2-Day NPO Leadership Conference (In-person)

Speakers

Michelle Davidson
EM Solutions
Michelle Davidson has worked in the non-profit sector for almost two decades to improve strategy, governance, sustainability, and financial management. She sits on several non-profit boards to ensure good governance, strategic oversight and financial controls.
Michelle’s super-power is the ability to create structure and order from complexity and chaos. She is a strategy engineer who is able to engage with the strategic big picture, but also detailed enough to be able to operationalise that strategy.
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Melanie Jackson
Words that Count (Pty) Ltd
Melanie Jackson is a journalist by training who has been involved in the non-profit sector for more than 20 years. She has worked ‘on both sides of the fence’, in both grant-making and raising funds for a variety of causes. Her experience has ranged from philanthropic corporate and trust fundraising to the more challenging individual giving arena, working in several aspects of consumer fundraising. She has worked with traditional direct mail programmes, and more recently with face-to-face fundraising teams. She also is a successful trainer and mentor. She has raised money for South African organisations as diverse as a mission hospital and the University of Cape Town and held senior positions in a number of large non-profit organisations prior to establishing her consultancy in 2012.
As the founder of Words that Count, Melanie spends much of her time guiding organisations in their development strategy and measuring the impact of their interventions. Melanie has extensive experience in communications, both from a strategic and operational perspective, which has included developing and implementing comprehensive communications plans, and then carrying the implementation through – writing, editing and the layout of brochures, newsletters and annual reports, as well as photography for such documents. She takes pride in overseeing the development of compelling copy for organisations’ websites and conceptualises and manages online media initiatives aimed at both awareness and fundraising. Melanie and the team at Words that Count believe the secret to their success is the commitment they share to both NGOs and grant-makers – working to achieve impact in the development sector to realise the ideal of a better world.
Melanie is also Chairperson of Positive Vibes, a Namibia-registered non-profit organisation and a director of South African NPO, Nyara Youth Development.
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Sixolile Mabombo-Benson
ProSyra (Pty) Ltd, The Learning Trust NPC
Sixolile Mabombo-Benson is a Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA) with over 15 years of experience in financial, operational, programme, and project management. She has held management positions with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Absa Group, Deloitte, and Edge Growth, where she applied her analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills to address complex social and economic challenges.
Sixolile is passionate about promoting cooperation, independence, and creativity among stakeholders, and enabling organisations to achieve their goals in a sustainable, ethical, and unique manner.
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Annie Olufuwa
Story’d
Annie Olufuwa’s joint specialities are Business Development through Storytelling and Youth Development through Education. She has 20 years of rich experience in the education and corporate training sectors, as well as extensive experience in the non-profit sector delivering successful programmes in the UK and Southern Africa. Highlights include delivering educational projects on behalf of the European Union and the United States Dept. of State.
Ms Olufuwa is a published author of textbooks and an award-winning playwright. Using her skillset in language and communication, her consultancy specializes in Storytelling. She has developed innovative approaches to assist non-profits to boost their fundraising activities, and businesses to enhance in their sales and brand-building strategies.
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Bruce Wade
EM Solutions
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceawade/
A global thought leader and dynamic speaker, Bruce Wade revolutionizes businesses with innovative strategies and consumer-centric approaches. "The Experiential Innovator” is redefining experiential hospitality and tourism and his "7 Principles of Sustainable Innovation" and 28 books offer fresh perspectives on enhancing guest experiences.
Bruce has inspired audiences in 15+ countries, translating complex trends into actionable strategies. His unique narrative approach weaves compelling stories of consumer journeys, as well as helping businesses create engaging, profitable experiences. As a catalyst for transformation, Bruce's insights provide a roadmap for success that engages staff, beneficiaries and donors.
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Tickets

Members - Moments of Truth for Sustainability and Engagement

8 April
09:30 -11:00

Speaker: Bruce Wade
Clients, beneficiaries, staff and donors are attracted to an organisation where both trust and experience exist, organisations that are led with purpose and passion with a clear agenda of Moments of Truth.
In this session, Bruce will unpack the concept of Moments of Truth and where to find applications within your organisation at key points of convergence. You’ll explore (1) how to define a journey (curated by your staff) for both beneficiary and donor and (2) how to develop a long-lasting impact for all who are involved.

Member Price R 400

Non-Members - Moments of Truth for Sustainability and Engagement

Standard Price R 500

Members - Beyond the Ask: The Power of Relationships in Fundraising

8 April
11:30 – 13:00

Speaker: Melanie Jackson
Fundraising is not just about raising money – it’s about building trust, fostering connection, and creating lasting partnerships that drive real change. Too often, organisations focus on the transaction rather than the relationship, missing the opportunity to cultivate donors who will stand by them for years to come.
This session will explore why relationships are the foundation of sustainable fundraising and how fundraisers need to shift from short-term asks to long-term engagement. It will challenge the myth of quick wins, emphasising the patience, authenticity and personal touch required to turn supporters into true champions of a cause.
In a world where donors are overwhelmed with requests, those who invest in genuine connections will rise above the noise. This presentation aims to inspire fundraisers to rethink their approach, prioritise personal engagement and build a network of committed supporters who give not just once, but for a lifetime.

Member Price R 400

Non-members - Beyond the Ask: The Power of Relationships in Fundraising

8 April
Speaker: Melanie Jackson
Fundraising is not just about raising money – it’s about building trust, fostering connection, and creating lasting partnerships that drive real change. Too often, organisations focus on the transaction rather than the relationship, missing the opportunity to cultivate donors who will stand by them for years to come.
This session will explore why relationships are the foundation of sustainable fundraising and how fundraisers need to shift from short-term asks to long-term engagement. It will challenge the myth of quick wins, emphasising the patience, authenticity and personal touch required to turn supporters into true champions of a cause.
In a world where donors are overwhelmed with requests, those who invest in genuine connections will rise above the noise. This presentation aims to inspire fundraisers to rethink their approach, prioritise personal engagement and build a network of committed supporters who give not just once, but for a lifetime.

Standard Price R 500

Lunch at the Venue

8 April
13:00 – 14:30

Lunch at the venue

Standard Price R 150

Members - Building a Story Bank for your NPO

8 April
14:30 – 16:00

Speaker: Annie Olufuwa
Stories reach into the heart of donors in a way that nothing else can. They communicate your mission and give a voice to the communities you serve. Using stories as a basis for your campaigns gives structure and impact that makes all the difference.
Join us for an inspiring workshop that will equip you with the storytelling skills to improve your success rate in fundraising.
Workshop Elements:
· Why Storytelling? The value and impact of storytelling for the non-profit sector.
· What Stories to Tell: An overview of the main story types for funding and awareness raising.
· Group storytelling: Exciting, experiential story sharing between team members. This interactive portion of the workshop will include a live demonstration.
Organisations will identify their signature stories and gain practical methods to apply them to their fundraising activities.

Member Price R 400

Non-members - Building a Story Bank for your NPO

Standard Price R 500

Members - The Depth of Impact

9 April
09:30 – 11:00

Speaker: Bruce Wade
Join us for a journey into a space where very few are willing or able to go: the world of maths and metrics which is a place often made so complex that many fear to tread and run whimpering from the room. Fear not, we will move slowly and show you the complexity and then unpack it and turn chaos into calm, and confusion into clarity.
Welcome to the world of M&E, but in a way that anyone can operate with confidence. The Depth of Impact framework will give you the tools to measure and manage even the most complex of projects giving you the tools to share and manage the results in a meaningful manner.

Member Price R 400

Non-members - The Depth of Impact

Standard Price R 500

Members - Structuring Your Organization for Maximized Wellbeing

9 April
11:30 – 13:00

Speaker: Michelle Davidson
When a team is overwhelmed, stressed and burnt out their productivity suffers, they no longer care as they did before and the flame of passion for the work they do goes out. We are wholistic beings whose wellbeing is influenced by work and private life. Setting up a framework for engaging with your team's wellbeing as part of the way of working as an organization goes a long way to contributing to a positive impact in the lives of the team and as an organisation.
Michelle will unpack what wellbeing actually is (and is not), who is responsible for wellbeing and how you can structure your organizational systems, processes and engagement to maximise team wellbeing.

Member Price R 400

Non-members - Structuring Your Organization for Maximized Wellbeing

Standard Price R 500

Lunch at the venue

9 April
13:00 – 14:30

Lunch at the venue

Standard Price R 150

Members - Mastering Influence – Managing Upwards and Laterally in the NPO Sector

9 April
14:30 – 16:00

Speaker: Sixolile Mabombo-Benson
In this workshop Sizolile will unpack three topics with real-world examples
• Navigating Power Dynamics – How to engage boards, funders, and leadership with confidence and strategic savvy.
• Driving Alignment Without Authority – Influencing peers and cross-functional teams to break silos and maximise impact.
• Speak the Language of Influence – Translate financial insights into compelling narratives that drive effective planning, decision-making and sustainability.

Member Price R 400

Non-members - Mastering Influence – Managing Upwards and Laterally in the NPO Sector

Standard Price R 500

Members - Day Rate (8 April)

Member Price R 1 110

Non-members - Day Rate (8 April)

Standard Price R 1 350

Members - Day Rate (9 April)

9 APRIL 2025 - FINANCE & OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP: HUMAN-CENTRIC OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICIES

09:30 – 11:00 The Depth of Impact (Bruce Wade)
11:30 – 13:00 Structuring Your Organization for Maximized Wellbeing (Michelle Davidson)
14:30 – 16:00 Mastering Influence – Managing Upwards and Laterally in the NPO Sector
(Sixolile Mabombo-Benson)

Includes lunch and networking opportunities

Member Price R 1 110

Non-members - Day Rate (9 April)

Standard Price R 1 350

Members - Full Conference Rate (8-9 April)

8 APRIL 2025 - NPO EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP: CONNECTING WITH STAKEHOLDERS THROUGH A PERSONAL/EMOTIVE EXPERIENCE

09:30 – 11:00 Moments of Truth for Sustainability and Engagement (Bruce Wade)
11:30 – 13:00 Beyond the Ask: The Power of Relationships in Fundraising (Melanie Jackson)
14:30 – 16:00 Building a Story Bank for your NPO (Annie Olufuwa)

9 APRIL 2025 - FINANCE & OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP: HUMAN-CENTRIC OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICIES

09:30 – 11:00 The Depth of Impact (Bruce Wade)
11:30 – 13:00 Structuring Your Organization for Maximized Wellbeing (Michelle Davidson)
14:30 – 16:00 Mastering Influence – Managing Upwards and Laterally in the NPO Sector
(Sixolile Mabombo-Benson)

Includes lunch on both days and networking opportunities

Member Price R 1 980

Non-members - Full Conference Rate (8-9 April)

Standard Price R 2 400

2-Day NPO Leadership Conference (In-person)

Event Details

Speakers

Michelle Davidson

Melanie Jackson

Sixolile Mabombo-Benson

Annie Olufuwa

Bruce Wade

Community

Discover and connect with other attendees.

Tickets

Venue

VinBoHo Bed & Breakfast - Conference and Function Venue