Final Call: Apply Now to Present at BridgeTECH 2026

The Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference has officially opened its 2026 call for papers — and that includes BridgeTECH, the dedicated technology track co-presented by the Direct Marketing Association of Washington (DMAW), the Association of Fundraising Professionals Washington, D.C. Metro Area Chapter (AFPDC) and NonProfit PRO. Session proposals will be accepted through Oct. 24.

BridgeTECH returns July 29 to 31, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The program begins with a full-day conference on Wednesday, July 29, followed by continuing sessions integrated into the main Bridge program on Thursday, July 30, and Friday, July 31. Designed for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, marketers and technologists, BridgeTECH explores the tools, strategies and innovations shaping the future of digital fundraising and engagement.

“We're working to move our donors from direct mail to online,” Angela Neal, grassroots manager at AARP, said. “And so this is the perfect conference for us. …  Sometimes technology can be a little intimidating, especially if you've always been in the role of direct mail or in the world of direct mail. And so BridgeTECH is a wonderful way to get your feet wet and to jump in and to really start to learn about the industry to help you generate ideas on how you too can go through a digital transformation.”

This is your opportunity to step into the spotlight. Share how nonprofit technology has helped elevate donor relationships, streamline operations and achieve mission-driven impact. Proposals should focus on collaborative stories — not sales pitches — where agencies, vendors and nonprofits worked together to achieve measurable results.

“People are really good here at BridgeTECH about sharing notes with each other,” Philip King, managing director of digital revenue acceleration at Stella!, said. “ It's not like people are trying to sell me a bunch of things. They're telling me what database they like, what email system they like, how they're using ChatGPT — and it's very practical.”

Submission Details

Be prepared to share session details and presenters’ contact information when submitting your BridgeTECH proposal. Agencies and consultants are limited to five submissions (or must pay an additional fee to submit more).

The selection committee is seeking:

• Fresh ideas and proven strategies. From bold experiments to practical solutions, show how technology is driving fundraising success with a clear session title and up to 300-word description.
• Actionable takeaways. Provide three clear insights attendees can expect to learn from the presentation.
• Partnership-focused stories. At least one nonprofit representative must co-present with any agency or vendor.
• Engaging, focused presentations. Sessions will be 45 to 60 minutes, with a maximum of three speakers plus an optional moderator.

“BridgeTECH is where the best ideas in nonprofit technology meet the real-world challenges of fundraising and marketing,” Chris Lyons, group vice president of NonProfit PRO, said. “We encourage anyone with a compelling story of innovation and impact to submit a proposal and help shape the conversations that will inspire thousands of nonprofit professionals in 2026.”

Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of BridgeTECH. The deadline to submit is Oct. 24. 

Submit your BridgeTECH proposal now.