(aka Where the Cool Comms Kids Are Going This Year)
If your idea of fun is swapping storytelling strategies over coffee, getting nerdy about audience data, and collecting more tote bags than one person reasonably should… welcome, friend.
Nonprofit communications conferences aren’t just events — they’re our annual pep rallies. A chance to get inspired, sharpen our skills, and meet other people who understand the emotional rollercoaster of launching a campaign, herding leadership approvals, and begging for just one more photo for social media.
2026 is shaping up to be a great year for nonprofit communicators, with conferences focused on storytelling, strategy, digital engagement, and the ever-evolving role of communications in driving real-world impact. Here are the top gatherings to put on your “yes, I can expense this” list.
The Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) — March 10–13, Detroit, MI + Virtual
Hosted by: NTEN
If nonprofit comms had a home planet, it would be NTC. Think of it as a mash-up of a tech summit, social good expo, and therapy session for anyone who’s ever uttered the phrase, “Let’s check the analytics.”
What You’ll Love
- Workshops on everything from AI tools to content strategy to accessible design.
- People who actually get why your newsletter open rates matter.
- A hybrid format with excellent virtual access if travel budgets are tight.
- Community-driven everything — except conversations about ethics, equity, and using tech for good.
Why It’s Worth It
You’ll leave NTC buzzing with ideas (and maybe some new tech crushes). Whether you’re wrangling CRMs, mapping audience journeys, or trying to prove that communications is strategy, NTC is your jam.
Create Good Conference — March 24- 26, 2026 (it’s us!!)
Website: Create Good Conference
Hosted by: BC/DC Ideas
If NTC is the tech brain of nonprofit comms, Create Good is the heart. This North Carolina–based conference was built by nonprofit communicators for nonprofit communicators — and it shows. Every session, speaker, and conversation is designed to help you tell better stories, spark action, and actually enjoy your job.
What You’ll Love
- Sessions led by real-world nonprofit pros (no jargon, no corporate fluff).
- A mix of tactical training and soul-filling inspiration, from design hacks and branding strategy to burnout recovery and creative rejuvenation.
- A warm, collaborative vibe where everyone’s welcome, whether you’re a one-person comms shop or leading a national campaign.
- Killer storytelling panels, hands-on workshops, and just the right amount of nerdy humor.
Why It’s Worth It
Create Good stands out because it’s not about theory, it’s about doing. You’ll leave with new ideas, fresh motivation, and maybe even a few new comms BFFs. It’s the rare conference that makes you feel like you can make good happen, one campaign at a time.
AFP ICON — April 26–28, San Diego, CA
Hosted by: Association of Fundraising Professionals
Yes, it’s technically a fundraising conference, but communications folks, don’t skip it! ICON is where storytelling meets generosity, and every session doubles as a master class in motivating people to act.
What You’ll Love
- Sessions on donor communications, impact storytelling, and brand alignment.
- A networking scene that’s part high-energy reunion, part “who’s who” of fundraising brilliance.
- Sunshine. Palm trees. You’ve earned it.
Why It’s Worth It
If you’re ever asked to “make this appeal more emotional,” AFP ICON will give you the frameworks and inspiration to nail it. Plus, if you work closely with your development team (and who doesn’t?), attending together can supercharge your collaboration.
Points of Light Conference — June 22–25, Washington, D.C.
Hosted by: Points of Light
This one’s for the movement builders, volunteer wranglers, and civic engagement champions. It’s big, bold, and beautifully idealistic — the kind of conference that reminds you why you got into this work in the first place.
What You’ll Love
- Sessions on volunteer storytelling, civic participation, and mobilizing communities.
- Thought-provoking keynotes that connect local action to national change.
- Corporate social responsibility partners who might want to collaborate.
Why It’s Worth It
Points of Light is perfect if your communications strategy includes community engagement, partnerships, or storytelling that sparks participation. Expect to leave with fresh ideas (and maybe a few goosebumps).
4. Upswell Summit — Fall 2026 (Dates TBD)
Hosted by: Independent Sector
Upswell is not your typical conference. It’s part ideas festival, part civic jam session, and part group therapy for people trying to fix big, systemic problems with creativity and heart.
What You’ll Love
- Deep conversations about the why behind your work — culture, narrative, power, and purpose.
- Spaces designed for reflection, collaboration, and storytelling that move people to act.
- A community of people who think just as big as you do.
Why It’s Worth It
If you’re ready to level up from campaign tactics to narrative strategy — how your organization fits into a broader movement — Upswell is where that shift happens.
Nonprofit Consulting Conference — Sept 16-17, 2026, Asheville, NC
Hosted by: Funding for Good
Even if you’re not a consultant, this conference is for anyone who advises, coaches, or influences communications strategy. (So, basically… every comms person ever.)
What You’ll Love
- Sessions on managing up, building buy-in, and measuring communications ROI.
- A behind-the-scenes look at how consultants guide strategy — skills you can use internally.
- A practical, no-nonsense vibe with lots of tangible takeaways.
Why It’s Worth It
Think of it as career development for communicators who want a seat at the strategy table, not just the “make it pretty” department.
True Charity Summit — April 22–24, 2026, Jacksonville, FL
Hosted by: True Charity Network
For those working in human services or faith-based organizations, True Charity offers a refreshing blend of mission alignment, communications, and storytelling rooted in authenticity and compassion.
What You’ll Love
- Panels on messaging with integrity and mission clarity.
- Workshops on connecting storytelling to long-term donor trust.
- A focus on relationships over rhetoric.
- The best conferences aren’t just professional development, they’re creative recharges. You’ll meet your people, refill your inspiration tank, and remember why storytelling and strategy matter so much.
- So start saving those pennies, polish your elevator pitch, and pick your next adventure. Because in 2026, the nonprofit communications world is calling, and it’s way more fun than another webinar.
Why It’s Worth It
True Charity’s focus on genuine communication makes it a hidden gem. If your organization’s mission is deeply people-centered, you’ll feel right at home.
Bonus Round: Honorable Mentions
- Cause Camp — A smaller, high-energy gathering that feels like TEDx for nonprofits. Creative, scrappy, and fun. Usually held in November. https://cause.camp/
- The Conference Board’s Corporate Communications Event — For those who like to peek over the fence and see what the corporate world is doing in crisis comms and branding. Usually held in March. https://www.conference-board.org/events/corpcomms
How to Get the Most Out of Your Conference Year
1. Pick your vibe.
Want tactical how-tos? Go NTC. Need a purpose reboot? Choose Upswell. Craving sunshine and storytelling? ICON’s your place.
2. Go with goals.
Decide what you want to learn before you go. Are you chasing better data? Looking for fresh campaign ideas? Hoping to meet a new mentor? Intentionality > FOMO.
3. Network like a human.
Skip the elevator pitch. Ask people about the weirdest thing that happened during their last campaign or the tool they can’t live without. Instant conversation starter.
4. Be a note-taking legend.
Write down one “aha!” idea per session and one thing you’ll try back at the office. Otherwise, you’ll come home with 23 pages of notes and zero action.
5. Bring the energy back.
Host a “Lunch & Learn” recap for your team, share top takeaways, or post a summary thread on LinkedIn. Be the hero who spreads the inspiration and know-how.
In Conclusion:
Pack your curiosity (and maybe your glitter pens) and GET ON THE LIST FOR CREATE GOOD 2026!