Too many nonprofit and association conferences and convenings are built around logistics and tradition rather than purpose and participation. In episode 144 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Lee Gimpel challenge nonprofit and association leaders to rethink how convenings, conferences, and member events are designed.

They discuss:

• why too many gatherings feel like a heavy lift that fails to deliver connection, energy, or real value.
• why traditional conference formats fall short—and what leaders can do differently.
• How effective events start with purpose, not logistics, and they are designed to tap the collective wisdom already in the room.

By centering participation, intentional connection, and simple facilitation shifts, organizations can transform events from passive, draining experiences into energizing spaces that actually advance mission and strengthen community.

Episode highlights:

[07:00] A Defining Moment: Why So Many Meetings Fall Flat [09:00] The Core Problem with Traditional Conferences [12:00] Start with Purpose: Asking "Why" (Over and Over) [14:30] Rethinking the Keynote Model [16:45] Participation Over Performance [19:30] Simple Design Shifts That Increase Engagement [22:30] Making Q&A Actually Work [25:30] Blending Content and Connection [31:45] Fixing Networking with Intention [38:30] Why Receptions Often Miss the Mark [41:45] The One Question Leaders Must Ask Guest Bio:

Lee Gimpel helps organizations design and lead meetings, retreats, and conferences that are more connected and productive. He is the founder ofBetter Meetings, a DC-based facilitation, training, and experience design firm that often works on events with a high need for engagement, collaboration, and networking. Clients include theNational Association of Realtors, Conservation International, Sodexo, and WorldBank. A frequent expert contributor toForbeson the topic of meetings, he created theConference Engagement Cards and serves on the board of the Association of Meeting Professionals

Important Links and Resources:

Lee Gimpel

Better Meetings

Facilitation processes mentioned:

• World Cafe - https://theworldcafe.com/key-concepts-resources/world-cafe-method/
• Fishbowl - 60 Second Tutorial - How to Facilitate Fishbowl
• Peer Consulting - https://contemporaryleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/PLC-Whitepaper.pdf
• Conversation Cafe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COuFdEouvRQ
• Liberating Structures - https://www.liberatingstructures.com/
• Pechakucha - https://www.pechakucha.com/
• Ignite - https://www.ignitetalks.io/

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