What makes a great fundraising conference? For Bart Lillie, it’s all about the people. In this special AFP ICON edition of From the Nest, host Charity Jen catches up with Bart—Vice President of Partner Engagement at Synergy—to talk about the true value of attending events like AFP ICON. Bart shares how community, not just content, keeps him coming back year after year, and how these shared moments spark opportunities, partnerships, and personal growth.

Recorded live from the buzz of Seattle’s convention center, Bart reflects on some of his favorite ICON takeaways, including a powerful keynote by astronaut José Hernández and the emerging role of AI in nonprofit work. Whether you’re new to fundraising or a seasoned pro, this conversation is a reminder that connection is at the heart of our sector—and that sometimes, the best breakthroughs start with a casual hallway hello.

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com

Here are some notable highlights:

00:00 – Jen kicks off the AFP ICON Series

01:25 – Bart shares what makes ICON special

03:38 – AI in fundraising and a must-read book

05:53 – Bart’s favorite keynote: Astronaut José Hernández

07:38 – Closing thoughts and gratitude

What makes a great fundraising conference? For <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartlillie/?original_referer=">Bart Lillie</a>, it&rsquo;s all about the people. In this special AFP ICON edition of From the Nest, host Charity Jen catches up with Bart&mdash;Vice President of Partner Engagement at <a href="https://synergyengagement.com/">Synergy</a>&mdash;to talk about the true value of attending events like AFP ICON. Bart shares how community, not just content, keeps him coming back year after year, and how these shared moments spark opportunities, partnerships, and personal growth.
Recorded live from the buzz of Seattle&rsquo;s convention center, Bart reflects on some of his favorite ICON takeaways, including a powerful keynote by astronaut Jos&eacute; Hern&aacute;ndez and the emerging role of AI in nonprofit work. Whether you&rsquo;re new to fundraising or a seasoned pro, this conversation is a reminder that connection is at the heart of our sector&mdash;and that sometimes, the best breakthroughs start with a casual hallway hello.
Don&rsquo;t forget to follow and subscribe at <a href="https://olasmedia.com/shows/from-the-nest-with-charity-jen">olasmedia.com</a>
Here are some notable highlights:
00:00 &ndash; Jen kicks off the AFP ICON Series
01:25 &ndash; Bart shares what makes ICON special
03:38 &ndash; AI in fundraising and a must-read book
05:53 &ndash; Bart&rsquo;s favorite keynote: Astronaut Jos&eacute; Hern&aacute;ndez
07:38 &ndash; Closing thoughts and gratitude

Join Jen Newmeyer as she explores the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of nonprofit fundraising. Each episode contains valuable guidance from CharityJen and industry leaders who’ve given flight to groundbreaking ideas and landed with success. In From the Nest, you’ll learn that fundraising is more than just annual plans, goals and budgets. Behind every great fundraiser is a great story.

Join <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennewmeyer/">Jen Newmeyer</a> as she explores the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of nonprofit fundraising. Each episode contains valuable guidance from <a href="https://www.charityjen.com/">CharityJen</a> and industry leaders who’ve given flight to groundbreaking ideas and landed with success. In From the Nest, you’ll learn that fundraising is more than just annual plans, goals and budgets. Behind every great fundraiser is a great story.

From the Nest with Charity Jen

AFP ICON Series : Bart Lillie - Building Community, Not Just Content

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/d57f2f8a-7bab-4064-9571-ae7c0139f8ec/clips/693bf440-207c-422b-b848-b31d01708f61/transcript

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