by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
If you’ve ever attended the Tennessee Nonprofit Conference (formerly Mid-South Nonprofit Conference, you’ll likely conjure images of vibrant networking, groundbreaking ideas, and the mandatory complimentary coffee. It’s one of the biggest conferences in the American South for nonprofits, a veritable Mecca of mission-driven minds. And each year, as the spring flowers bloom and the iced lattes flow, our inbox swells with an ever-increasing deluge of proposals for our breakout sessions. It’s a beautiful, chaotic, and sometimes bewildering sight.
Now, before you reach for your metaphorical quill (or, more likely, your laptop), let’s be abundantly clear: this is an extremely competitive process. We’re talking Hunger Games levels of proposal prowess, but with slightly less archery and significantly more spreadsheets. The stakes, however, are delightfully high. Speakers at our conference get their name in lights – to more than 10,000 people in our newsletter, plastered across our website, and, most importantly, in front of more than 500 prospective consulting clients, funders, and nonprofit collaborators. That’s a lot of potential high-fives, folks.
We receive many, many great proposals. Truly, some of them are so brilliant they make our eyes well up with tears of joy (or maybe it’s just the early morning coffee kicking in). But we also receive many not-so-great ones. Based on years of sifting through this glorious, often baffling, mountain of submissions for our conference and regional summits, we’ve compiled a list of dos and, perhaps more entertainingly, don’ts. So, buckle up, because we’re about to give you the inside scoop on how to make sure your conference proposal gets noticed and you get picked! While our call for speakers has ended, we wanted to write this for the future generations of speakers coming our way in 2026 and beyond!
1. The Title Is Your First (and Often Last) Impression
Think of your title as the dazzling outfit you wear to a first date. It needs to be eye-catching, intriguing, and, most importantly, accurately reflect what’s inside. Your title matters. It needs to tell us exactly what you’re talking about and, simultaneously, set you apart from the hundreds of other proposals vying for our attention.
The “Oh, Honey, No” Example: “Meeting the Moment: AI in Nonprofits.” (Insert collective sigh from the review committee.) This title is so generic, it practically screams, “I opened a thesaurus and picked the first two words that sounded vaguely important!” It tells us nothing specific, and frankly, it sounds like something AI generated. Which leads us to our next point…
The “Yes, Please!” Example: “How To Use AI To Raise $10,000 in 30 Days.” Now that’s a title! It’s specific, it’s intriguing, and it promises a tangible outcome. We know exactly what you’ll be talking about, and we’re already pulling out our calculators. This title stands out like a neon sign in a beige convention hall.
2. AI Should BeYour Co-Pilot, Not Your Chauffeur
Along those same lines as the title, please, for the love of all that is holy, be sparing with AI. We’re not saying you can’t use it. We’re just saying it shouldn’t be the sole author of your masterpiece. Think of AI as your super-efficient research assistant, not your ghostwriter.
The “Did a Robot Write This?” Example: “Leveraging synergistic paradigms for optimal organizational efficacy within the philanthropic ecosystem.” (This is usually followed by us checking the sender’s IP address to ensure they’re not Skynet.) AI often lacks specificity, nuance, and, frankly, a soul. It generates perfectly grammatical but utterly bland prose that makes our eyes glaze over faster than a Krispy Kreme donut.
The “Authentic Voice” Example: Your proposal, clearly written in your own engaging, enthusiastic, and slightly quirky voice, discussing a real-world problem and offering concrete solutions. We want to hear your voice, your passion, and your unique perspective. AI can help you brainstorm, refine, and even proofread, but it shouldn’t be the one speaking for you. We can tell. Trust us. We’ve seen enough AI-generated proposals to spot them from a mile away. They have a certain… algorithmic sheen to them.
3. The More Specific, The Better (We Like Buckets!)
Here’s a secret: we love details. The more specific you can be about what you’ll be talking about, the better. A fantastic way to achieve this level of granular goodness is to put your specific talking points in “buckets.” We like buckets. Buckets are organized. Buckets show us you’ve thought this through.
The “Vague Vortex” Example: “This session will cover fundraising strategies.” (Cue the sound of crickets. And maybe a tumbleweed rolling across the committee room.) This tells us absolutely nothing. What strategies? For whom? What kind of fundraising? We don’t have all day to decipher your Rosetta Stone.
The “Bucket Brigade” Example: “This session will introduce three innovative grant-writing methodologies that defy conventional wisdom: 1) The ‘Coffee Break’ Grant Hack: How to draft a compelling proposal in 15 minutes or less. 2) The ‘Story Weaver’ Approach: Crafting narratives that emotionally resonate with funders. 3) The ‘Follow-Up Frenzy’ Framework: Turning ‘no’ into ‘next time’ with strategic post-submission engagement.” Now that’s specific! We can almost see the bullet points on your presentation slides.
4. Let the Unique Perspectives, Not the Regurgitated Sameness
Conference organizers are constantly on the hunt for new trends, fresh conversations, and innovative ways of viewing best practices. We want speakers who are pushing the envelope, not simply reiterating what everyone already knows.
The “Been There, Done That” Example: “Effective Social Media for Nonprofits.” (Yawn.) While important, unless you’ve invented a truly revolutionary new algorithm that makes kittens go viral for charity, this topic has probably been covered ad nauseam.
The “Mind-Blowing” Example: “Harnessing TikTok for Donor Cultivation: A Case Study in Gen Z Philanthropy.” Now we’re talking! This is new, it’s relevant, and it suggests you’re tapped into the latest trends. We want to be inspired, challenged, and perhaps even slightly confused (in a good way) by your fresh insights.
5. Get Granular and Don’t Try to Change the World in an Hour
You’re not going to teach people all the components of fundraising in an hour. It’s simply not feasible. Think of it like trying to teach someone how to build a skyscraper in a single lunch break. However, you can teach them how to better identify potential major donors. That’s a delicious, bite-sized chunk of knowledge.
The “Mile Wide, Inch Deep” Example: “The A-Z of Nonprofit Management.” (This is like trying to drink from a firehose. You’ll just get wet and frustrated.)
The “Laser Focus” Example: “Decoding Donor Wealth Indicators: Advanced Strategies for Identifying High-Net-Worth Prospects.” Or, while teaching the basics of board governance is fine, people can also find perfectly good resources on BoardSource or other websites. So, either go more granular to discuss specific parts of a larger topic (e.g., “Navigating Board Conflicts: A Framework for Resolution and Growth”), or offer a truly unique perspective that isn’t readily available. That’ll get you noticed. We want depth, not just breadth.
6. Explain the “Why”
Why is what you are presenting important and relevant now? We’re not looking for academic exercises; we’re looking for practical, actionable insights that our attendees can immediately apply to their work.
The “So What?” Example: “A Historical Overview of Philanthropic Trends.” (Interesting, perhaps, for a doctoral thesis, but not for a practical conference breakout.)
The “Aha!” Example: “Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Crisis Communications Plan Now: Lessons from Recent Scandals.” This clearly explains the “why” – the urgency, the relevance, and the immediate benefit to the attendees. We want to feel like we’re missing out if we don’t attend your session.
7. Timeless Wisdom Wins
Present something that will be important five years from now, not just this month. While topical issues are sometimes relevant, we prioritize content with longevity. We want our attendees to walk away with tools and knowledge that will serve them well into the future.
The “Fad Alert” Example: “Mastering the Latest Social Media App: A Guide for Nonprofits.” (Unless this app revolutionizes human communication, it will be obsolete faster than you can say “MySpace.”)
The “Long-Term Value” Example: “Building Resilient Fundraising Pipelines: Strategies for Sustainable Growth.” This topic will always be relevant, regardless of the latest tech trend or political climate. We want to invest in knowledge that yields lasting dividends.
8. The “Product Placement” Problem
Be careful about the optics of including tech, intellectual property, etc. If it looks like you might be hawking your new website, your revolutionary software, or your self-published book, we will probably pass your proposal over faster than a cold potato salad at a summer picnic. Our conference is about learning and collaboration, not thinly veiled sales pitches.
The “Shameless Plug” Example: “How My Amazing New CRM Will Solve All Your Fundraising Woes!” (Followed by 15 slides of product features.) This immediately triggers our “sales alarm” and we start looking for the exit.
The “Generous Spirit” Example: You briefly mention a tool or resource that genuinely enhances the learning experience, without it becoming the central focus of your presentation. The key here is genuine value, not self-promotion.
9. Don’t Try to Get the Keynote
Most of the time, the conference organizers have already figured out who they want as keynote speakers. They’re usually seasoned veterans, well-known thought leaders, or someone with a truly unique, overarching message for the entire conference. You won’t get a breakout if it looks like you’re only shooting for the big keynote role. It comes across as presumptuous and, frankly, a bit out of touch.
The “Keynote or Bust” Example: Your proposal explicitly states, “This session is designed to be a groundbreaking keynote address, perfect for setting the tone for the entire conference.” (We appreciate the confidence, but this just tells us you haven’t read the instructions.)
The “Team Player” Example: Your proposal is clearly focused on a breakout session, demonstrating a desire to contribute meaningfully within that format. Aim for excellence in your chosen category, and the keynote might just come calling organically in a few years.
10. Co-Presenters Can Be a Liability
Conference organizers are inherently suspicious of multiple presenters. Often, people use co-presenters as a way to get a free conference registration for their friend or colleague. While we appreciate friendship, our budget does not. If the co-presenter is presenting less than 40% of the presentation, seriously consider leaving them out. It simplifies logistics, avoids potential confusion, and signals that every person on stage is truly essential.
The “Buddy System Gone Wild” Example: A proposal with four co-presenters, each listed with a single bullet point of responsibility. (We envision a chaotic stage with people tripping over each other’s laptops.)
The “Dynamic Duo” Example: A proposal with two co-presenters, clearly outlining their equal contributions and how their combined expertise creates a richer, more diverse perspective for the attendees. This signals a well-thought-out, collaborative effort.
11. Leave the Politics at Home
The Tennessee Nonprofit Conference is a place for unity, collaboration, and finding common ground to strengthen our communities. If it looks like you’ll be a political liability at the nonprofit conference, we will likely leave you behind. Our attendees come from a diverse range of backgrounds and beliefs, and we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
The “Hot Button” Example: A proposal with highly charged political language or that advocates for a specific partisan agenda. (This immediately raises red flags and sends us scrambling for the “reject” button.)
The “Common Ground” Example: Your proposal focuses on universal principles and best practices applicable to all nonprofits, regardless of their political leanings. We want to unite, not divide.
12. Embrace the Unifying Thread of the Conference Theme
If there is a conference theme, be sure to incorporate it into your proposal. This demonstrates that you’ve done your homework, understand the overall vision for the event, and can contribute to a cohesive and impactful experience for attendees.
The “Theme-Deaf” Example: A proposal that has absolutely no connection to the stated conference theme, as if it were plucked from an entirely different event. (This signals a lack of attention to detail and a disconnect from our objectives.)
The “Harmonious” Example: Your proposal seamlessly weaves in elements of the conference theme, showing how your session contributes to the larger narrative and goals of the event.
13. It’s Not That Hard to Follow Instructions
This one seems obvious, right? And yet, you’d be surprised. Read the submission guidelines. Twice. Triple-check. Then ask a friend to read them. Submitting a proposal that ignores word counts, formatting requirements, or missing fields tells us you’re either careless or simply don’t value our time. Neither is a good look.
The “Rebel Without a Cause” Example: A 5,000-word proposal for a 500-word limit, submitted in Comic Sans font, with half the required fields left blank. (We sigh. A lot.)
The “Rule Follower” Example: A proposal that meticulously adheres to every single instruction, from word count to formatting to required attachments. (We smile. A lot.)
14. Don’t Be a Diva
Seriously, don’t be a diva. We appreciate confidence, but there’s a fine line between self-assured and self-important. If your proposal suggests you’ll be demanding, difficult, or that you expect special treatment, we’ll probably pass. We’re looking for collaborative, approachable speakers who are excited to share their knowledge, not just their ego. If you are selected and you come across as a diva, we may replace you (we have before!).
The “My Way or the Highway” Example: A proposal that includes demands for specific AV equipment not typically provided, or insists on a particular time slot and location that doesn’t fit the conference schedule. Demanding additional money or items outside of the agreement is always a red flag. (This signals potential headaches down the road.)
The “Easygoing Enthusiast” Example: Your proposal expresses enthusiasm for the opportunity and a willingness to work within the conference’s parameters. We want speakers who are a joy to work with.
15. Explicit Takeaways and Outcomes: What Will They Learn?
Be explicit about what takeaways and outcomes you expect for your presentation. Attendees want to know what tangible benefits they’ll gain from spending an hour with you. This isn’t a mystery novel; it’s a professional development opportunity.
The “Vague Promises” Example: “Attendees will leave feeling inspired.” (While inspiration is nice, it’s not a measurable outcome.)
The “Actionable Insights” Example: “Attendees will leave with a customizable template for drafting compelling grant narratives, three new strategies for engaging board members in fundraising, and a checklist for conducting a successful year-end appeal.” Now that’s a promise we can get behind!
16. Why YOU?
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, be sure to explain why YOU are the most qualified to present this session. What unique experience, expertise, or perspective do you bring to the table that makes you the ideal speaker for this topic? Don’t be shy – this is your moment to shine!
The “Generic Bio” Example: “John Doe is a consultant with experience in the nonprofit sector.” (This tells us nothing about why he is the best person for this session.)
The “Irresistible Expert” Example: “As the former Director of Development for three national nonprofits, I have personally overseen capital campaigns totaling over $50 million and developed innovative donor stewardship programs that resulted in a 30% increase in recurring donations year over year. My real-world experience, coupled with a passion for empowering other fundraisers, makes me uniquely qualified to share actionable strategies for navigating complex donor relationships.” Now we’re listening!
So, there you have it, aspiring Tennessee Nonprofit Conference speakers! Heed these humorous (and hopefully helpful) tips, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting a proposal that stands out from the crowd. We’re excited to see your brilliant ideas, your unique perspectives, and your passion for strengthening the nonprofit sector. Now go forth and conquer that proposal, either with us or another conference! We’ll be eagerly awaiting your submissions next year! And remember, no divas.