DMA Nonprofit Federation Hosts 2006 Washington Nonprofit Conference

The Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation’s (DMANF) 2006 Annual Washington Nonprofit Conference will take place on February 16^th and 17^th at the JW Marriott Hotel. Now in its 17th year, the conference provides an unparalleled opportunity for professionals to discuss the latest trends and techniques that will help their organizations navigate the changing landscape for nonprofit fundraising build new and stronger relationships with donors.

"We’re excited about this year’s conference, which we think will provide a much-needed forum for the exchange of ideas on the fundraising and marketing needs of today, especially in the wake of recent events that have affected all nonprofits, whether or not their immediate missions are focused on disaster relief," said DMANF Executive Director Senny Boone.

The conference’s 28-plus sessions will provide fundamentals as well as advanced instruction for developing fundraising capabilities and to maximize the potential of ongoing donor relationships. Strategies and techniques will be offered for messaging, creative, database marketing, integrated fundraising, and program evaluation. On February 15^th, special pre-conference workshops will offer both an "advanced master class" and a "direct response fundraising 101" for those new in the field or wanting to learn the latest tips and techniques.

Keynote speakers and conference presenters will provide inside perspectives to help nonprofit professionals learn from the successes, and sometimes the mistakes, of other charity fundraising programs. This year’s featured speakers include Special Olympics Chairman Timothy P. Shriver, and fundraising advisory J. Walker Smith, President of Yankelovich, Inc.

New for this year, the conference will introduce The Nonprofit Professional Exchange, which is designed to let nonprofit professionals speak with peers directly in an interactive forum. Each of four sessions will revolve around a single, exploratory topic. A qualified facilitator will assure an environment where ideas are exchanged freely, concerns are expressed openly, and relationship-building is encouraged.

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Since 1982, the DMA Nonprofit Federation and its predecessor organizations have been aggressive and effective advocates for nonprofits in postal, regulatory, legislative, and accountability issues. It has led the way in professional education, networking, and industry advancement. The Federation is the premier agent for improving public awareness and receptivity to direct/interactive marketing-driven philanthropy, and is the ‘top brand’ among all associations and advocacy groups working on behalf of nonprofits in this area. With more than 300 members, the DMANF is one of the largest member segments of the Direct Marketing Association

The Direct Marketing Association (www.the-dma.org) is the leading global trade association of business and nonprofit organizations using and supporting direct marketing tools and techniques. DMA advocates industry standards for responsible marketing, promotes relevance as the key to reaching consumers with desirable offers, and provides cutting-edge research, education, and networking opportunities to improve results throughout the entire direct marketing process. Founded in 1917, DMA today has more than 4,800 corporate, affiliate, and chapter members from the US and 46 other nations, including 55 companies listed on the Fortune 100.

In 2005, companies will spend more than $161 billion on direct marketing in the United States. Measured against total US sales, these advertising expenditures are expected to generate $1.85 trillion in increased sales in 2005, or 7% of the $26 trillion in total sales in the US economy (which includes intermediate sales). All together, direct marketing will account for 10.3% of total US GDP in 2005.