Events For Changemakers: 7 Social Impact Conferences To Attend In 2018
Find The Conference That Fits You
A gathering space for like-minded individuals, social good conferences are an excellent place for change-makers and impact-leaders to come together for growth, networking, and inspiration!
In 2017, we were thrilled to participate in some of these gatherings, and we look forward to attending even more in the coming year. Whether you are searching for community, hands-on workshops, or a learning space to hear from experienced founders and social-impact leaders, mark your calendars for these gatherings in 2018. We hope to see you all there!
The Heart Series
When | February 15 & 16, 2018
Where | Los Angeles, CA
The Heart Series is kicking off 2018 with its annual two-day event for socially conscious organizations. A cozy, retreat-like gathering (the conference is capped at 200 participants to maintain intimacy), attendees can expect to learn from and collaborate with other purpose-driven businesses. Past speakers have included leaders from 31 Bits, I AM THAT GIRL, The Giving Keys, Krochet Kids, and more.
Learn more about The Heart Series in our recap of the 2016 and 2017 event. And grab your tickets soon—the event sells out every year.
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Classy’s The Collaborative
When | June 12–14, 2018
Where | Boston, MA
An annual conference hosted by Classy, The Collaborative is a three-day conference for nonprofit professionals and philanthropic leaders to unite, brainstorm, and share ideas. With an incredible lineup of sessions and speakers, attendees can learn from prominent leaders about topics like fundraising, technology & data, community mobilization, and social leadership. And, for emerging entrepreneurs, “Office Hours” is a unique space for one-on-one meetings with executives at leading organizations.
Make sure to pack your formal cocktail attire for the annual Classy Awards Ceremony. A red carpet affair, the ceremony is held on the final day of the conference.
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The Yellow Conference
When | August 23 & 24, 2018
Where | Los Angeles, CA
Beginning in 2014, The Yellow Conference, hosted by The Yellow Collective, is a 2-day event for creative, hard-working women who are committed to making a positive impact. An intimate space, attendees can anticipate inspiration, practical tools and resources, and honest dialogue with 500+ like-minded creatives. Past speakers have included Sarah Dubbeldam, Founder of Darling Magazine and Vik Harrison, VP of Creative at charity: water and a full day of workshops is available for those wanting to channel inspiration in a hands-on setting. When not hosting the annual conference, The Yellow Co. is a membership platform with monthly digital and physical tools for women who wish to deepen their impact and overcome mental obstacles.
In 2018, The Yellow Co. will also be going on a West Coast tour, visiting San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle. To learn more about these stops, and to be notified when conference tickets go on sale, visit the website.
You can also read our interview with the founder, Joanna Waterfall, for more information about the organization.
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Mashable’s Social Good Summit
Image credit: UNDP
When | Exact dates TBA
Where | New York City
The Social Good Summit gathers annually with one goal: #2030NOW. Focusing on the advancement of technology and how it can make the world a better place, the conference features global leaders and prominent change-makers from all around the world.
The event takes place each year during the United Nations General Assembly week in New York City, and attendees can expect to see leaders from organizations such as the United Nations, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization, to name a few. Sign up for the Mashable Experiential Newsletter to be notified when 2018 tickets go on sale.
Buy tickets to Mashable’s Social Good Summit
SXSW Conference: Social Impact Track
When | March 9–18, 2017
Where | Austin, TX
We love the SXSW Conference for the 24 different track options attendees can choose from, including the Social Impact Track for innovative ideas that contribute to a better and more equitable world. In 2018, attendees can expect to hear from industry leaders, like Ayesha Barenblat, the Founder of Remake, and author of Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening, Manal A-Sharif.
Session formats are diverse, and include meetups, workshops, roundtables, panels, book signings, and more.
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Net Impact Conference
When | October 25–27, 2018
Where | Phoenix, AZ
Inspiring young adults to use their careers to drive social and environmental change, Net Impact is bringing their annual conference west in 2018 (last year’s event was in Atlanta). Through meaningful workshops, inspirational speakers, and exciting networking opportunities, this three-day gathering is for anyone looking to build a purposeful and impactful career.
Tickets are not on sale just yet, but follow Net Impact on social media to be the first to know when they become available.
Buy tickets to the Net Impact Conference
Feast On Good
When | TBA
Where | TBA
A unique, non-traditional gathering in the form of a lively dinner party, The Feast is truly one of a kind. Each event is a curated, intimate space where nonprofits, change-makers, and social good leaders can come together for inspiring and powerful conversation (over a wonderful feast, of course).
The organization is currently re-launching. Request an electronic invitation to learn more about the 2018 gatherings.