Fundraising Convention is one of the UK charity sector’s leading fundraising events, bringing together fundraisers, sector leaders, and charity professionals for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration. Ahead of the final year of Fundraising Convention in it's current format, Vaughan Thomas shares practical tips on how to make the most of Fundraising Convention, from planning your sessions and building meaningful connections to turning fundraising insights into long-term impact for your organisation.

  • Vaughan Thomas
  • Managing Director, Formunauts One

Fundraising Convention is the biggest moment in the UK fundraising calendar - two days packed with ideas, challenge, connection, and inspiration.

But the real value doesn’t come from simply being in the room. It comes from how intentionally you show up, how you use the space, and what you take back into your work afterwards. If you’re heading to Convention this year, here are some practical ways to get the most from the experience.

1. Protect your time

Give yourself permission to be fully present. Clear your diary. Set an out‑of‑office message. Remove distractions. When you create space to focus, you absorb more, think more deeply, and come away with insights that genuinely shift your practice. You matter here and your development matters too.

 

2. Plan your tracks

With nine tracks running across the programme, you can’t see everything. Choose sessions that align with your interests, strengths, and growth goals. Be intentional about where you spend your time - the right session at the right moment can change how you think about your work. Planning ahead helps you get the most from the programme without feeling overwhelmed.

 

3. Capture What Stands Out

Don’t rely on memory. Go into each session with a clear structure for capturing what matters. A simple approach works best:

• three insights

• two practical actions

• one idea worth exploring

This keeps your learning focused and usable. It also builds confidence - you know exactly what you’re looking for and how to bring it back in a way that adds value.

 

4. Make space to reflect

Convention moves quickly. Sessions run back‑to‑back, conversations spill into corridors, and ideas come at you fast. Build in small moments to pause, even ten minutes between sessions to reflect on what you’ve heard. Ask yourself: what stood out? What challenged me? What could I apply? Reflection turns inspiration into something you can actually use.

 

5. Follow the threads that matter

Some topics will spark something deeper - a question, a challenge, a possibility. Don’t let those moments pass. Make a note. Look up the speaker. Save the resource. Follow the thread. These are often the ideas that lead to real growth and long‑term change.

 

6. Turn ideas into action

Not every idea needs to be implemented immediately. Prioritise what will make the biggest difference:

• quick wins

• small shifts with big impact

• long‑term ideas worth developing

This is how two days of learning become months of value. Performance that lasts is built through intentional, sustained action.

 

7. Connect with purpose

Some of the most valuable moments happen outside the sessions. Introduce yourself. Ask questions. Share what you’re working on. The right conversation can spark a new idea, shift your thinking, or open a door you didn’t expect. Convention is full of people who care about the same things you do - make the most of that.

 

In Summary

Show up to Fundraising Convention with purpose. Leave with insight. Take home something that lifts your fundraising and elevates you at the same time.

 

Check out the in-person Programme here