This year's IoF conference postponed
A premier event in Scotland’s fundraising calendar has fallen victim to Covid-19.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Institute of Fundraising (IoF) Scotland's annual conference has been postponed.
The event, for which TFN is a media partner, was due to be held in October – but has now been scheduled for 28 and 29 September 2021 at its usual venue in the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow.
Conference chair Pam Shaw said: “Whilst every effort had been made to go ahead with the event, it has become clear in recent weeks that restrictions caused by Covid-19 mean that hosting the conference this year would not be possible.
“Above all, the health and safety of our sponsors/exhibitors, speakers and delegates is our number one concern, and while it was a difficult decision, we believe this is the right course of action.”
Shaw added that the committee has reached an agreement with most of the sponsors and exhibitors that had already signed up to attend in 2020 to instead exhibit at the rearranged event next year.
She added: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support our sponsors, exhibitors and speakers have offered and we will be delighted to welcome them to the rearranged edition of conference next year.
“We remain fully committed to delivering a quality event that focuses on Scottish fundraising.”
A launch event for the conference is planned for March 2021, details of which event will be available soon.
In the meantime, all fundraisers in Scotland are welcome to attend the IoF’s first ever virtual convention, which will be held on 6 – 8 July.
The IoF’s flagship event held in London has been moved to a virtual event, Fundraising Convention Online, which is accessible to all.
The event will host a programme of live interactive sessions from the sector’s brightest stars and this content will also be available after the event.
Michelle Cook, head of IoF Scotland, said: “Although we’re sad that the conference has been postponed, we’re relieved that fundraisers now have the option of joining us at Fundraising Convention Online.
“In the meantime, IoF Scotland has been working hard to create learning and networking opportunities for its members to ensure there are opportunities to improve their professional development during this difficult time.
“We are offering Scotland specific events online through the Academy and virtual networking led by our Special Interest Groups. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the conference committee for their hard work and commitment to make this Scotland’s premier fundraising event. We’re looking forward to welcoming members to IoFScotConf2021.”
