Reflections from NTC
Finally, I am settling back into the regular rhythm of day-to-day life at NPower after a whirlwind trip to DC for NTEN’s Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) last week. As I have been reflecting on my time away, I’m struck by what a powerful resource NTEN (the Nonprofit Technology Network) is to the nonprofit community. If you don’t know them yet, I highly recommend checking them out.
Originally posted on community.npowerseattle.org/npowering on March 23rd, 2011.
Finally, I am settling back into the regular rhythm of day-to-day life at NPower after a whirlwind trip to DC for NTEN’s Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) last week. As I have been reflecting on my time away, I’m struck by what a powerful resource NTEN (the Nonprofit Technology Network) is to the nonprofit community. If you don’t know them yet, I highly recommend checking them out.
I was super impressed with conference; they did a tremendous job of having something for everyone. There were sessions for the geeks on new tools and applications; sessions for the big picture thinkers —managing IT support up and down your org; and sessions using technology to communicate and raise money (and who among us doesn’t want to do that!). Interspersed between these great content sessions were inspirational activities and fabulous networking opportunities.
Personally, I’m quite the sucker for a good keynote and our opening plenary with Dan Heath of Switch and Made to Stick fame definitely delivered. BTW, Switch is a must-read if you are managing change—and who isn’t? The book offers a great set of tools for getting lasting results and making change stick. His use of technology in his presentation, combined with humor and great content, was amazing. After that, I figured no one will be able to compare with Dan’s presentation. But, Moira Gunn of NPR’s Tech Nation was phenomenal. She’s brilliant, humorous, and a great journalist as evidenced by the questions she snuck in about budget and Libya while interviewing Congresswoman Edwards (D-Maryland) about net neutrality.
As I return to my day job, I’m even more inspired by the work we have ahead of us to assist nonprofits in using technology in ways that increases their efficiency and drives their mission impact. Now, I’m off to figure out how to incorporate QR codes into our Techtacular Event!
-Alison
PS-If you want to see a couple of my favorites check this out:
Is the Cloud Right for my Organization, presented by Patrick Callihan - NPower PA
Secrets of the Engagement Pyramid, presented by Eric Magnuson and Karen Uffelman - Groundwire
