The Executive Director Forum is a unique opportunity for nonprofit EDs, CEOs, presidents, and artistic/managing directors to connect with their peers, share ideas, and learn from each other in a supportive environment. Generally, each session offers two or three roundtable discussion groups facilitated by experienced nonprofit leaders. The format of the forum allows you to circulate through all the topics and interact with many of the executives in attendance as well as our outstanding discussion leaders.
These meetings are a low-effort, low-cost, and high-impact way to gather with your executive director peers and come away reinvigorated and recharged. Participants share problems and solutions and trade tips and resources.
For more than a decade, ED Forum participants consistently report that they left with actionable information and an extra bounce in their step from networking with others in our sector.
Eighty-five percent (85%) of the executives at the February ED Forum reported that the session expanded their perspective on a topic or problem they were facing. Attendees gave us this feedback:
“Since the job is always busy, these forums are crucial for slowing down and gaining perspective.”
“Today’s session created though-provoking ideas and a desire to move forward.”
“It is important to slow down and take a moment to assess and hear from others on what works and where improvements can be made.”
Upcoming Executive Director Forums
The next ED Forum will be held on December 8, 2023. You can sign up for the ED Forums on our Featured Training and Networking Events page.
Sign up to receive timely email reminders of upcoming ED Forum gatherings that include biographies of the speakers, the topics, and other relevant trainings produced by 501 Commons.
Interested in being a discussion leader?
We are always looking for executive leaders in the greater Puget Sound area who would like to be a discussion leader at an upcoming gathering. Email Greg Scully Greg@501Commons.org if you are interested in facilitating a discussion topic.
You can also contact Greg if you have suggestions of relevant topics that you'd like to talk about with your peers. Previous subjects include building inclusive networks, increasing equity in the sector, self-care, developing partnerships, fostering better relationship with the board, fundraising, advocacy, and designing effective programs that properly address your organization's mission.