The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners is delighted to host CGP Conference 2025 in Indianapolis. The organization's headquarters in Indianapolis provides a unique setting for the most exciting event in planned giving. From planning your trip to gaining approval, CGP has developed a guide for every step of preparing your attendance.

Continue reading for tips on how to maximize your conference cost, calendar, and impact. 

Before the Conference:

Preparation

• Complete the NSGPS assessment surveys. Identify areas of improvement then select sessions that support your goals.

• Make the Case with the CGP Conference letter template to demonstrate the value of attending. We understand that demonstrating the professional value of the CGP Conference to your leadership may require additional support. Customize this letter based on your specific goals and how you will make a return on investment (of both time and money!).

• Provide concrete examples of how your attendance will positively impact your program and your day-to-day work. Discuss how advancing your skills is beneficial for your professional development and your organization.

Registration

• Join (or renew) your CGP membership to save on your registration. Ensure your membership is up-to-date before registration opens to ensure the best registration rates.

• Register for pre-conference programs. On the first day of CGP Conference, attend specialized courses to advance your skills and professional development. Limited space is available, and additional fees may apply. Programming information will be released in the coming weeks.

​During the Conference

• Connect and network. Throughout the conference, engage with others, ask questions and learn the latest solutions to form new relationships with peers nationwide. Connect with dozens of exhibitors in the Solutions Center to find tools to elevate your organization's impact. Join affinity group sessions for the opportunity to benchmark and strategize with your peers. 

• Advance strategic priorities with sessions, events and services centered around your organization’s goals. Learn the most current and creative ways to navigate trends and develop deeper relationships with donors, leading to more meaningful gifts.

• Prioritize your calendar. Schedule time to meet with donors or other connections near Indianapolis to build on existing relationships. Leading up to the conference, connect with attendees in the Attendee Hub to find time to meet others in the field. 

Post Conference

• Review conference materials. During your trip home, compile your thoughts into a document. You won't want to forget a single moment from key takeaways from the conference to reminders to connect with others. Tie your learnings to your organization’s long-term and short-term goals or strategic plans to demonstrate the value and impact of your education.

• Organize your notes and resources. Once you’re ready to relive the excitement, review your notes and add resources from the conference attendee hub. With so much valuable content covered in three days, highlight the materials you want to revisit for easier access later.

• Host a post-conference briefing for staff, senior management and/or your team. Bring your notes, new strategies and ideas with others in your organization. From marketing strategies to donor relationships, sharing your experience, new skills and ideas with others lifts the entire field of philanthropy.

​We look forward to seeing all the new and familiar faces in Indianapolis! 

Learn more: https://charitablegiftplanners.org/conference