Next in Direct Workshop 2026

Description

Get ready for 2026 with Next in Direct!

This year’s 2026 Next in Direct Workshop is designed to give attendees practical strategies to strengthen board engagement and communication. Through a dynamic keynote, interactive discussions, and two focused sessions, participants will walk away with actionable ideas rooted in real-world experiences.

• Keynote Highlight: The workshop will open with an inspiring keynote address that sets the stage for the afternoon. Attendees will gain a fresh perspective on leadership, storytelling, and board engagement, leaving them energized and ready to dive into interactive sessions.
• Session 1 will explore how to manage and communicate upwards, plus diagnostics to understand what resonates with your board.
• Session 2 will focus on using data to tell a compelling story – identifying the right metrics, demonstrating ROI, and creating value propositions that win board support.

Each session includes a roundtable activity, offering participants the chance to collaborate, share experiences, and learn from peers, with a table leader guiding the discussion.

A special highlight of this year’s program will be the passing of the DMAW gavel from Karin Kirchoff, President, K2D Strategies to Joanne Wilson, Vice President, Advancement Operations, Humane World for Animals recognizing their leadership and continued dedication to advancing the direct marketing community.

Throughout the workshop, attendees will enjoy charcuterie boards and drinks!

Why You Should Attend
If you're ready to elevate how you engage and communicate with your board, the 2026 Next in Direct Workshop is designed for you. This workshop goes beyond theory, giving you the tools and confidence to influence decision-makers, tell stories that inspire, and use data in ways that truly resonate. You'll be energized by a keynote that redefines leadership and storytelling, challenged by interactive sessions that take the real issues you face with your board, and empowered through roundtable conversations that connect you with peers who share you challenges and perspectives. Add in networking over charcuterie boards and drinks, and the meaningful moment of DMAW's gavel passing, and you have more than just a workshop – you have a chance to sharpen your skills, expand your network, and step into your next level of leadership.

Who Should Attend?
The 2026 Next in Direct Workshop is designed for nonprofit and association professionals who engage with their boards and want to strengthen how they communicate and drive alignment. Fundraising leaders, marketing and communications professionals, and data or strategy staff will gain practical tools for presenting stories and metrics that resonate. Executive leaders and emerging professionals preparing for board-facing roles, as well as consultants and partners who advise nonprofits, will also benefit from the program’s actionable takeaways, peer-to-peer learning, and hands-on strategies.

Register Now!

AGENDA

SPEAKERS

	Sterrin Bird, Nonprofit Executive in Residence, Attain Partners A global fundraising leader with a proven track record, Sterrin is a transformative figure in the nonprofit community universally recognized for her nearly three decades of exceptional dedication to philanthropy. Her expertise spans the future of fundraising, building robust teams, and mastering the art of relational fundraising. With a keen focus on breaking down silos and fostering human-centered change, Sterrin excels in leveraging technology in support of mission outcomes and is an advocate for utilizing AI for fundraising innovation. Prior to her tenure as a development officer, Sterrin catalyzed growth as a development consultant for three notable international consulting firms, where she blossomed into a cross-functional leader. In 2010, she founded her own consulting practice, orienting her approach around uncommon coaching and leadership mentoring. Throughout her multifaceted career, Sterrin has orchestrated over three dozen capital campaigns across the globe, cumulatively raising more than $5.5 billion, securing her reputation as a global fundraising leader. Originally from Short Hills, New Jersey, Sterrin now calls the Bay Area home, living with her two children Thomas and Mary. She is a prolific public speaker and is also deeply invested in her community. She sits on the board of Maimoni Valley Preserve, One Life Counseling, and the Young Men's Service League, embodying the spirit of engaged and impactful citizenship.
	Kris Kuhns, Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising Kris Kuhns brings nearly two decades of experience in strategic fundraising, expertly partnering with staff and volunteers to advance impactful missions. She began her career in Atlanta working in international development before transitioning to nonprofit advancement. Throughout her career, Kris has contributed to campaigns that have collectively raised nearly one billion dollars. Since joining CSS, she has worked extensively with healthcare, higher education, independent schools, and human service organizations to build major gift pipelines, activate board and volunteer engagement, and create lasting systems of change for fundraising infrastructure, including serving as Acting Chief of Staff at Inova Health Foundation. Kris serves as President of the Association of Fundraising Professional – Washington, DC Metro Area Chapter. She previously served as Interim Chair of the Governance Committee and Vice Chair of the Education Committee. She previously served as Co-Chair of Education for the Bridge Conference (2024 & 2023) and on the Board of Directors for the Union Meeting Hall (Ferrisburgh, VT).
	Nana A. Oppong, Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising Nana joined CCS with a decade of experience in development and nonprofit management working with nonprofits across the Baltimore and Greater Washington region. Now in her tenth year with the firm, Nana has partnered with clients in human service, education, arts and culture, healthcare, and faith-based sectors. She has experience leading interim development projects, planning studies, development assessments, and campaign management engagements. Nana serves on the Board of TCP Charity, a nonprofit that supports the educational and emotional needs of students in Anne Arundel County. She previously served on the Montgomery County Board of Social Services and on the Development Committee for Childhood Education International. Nana has been a grant reviewer for Montgomery Coalition for Adult Education Literacy, DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporations, and DC Office of Latino Affairs.

Interested in partnering with DMAW on Next in Direct?
Click here to learn more and let us know!

Registration Rates
Corporate Member - $85
Nonprofit Member - $0
Corporate Nonmember - $95
Nonprofit Nonmember - $45
YDMAW Member - $45

CONSENT TO USE IMAGES AND RECORDINGS

Media Release: By registering, you grant the Direct Marketing Association of Washington permission to photograph, video/audio record, and use your image and likeness in DMAW publications, promotions, and other media. You understand that DMAW has exclusive rights to these visual and audio recordings.

Photographs, videos, and recordings may be taken at the event for use on the DMAW website, print collateral, press, future marketing materials, and social media. By attending this event, you consent to DMAW photographing, taking video, and using your image and likeness.

If you prefer not to have your information shared, please opt out by submitting a written request to programs@dmaw.org.