Groundbreaking Summit Aims to Transform Nonprofit Marketing

Executives to Meet, Propose New Model at AMA Conference

CHICAGO, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- What do you get when you put top marketing minds from nonprofits like the American Red Cross, AARP and Big Brothers Big Sisters in a room together? A plan for transforming the way nonprofit organizations market themselves, that's what.

On October 10, more than a dozen nonprofit marketing thought leaders will gather for an invitation-only Senior Nonprofit Marketers' Summit on the eve of the American Marketing Association & American Marketing Association Foundation's 2010 Nonprofit Marketing Conference (October 11-13 at the Swissotel Chicago).

Their conversations will culminate in a white paper, to be released at the conference, presenting new marketing strategies nonprofits can adopt to survive and thrive.

The summit marks the first time high-profile marketers are putting their heads together to revolutionize the nonprofit marketing model. And it comes at a critical time.

"The collection of nonprofit brands calling for change is unprecedented," said Cynthia Currence, president and CEO of Currence & Associates, LLC and chair of the AMA conference. "Time is of the essence. We must create marketing approaches and recommendations that can help the sector regain its footing."

Nonprofit marketers have always had to be nimble in adapting to change, but today's landscape poses unprecedented challenges: changes in technology and governmental policy, an influx of new media, a serious economic downturn, and shifts in donor behavior.

"Nonprofits that seek growth and sustainability have no other choice but to reinvent many aspects of their organizations," Currence said. "Transforming their approach to marketing is a powerful lever that is tremendously underutilized and, when optimized, can have truly game-changing results."

The 18 executives participating in the AMA summit represent the United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, American Lung Association, Save the Children, Alzheimer's Association and others. They will recommend the structures, approaches and talent required for organizations to achieve the best marketing outcomes. The white paper they develop will be provided to all who attend the Nonprofit Marketing Conference.

The conference is staged every year by the American Marketing Association and the American Marketing Association Foundation to provide nonprofit marketers with peer exchange, resources and in-depth, solutions-oriented sessions.

For more information on the Senior Nonprofit Marketers' Summit and the 2010 Nonprofit Marketing Conference, go to www.MarketingPower.com/NPSummit

American Marketing Association

The largest marketing association in North America, the American Marketing Association (AMA) serves professionals involved in the practice, teaching and study of marketing worldwide. Marketers turn to AMA every day to deepen their marketing expertise, elevate their careers and, ultimately, achieve better results. For more information, visit www.MarketingPower.com.

American Marketing Association Foundation

The mission of the American Marketing Association Foundation (AMAF) is to maximize marketing for the betterment of society. Programs and activities focus on investing in the growth and use of nonprofit and social marketing knowledge; supporting community outreach efforts; and acknowledging academic and practitioner marketing excellence through awards, grants and scholarships. For more information, visit www.themarketingfoundation.org.

SOURCE American Marketing Association