How the programme works

All delegates attend the core 3-day programme (Wednesday - Friday) with the added opportunity to gain extra learning by attending a 6½ hour Masterclass the day before (starting Tuesday afternoon) as part of the optional 4-day programme.

4-day Masterclass programme (Optional)
Tuesday 14 October 2008

Choose from sixteen 6½ hour Masterclasses beginning Tuesday afternoon and ending the following day before the core 3-day programme starts.

Added benefit! Onsite accommodation is only available to 4-day Masterclass delegates on a first-come first-served basis. So, the first 300 delegates to book as 4-day delegate (band B or C) are guaranteed accommodation at the Congress Centre!

3-day core programme
Wednesday 15 - Friday 17 October 2008

The core 3-day programme features:

• Over 100 sessions including plenaries, workshops, mini-courses and panel sessions
• Sessions covering topics such as new media, communications, direct marketing, legacies, high level giving, management & leadership, corporate & foundations and many more
• 7 workshops slots in addition to the opening and closing plenary
• Popular workshops repeated up to three times
• Fantastic social programme including the welcome reception and legendary Gala dinner and dance
• Great networking opportunities with networking reception, an optional networking dinner and national group lunches

Overview of sessions

The IFC 3-day core programme features 7 session slots offered at three levels; Making it happen, Doing it better and Making it happen (see below for definitions).

Workshops

Workshops last 1½ hours (except for one session slot lasting 1 hour) and form the backbone of the congress programme. Each one is repeated two to three times so you don’t have to worry about missing out on your top choices. They are designed to provide practical, ‘how-to’-style tuition across a wealth of subject areas and often very interactive.

There will be five inter-linked programmes, each following a unique TV format and feature well known IFC speakers and new speakers with their stories and views. These sessions will be high energy, packed with ideas and challenges and give you the chance to participate and be part of the programme.

Opening Plenary & Closing Plenaries

Inspiratations plenaries are offered at the beginning and end of the conference guaranteed to leave you inspired for the year ahead!

Levels defined

To reflect the overall senior-level learning at the IFC, we have introduced new and innovative session levels to help you get the most out of the event. Whatever you're looking for, there's a session to suit your needs!

What do you want to get out of your learning?

1. Are you looking for some fundamental fundraising skills and techniques to learn how to 'make it happen'? 
2. Do you have great skills already but want to go that bit further and start 'doing it better'? 
3. ...Or do you want to start looking at your fundraising in a new way... and get some 'new thinking' on the subject?