whenever we finish the task at hand!) in the Marketplace that will allow you to help create special kits of new toys and other items for needy children in Chicago. Join us for 10 minutes or 2 hours – it’s up to you. Grab a colleague and meet us in the Exhibit Hall. More information will be posted at the conference!

AFP thanks Good360 for helping us make this worthy service project available to our conference attendees. Learn more about how Good360 can help your nonprofit receive more “goods for the greater good” by visiting http://www.good360.org or contacting Melissa Trumpower at (703) 299-7547 or mtrumpower@giftsinkind.org.

Wednesday, February 16

Charlotte Nonprofit to Receive Top International Fundraising Honor

The award, which honors an organization that has developed campaigns, initiatives, projects or techniques that have grown and increased its fundraising infrastructure, program and results, will be presented at AFP’s Awards for Philanthropy Banquet during the International Conference on Fundraising on Monday, March 21, 2011, in Chicago. Read more.

Tuesday, February 8

Conference Update: Please Note Conference Schedule Change - President Bill Clinton to Speak on Tuesday

Please note that a schedule change has caused President Clinton to move his presentation at the AFP International Conference on Fundraising at McCormick Convention Center to Tuesday, March 22. He will now speak during the Tuesday Closing Session from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Blake Mycoskie has graciously agreed to move his presentation to the Sunday Opening Session, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. AFP apologizes for any inconvenience this unavoidable change may cause.