Google, Skyscanner and the Technology Trust among those to offer up their secrets at The Gathering this month
Charities are being offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from some of the world’s biggest technology firms at a series of free events in Glasgow this month.
Representatives of up to 24 leading organisations from the public, private and third sectors will offer charities their top tips and advice on how to improve their organisation through the use of technology at The Gathering conference organised by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).
The digital events, which take place on 23 February - the second day of the conference held in the SECC - will see experts, from the likes of internet giant Google, flight comparison website Skyscanner which recently sold in a £1.4 billion deal, and the London based Technology Trust have all agreed to reveal their secrets in a bid to support charities.
Two one hour long Using digital tools effectively sessions from 2pm promise to be highlights of the day. Experts will be giving their top tips and offering advice to charity professionals, on issues such as how best to manage social media, build websites, fundraise using technology and much more.
There will also be an opportunity for you to quiz the experts with your own questions on all things technology.
Following the session's completion at 4pm Gori Yahaya from Google Garage will run a not-to-be missed Grow your charity online bite-sized expert sesions. This will include top tips for making the most of the web for non-profits from Google’s Digital Garage experts.
David McNeill, SCVO’s digital director, says the events will see charities given an unprecedented opportunity to learn from some of the world’s biggest tech organisations.
“These large businesses not only invest significantly in advancing the latest technology, but practice new ways of working which third sector organisations have shown huge interest in learning from," he said.
"It is an amazing opportunity for charities, regardless of their size, to tap into that work as well as learning from each other.
"Each of the organisations sending experts will have something different to offer, meaning there will be something for everyone regardless of the size of the organisation or ambition.”
As well as the drop in sessions and Google talk the One Digital team has also organised two morning events examining Leadership in a digital world and a second event Showcasing innovation and tech for good, where charites such as Shelter Scotland and CivTech will explain how they have used digital technology to improve services and outcomes.
While there is also a digital zone in the main exhibition hall, The Gathering which begins on 22 February, is by no means all about digital technology.
Around 100 exhibitors are expected in the exhibition hall with a Social Enterprise Street being introduced for 2017 as a place for visitors to sample a fantastic array of goodies and gifts and meet suppliers from Scotland’s ethical trading sector.
As well as networking opportunities in the exhibition hall, visitors will also be able to take advantage of free pampering sessions, health checks and have fun in a social media booth.
A series of prize draws will also be made throughout the two days with opportunities to enter placed around the different stalls.
TFN will be conducting a series of on stage live interviews in the hall giving visitors the chance to hear from speakers they have missed.
Outwith the exhibition hall, there is a fantastic programme of events and speakers as always, including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Hillsborough Family Supporters Group chair Margaret Aspinall.
Those wishing to attend events are encouraged to register online at thegathering.scot.
