Corey Smentek
ADRP Board Member
Senior Director, MIT Donor Engagement and Stewardship

Still full of beignets and soaring from the high of representing ADRP at the CASE Donor Relations Conference, it was energizing to connect with donor relations colleagues from across the country — and the world — in New Orleans.

ADRP was proud to sponsor this year's conference as part of our commitment to strengthening partnerships in the donor relations and fundraising profession. Throughout the conference, I spent time at the ADRP booth alongside Executive Director Scott Eichinger, meeting both current and prospective members. Some stopped by to learn more about ADRP for the first time, while others shared how they have benefited from webinars, conferences, MyADRP, and the many opportunities ADRP provides to engage with colleagues across the field.

That spirit was evident even before the CASE conference officially began. ADRP hosted My ADRP Live – New Orleans, bringing together donor relations and advancement professionals to share ideas and learn from one another. It was especially rewarding to reconnect with many of those same colleagues at CASE over the following days, picking up discussions that had started the day before.

What struck me was how many people were interested in learning more about ADRP and what it offers. Attendees were eager to discover resources, hear how others engage with the association, and explore the many ways ADRP supports professionals throughout their careers. Their interest highlighted the importance of having a professional home dedicated specifically to donor relations.

One interaction in particular stayed with me. An attendee stopped by to seek advice on a donor relations challenge they were navigating. Within minutes, a membership question evolved into an exchange of best practices, shared experiences, and practical ideas. It served as a reminder that one of ADRP's greatest strengths isn't just the programs we offer, it is the willingness of our members to share their knowledge and help one another succeed.

I also heard from a lot of people about their teams: managers looking for ways to support newer staff, and early-career professionals desiring a clear path forward. Those conversations gave me a new appreciation for how much it means to find the right resources at the right time, and how formative those early experiences in donor relations can be. Hearing about that need reinforced just how valuable it is to offer something like ADRP Fundamentals — a course designed specifically to help people build knowledge and confidence when they're just getting started.

I left New Orleans encouraged by the enthusiasm I saw for learning, collaboration, and shared success. ADRP helps foster a sense of community throughout the year, long after we return home from a conference. The beignets may have been memorable, but the connections made throughout the week will last much longer.