In 2020, all of us persevered through a pandemic, faced multiple reckonings for social change, and adapted to a virtual, remote-first landscape. Here at Blackbaud, we knew that bbcon, our annual tech conference, had to be something special—an event that responded appropriately to the seismic shifts we were all feeling in the wake of 2020.
The goal? For bbcon 2021 attendees (people across the world using technology to build a better world) to be inspired, energized, equipped, and empowered to do what they do BIGGER and BETTER than they could before.
The solution? A completely virtual, free conference filled with change-making conversations and an industry-leading lineup curated for a global audience.
The results? We welcomed nearly 25,000 registrants, hosted 140+ breakout sessions, welcomed 22 sponsors, had over 700,000 interactions, and saw Tweets about #bbcon reach over one million people.
More importantly, we brought virtual volunteering opportunities to bbcon attendees. We partnered with Goodera to benefit underserved children and people living with disabilities. Participants recorded audiobooks for Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area, which works with hospitalized children, and learned sign language to record messages of hope for Unitopia, an organization that works with neurodiverse children.
Laura Dern shared details about her work in film, her charitable involvement, and the ways she has given back.
LeVar Burton discussed his lifelong passion for literacy, the importance of storytelling, and how technology can connect us.
Dr. Pippa Grange spoke about how to perform under pressure, overcome fear, and avoid burnout.
Colbie Caillat sang us three of her uplifting songs and shared the stories behind her songwriting.
All in all, it was the best and most accessible bbcon yet—one that brought social good to the global stage in new, inspiring ways.
