“I don’t love technology. I love people.”
–Amy Sample Ward, CEO of NTEN
NTEN is an organization with a particular point of view. Their mission, values, theory of change, and commitment to equity, accessibility, and compassion are front and center. As much as the organization is about nonprofit technology, NTEN’s foundation is also about respecting people’s identity, history, lived experience, and creating safety.
That’s not just part of NTEN’s mission because they’re nice people–even though they are–it’s because nonprofits must use tech to advance their missions and change the world. Changing the world starts with respect for ourselves and others.
The Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) is a place for learning and community. I always feel seen, respected, and welcomed at NTC because of how NTEN staff weave the values of NTEN into every part of the conference. Feeling seen and affirmed creates the right environment for learning and connection.
There’s a reason this is my favorite conference. I love it so much.
The vibe of NTC makes it feel natural to connect with people authentically and to have conversations where we get real about things. I had work-related conversations at NTC, for sure, but also had fun conversations where I got to know people on a personal level, chats where we shared goals and fears, and heart-to-hearts where I felt okay being vulnerable. All of this makes for a well-rounded conference experience where I didn’t leave feeling drained, but energized.
A few specific things:
- NTEN began the opening sessions with a land acknowledgement and highlighted organizations working to support Indigenous people in the local area. I recall feeling perplexed when QR codes first came onto the nonprofit digital marketing scene, but they have really found their niche. The QR codes on the big screen made it easy and fast to donate to American Indian Health and Family Services of Southeast Michigan and Uniting Three Fires Against Violence.
- Mari Eva Mendes, an NTEN board member, spoke from the heart about NTEN and what an important role it plays. I was sincerely moved and inspired. You can support NTEN through volunteering, taking courses, earning certificates, participating in tech clubs and affinity/identity groups, attending NTC, and of course, by donating to NTEN.
- Pickleball! For many years now NTEN has organized a pickleball tournament at NTC and it’s one of the highlights for me. Special shoutout to Tristan Penn for leading this tournament year after year! If you’re going to 27NTC, you’ll see me back on the court. Fair warning, I play with more enthusiasm than skill.
If you’ve never been to NTC, it’s well worth your time and money to attend. In 2027, NTC will be in Portland, Oregon from March 23-26. Raise HECK will see you there!
Questions? Comments? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Here’s my LinkedIn thread about NTC.
Read the other NTC 2026 Recaps from Raise HECK
NTC 2026 Recap Part 2: What I Learned at Sessions and Keynotes
NTC 2026 Recap Part 3: How to Lead Through Tech Change