About the Conference
Each year, the MCN Annual Conference convenes one of the largest gatherings of nonprofit professionals in the state. The day-long event includes an engaging keynote session, a wide selection of workshops and expert roundtables, networking opportunities, and the presentation of our Lifetime Achievement Awards.
2026 Event
The 2026 Conference will take place at the DCU Center in Worcester on October 21, and will include a keynote session with Congressman Jim McGovern. This year’s theme, titled ‘Community & Connection’, will empower nonprofits to share how they have evolved, grown, and formed new and innovative strategies to meet the present moment.
Interested in being a sponsor for the Conference? Please contact events@macouncilofnonprofits.org or visit this page to learn more.
Workshop and Roundtable Proposals Under Review
The RFP window to submit a Conference proposal closed July 22, and submissions are under review.
Similar to past years, we will have both traditional hour-long workshops and Expert Roundtable sessions, where experts present in an interactive format with a small group. Topics will include fundraising, leadership development, and racial justice and DEI work, and AI. We look forward to sharing our full lineup of presenters soon!
Keynote Speaker
Congressman Jim McGovern
United States House of RepresentativesWe are excited to announce that Congressman Jim McGovern will be speaking at this year’s Conference!
As the keynote speaker, Congressman McGovern brings valuable insights and perspective from his time representing the Second District of Massachusetts in the United States House of Representatives. He is a champion for the people of his home state of Massachusetts, and a global leader working to end hunger, protect human rights, and promote peace. Jim has also been the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee since 2018, serving as Chairman during the 116th and 117th Congress.
Learn more about the Congressman here.
What to Expect
Workshops and Expert Roundtables
The MCN team typically receives over 140 workshop and expert roundtable proposal submissions from a diverse group of experienced professionals all across the state. Of these, we choose approximately 30 to present at the event, being mindful to cover a range of topics and specialties to ensure that there is something for everyone to experience.
Keynote Presentation
The highlight keynote presentation typically consists of a featured speaker and panel discussing a timely topic of relevance to the sector. At the 2025 Conference, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell outlined the work her office is doing to help nonprofits in a changing and evolving landscape. The panel, titled “Rising with Resilience”, covered the ways in which nonprofits are responding to the immense new challenges presented this year.
Networking Opportunities
We provide networking tables so that people with similar roles can meet and connect with one another. Many of our affiliate members also set up tables around the space, enabling attendees to approach them and learn how the services they provide can help nonprofits grow.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Each year, MCN presents Lifetime Achievement Awards to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to Massachusetts nonprofits and the people they serve. This ceremony is always a highlight of our event.
See Photos and Videos From Last Year's Conference:
