Recap: 2021 FAOG conference in Memphis

Approximately 185 conference goers and speakers representing more than 110 foundations, convened in Memphis, TN from Sept. 12-15, 2021, at The Peabody Memphis Hotel – a hotel famous for its duck march and long history of southern hospitality.
 
Responding to feedback from the 2019 conference, this year’s sessions were organized into three tracks: Finance/Operations, Investments and HR/Leadership. The approach was very well received, but also more than doubled the number of volunteers needed, so a huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers who went above and beyond. 

New this year were two new sessions held on Sunday afternoon -- Tech Demos and Discussions and Welcome to the Community Foundation World -- which proved to be very successful. Sponsors who participated in the tech demos were very pleased to get more one-on-one time with attendees. For the foundation world session, we received positive comments from attendees who mentioned how helpful it was for them. The remainder of the two-and-a-half days were filled with informative presentations centered on industry issues and trends with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. 

We are also very grateful for the support of our 23 outstanding sponsors – these valued partners are vital in bringing the conference to life. (see full sponsor list below slideshow)
 
But it wasn’t all work! Attendees enjoyed the first night with cocktails at sunset and a lovely dinner under the stars on the rooftop of the hotel. Dinner on Monday night had a fun, Elvis theme at the Majestic Grille, a theater that opened in 1913. The last evening was spent at BBKings Blues Club, located on historic Beale Street, where diners enjoyed an incredibly talented 8-piece band.  

LIST OF SPONSORS

Presenting Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors