Charity leaders’ breakfast event: Future-proof emergency appeals

Between the rapid evolution of digital platforms, shifting public perceptions, and the growing complexity of global emergencies, the traditional emergency appeal playbook needs rethinking.

That's why we're bringing together a small group of charity leaders for breakfast on Tuesday 29th April at The Lighterman in King's Cross (9:30am-12:00pm) to tackle these challenges head-on.

Why this conversation matters now

The humanitarian sector is facing unprecedented challenges. Public trust is increasingly fractured. Digital algorithms shape what potential supporters see and don't see. Donor behaviour continues to evolve rapidly. Amidst all this change, charities are expected to respond to emergencies with ever-greater speed and effectiveness.

Many organisations are finding that approaches that worked reliably five years ago simply aren't delivering the same results today.

Instead of treating each emergency as a separate fundraising challenge, we need collective thinking about how to build adaptable, resilient fundraising strategies that can weather these changes over time.

Exceptional insights from sector leaders

We've assembled a panel of speakers with diverse perspectives on these challenges:

• Simon Beresford (Director of Fundraising and Marketing, DEC) will explore how public perceptions of crises are increasingly divided, the challenges this creates, and where sector collaboration is needed to rebuild trust through seamless donor journeys.
  
• Lizzie Borwick (Global Fundraising Director, Amnesty International) brings two decades of emergency appeal experience across multiple sectors and will share strategies for building sustainable supporter relationships amid rising global crises.
  
• Rhodri Davies (Founder, Why Philanthropy Matters) will discuss how nonprofits and NGOs can navigate modern challenges, including state funding withdrawal, rising nationalism in charitable giving, and the impact of algorithmic systems on donor engagement.
  
• Amina Iqbal (Director of Client Services, Torchbox) will share insights on rapid-response digital advertising during crises, drawing from her experience with world-record-setting campaigns that deliver exceptional ROI.

A different kind of event

This is an intimate gathering of peers (limited to 35 senior leaders) designed to facilitate meaningful conversation and practical problem-solving.

We'll start with a delicious breakfast and networking, followed by our keynote and panel discussion. Then, we'll break into interactive roundtable discussions where you can share challenges, exchange solutions, and build connections with others facing similar issues.

You'll leave with:

• Practical strategies for optimising emergency appeals in a changing digital landscape
• Collaborative approaches to platform testing and innovation
• Decision-making frameworks that work for resource-constrained organisations
• Future-focused storytelling methods that drive better results
• New connections with peers tackling similar strategic challenges

Who should attend?

This event is designed specifically for senior leaders actively shaping the future of emergency appeals. If you're wrestling with questions about how to make your emergency fundraising more effective, sustainable and future-ready, this conversation is for you.

How to join us

While this is primarily an invitation-only event, we have a few remaining places available for charity leaders who would value being part of this important discussion.

If you'd like to attend, please email Lisa: lisa.ballam@torchbox.com

Spaces are limited to ensure quality discussion, so please register soon if you'd like to join us.

Read about our last charity leaders' breakfast event on AI in the nonprofit sector.