The conference
Sharing, unity and development are three key words that sum up the content and atmosphere of Third Sector Expo 2012. Attendees responded positively to the quality of content and the valuable connections made.
The conference showcased the depth of expertise of third sector personnel in Australia, with those attending ranging from CEOs to Project Officers. The level of commitment attendees have to their organisations was highlighted by the number of business card swaps that occurred and conversations that extended well past the session times.
Approximately 400 delegates attended the conference, many coming from interstate and regional Australia.
Barker College Bursar David Barker was delighted with the opportunity to gather with like-minded people and felt that the lead generation session with GerrardBown Consulting Director and Co-Founder Justin Bown gave great guidance on revenue management.
“It really laid out all the things you’ve got to consider when you’re thinking about developing your revenue stream. There’s generally some great ideas coming from your board or council and they’re relying on management to get things done, but often the expertise isn’t there. This session helped point us in the right direction,” says Barker.
Head of the Gippsland Community Leadership Program Renae Littlejohn attended the conference to represent and promote the network of regional not-for-profit (NFP) organisations in Australia.
“What a lot of people don’t realise is that there is a big network of NFPs outside Melbourne that is quite dynamic and very innovative,” says Littlejohn.
The speakers
Over 30 delegates shared their expertise on highly relevant topics to the third sector, including risk management, technology, acquisition strategies, advocacy, funding and governance.
Manningham City Council Grants and Sponsorship Facilitator Warren Cecil gave an insightful presentation about securing partnerships and government grants. Cecil informed delegates about the role and relationship of local governments within the third sector, and raised awareness about the local government budget submission process, which is an avenue whereby NFPs can put forward funding requests for their activities and programs for the following year. NFPs were advised to contact their local council’s director of community services to find out when and how to submit funding applications.
“I’m always amazed at how few community groups and NFPs actually apply. While funding is never guaranteed, it minimally puts your organisation on the council’s radar and raises awareness about the work you’re doing locally,” says Cecil.
Case study presentations were also a highlight of this year’s Third Sector Expo. Australian Counselling Association CEO Philip Armstrong got entrepreneurial brains ticking when he revealed how he turned a basic member newsletter into a peer-reviewed journal. Counselling Australia is a quarterly publication that regularly attracts more articles than can be printed and is currently returning $65,000 per annum in net profit.
Additionally, Leukaemia Foundation Fundraising Manager Meaghan Bush shared how she has helped grow the World’s Greatest Shave campaign from a fledgling local fundraiser into a national multimedia campaign that raises over $10 million annually.
Key points
With so many topical presentations and insightful question and answer sessions, judging what the key piece of information to take away from this year’s Third Sector Expo is difficult. For some attendees it was one speaker’s advice that “If it’s not growing, it’s possibly going”, which highlighted the lifecycle of NFP organisations and the importance of ensuring your organisation is always in the growth phase.
Other attendees highlighted the reform overview given by the Federal Government Chair of the NFP Sector Reform Council Linda Lavarch. Strategic fundraising and grant expert David Zerman’s interactive fund generation talk was also popular, which got participants on their feet and singing.
My personal ‘Aha’ moment was bankmecu General Manager Rowan Dowland’s talk on the difference between asking for money and seeking investment. Dowland reinforced that it’s not a one-sided equation and NFPs must think like businesses about how to attract and retain shareholders. It’s timely advice in an era where corporate social responsibility and social impact are writ large.
Next Conference
Closing as it began – with optimism, aspiration and anticipation of things to come – there’s no doubt the 2012 inaugural Third Sector Expo was a resounding success. Next years event, Third Sector Expo 2013, will take place on 15 – 16 April at Hilton on the Park Melbourne and with this year’s event a sell out success those interested are encouraged to register now to avoid disappointment.