Speaker Prep Guidelines
Table of Contents Colorado Nonprofit Association Bootcamp Guide Colorado Nonprofit Association Virtual Training Guide Colorado Nonprofit Association Roundtable Discussion Guide Colorado Nonprofit Association Connecting Colorado Guide
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A Message from our Team On behalf of the Colorado Nonprofit Association , we are thrilled to welcome you as a valued speaker and partner. Your expertise and commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector are essential to our mission, and we deeply appreciate your time and effort in sharing your knowledge with our community. Whether you are facilitating a workshop, leading a breakout session, or contributing to a panel discussion, your insights will empower nonprofit professionals across Colorado. We are committed to providing you with the support and resources you need for a seamless and impactful experience. As you prepare for your session, please know that our team is here to assist you every step of the way. If you have any questions, need additional materials, or require logistical support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your dedication to advancing the nonprofit sector. We look forward to working with you and seeing the positive impact of your contributions!
- The Colorado Nonprofit Association Programs & Events Team
Colorado Nonprofit Association Bootcamp Guide
Target Audience: Nonprofit and mission-driven organization professionals. Each Bootcamp typically hosts around 40 attendees.
Duration: Either half days (4 hours) or all day (8 hours)
Registration: All events are listed on the Colorado Nonprofit Association’s program calendar, where participants can register.
About the Colorado Nonprofit Association Bootcamps Nonprofit Bootcamp is a one-day intensive course The Bootcamp will cover essential topics perfect for emerging nonprofit leaders, those new to the sector, or aspiring community activists. Bootcamps focus on interaction and engagement offering curated content from a spectrum of experts. Examples include:
● Board member Bootcamp ● New Nonprofit Bootcamp ● Grant Writing Bootcamp
Bootcamp Example Full Day Schedule 9:00-9:30 - Doors Open (coffee and light breakfast snacks) 9:30- 10:45 Topic 1 or Big Idea 1 10:45-11:00- Break, Q&A 11:00-12:15- Topic 2 or Big Idea 2 12:15- 1:00- Break (Lunch) 1:00-2:15- Topic 3 or Big Idea 3 2:15- 2:25 Break, Q&A 2:25- 3:50 - Topic 4 or Big Idea 4 3:50- 4:00- Closing Questions/Remarks ● Colorado Nonprofit Association staff member will: ○ Order lunch and provide snacks
○ Set up and greet attendees ○ Lead a review of ground rules
○ Provide a brief introduction of the session facilitator ○ Provide a follow up survey at the end of the day ○ Send a ‘know before you go’ and ‘follow-up’ email
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○ Break down/ clean up ○ Arrival and Setup:
■ Arrive at the venue one hour before the event begins. ■ Set up morning snacks and beverages. ■ Arrange nametags at the check-in table. ■ Test all tech equipment (e.g., projectors, microphones).
○ Speaker Management:
■ Greet morning speakers upon arrival. ■ Confirm their schedule and assist with setup.
○ Registration and Attendee Management:
■ Check in attendees using the printed registration sheet. ■ Distribute nametags.
○ ● Bootcamp facilitator will:
○ Lead participant introductions (name and organization and any other prompt to break the ice such as a challenge around the topic area or light “get to know you” type of question depending on audience size and topic ○ Provide a brief overview of the session resource and days objectives ○ Guide participants through day
Facilitator Best Practices
As a Bootcamp facilitator, your role is to create an engaging, informative, and interactive learning environment. Below are best practices to ensure a successful session:
Set the Tone for Engagement
● Welcome participants warmly and establish a positive, inclusive atmosphere. ● Begin with participant introductions using a structured prompt to foster connection (e.g., name, organization, and a challenge or goal related to the session topic). ● Encourage open dialogue by setting clear expectations for participation and interaction.
Clearly Define Objectives & Agenda
● Provide an overview of the session’s objectives at the start. ● Explain how the content connects to participants' real-world experiences. ● Refer to session materials and resources so attendees know what tools they have at their disposal.
Foster Interaction & Discussion
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● Use a mix of presentation styles, including group discussions, hands-on activities, and Q&A sessions. ● Engage participants by incorporating real-world scenarios, case studies, or role-playing exercises when applicable. ● Encourage peer-to-peer learning by prompting attendees to share experiences and insights.
Manage Time Effectively
● Keep discussions on track while allowing space for organic conversation. ● Be mindful of scheduled breaks and transitions to maintain energy and focus. ● If a topic generates extensive discussion, acknowledge its importance and provide options for follow-up conversations.
Utilize Support & Resources
● Collaborate with the Colorado Nonprofit Association staff, who will assist with logistics, technology, and attendee needs. ● If technical issues arise, remain calm and flexible while staff works to resolve them. ● Encourage participants to complete the follow-up survey to gather feedback for continuous improvement.
Wrap Up with Key Takeaways
● Summarize key insights and actionable steps from the session. ● Allow time for final questions and reflections. ● Direct attendees to additional resources or next steps related to the topic.
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Colorado Nonprofit Association Virtual Training Guide
Target Audience: Growing organizations looking to build capacity. Attendance varies from 30-100 people.
Duration: one hour online
Registration: All events are listed on the Colorado Nonprofit Association’s program calendar, where participants can register.
About the Colorado Nonprofit Association Bootcamps Virtual learning sessions offer convenient access to expert insights and valuable resources, spanning a diverse range of topics led by nonprofit and business experts What you can expect: 1. Once we have all background information, your training session will be made available on our program calendar where people can register. 2. A week prior to your session I will provide you with the Zoom link for the training. 3. The day before, participants get a reminder email with the Zoom link. They already have this link from registration but it's nice to have it at the top of their inbox. 4. On the training day, I will be on the call about 10 minutes early to hit 'record' and to open the waiting room. 5. During your training, I will provide a brief introduction/ thank you, but after that you can run it however you would like! 6. Post-training, an email is sent out with any resources you'd like to share as well as a feedback survey to which I will provide the results after a few days.
Facilitator Best Practices
● Set an agenda slide with your contact information and introduce yourself. ● Set time aside throughout the presentation to answer questions, members know to utilize the chat. ● Check out some of our previous virtual trainings on our Vimeo channel to gather inspiration.
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Colorado Nonprofit Association Roundtable Discussion Guide
Target Audience: Colorado Nonprofit Professionals Duration: 50-60 minutes
About the Colorado Nonprofit Association Roundtable series The Colorado Nonprofit Association Roundtable series consists of small-group discussions led by nonprofit professionals, designed to foster connections among participants with shared specialties and interests. Each one-hour virtual session encourages statewide participation and features a facilitator who guides the conversation while offering their expertise. Attendees are invited to share their challenges and questions related to the session's topic, facilitating a collaborative exchange of solutions and insights. To enhance the discussions, facilitators are encouraged to select and share a relevant resource—such as an article, podcast, or website—ten days prior to the roundtable for distribution to all attendees. Roundtable Learning Objectives 1. Participants will be able to engage in peer-to-peer learning by sharing and analyzing personal experiences related to their nonprofit role or topic area. 2. Participants will demonstrate the ability to identify common challenges faced by nonprofit organizations and discuss potential solutions. 3. Participants will expand their professional networks within the nonprofit sector. 4. Participants will review the provided resources, critically analyze its content, and apply key concepts to frame discussions on the overarching topic.
Roundtable Session Timeline
Welcome and Introduction (10 minutes)
● Colorado Nonprofit Association staff member will: ○ Greet attendees
○ Lead a review of ground rules for discussion (see below) ○ Provide a brief introduction of the session facilitator
● Session facilitator will: ○ Lead participant introductions (name and organization and any other prompt to break the ice such as a challenge around the topic area or light “get to know you” type of question depending on audience size and topic ○ Provide a brief overview of the session resource and days objectives ○ Guide participants through conversation
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Main Discussion (40 minutes)
Facilitators are encouraged to identify a resource related to the topic such as an article, webpage, podcast, or video that can be shared with attendees ahead of the event. Facilitators should craft a set of 4-5 questions that can be used to guide participants through the roundtable. Sample prompts are listed below to start or augment the conversation. Facilitators are welcome and encouraged to create additional, specific questions related to their topic or resource.
Closing Remarks (led by CNA staff) (5 minutes)
● Thank participants for joining and remind them to find one another on LinkedIn or share their email if they met someone new they would like to connect with ● Remind them of the next roundtable date and ask if there are any future topics they would like to see in the roundtable series ● Share any relevant upcoming CNA events and link to calendar ● Drop a link for a roundtable evaluation
Suggested Conversation Prompts
Opening Discussion Prompts:
● "What's the most significant challenge your organization has faced in the past year related to [TOPIC]?" ● "How has your organization adapted to changes in the nonprofit landscape related to [TOPIC]?" ● "What innovative approaches have you implemented related to [TOPIC] that others might learn from?"
Experience Sharing Prompts:
● “Tell us about a time when you had to completely rethink your approach related to [TOPIC]” ● “In regards to [TOPIC], what has been your most unexpected learning” ● “If you were to train your clone on [TOPIC], knowing what you know now, what lesson or tools would you prioritize?”
Solution-Oriented Prompts:
● "What resources or tools have been game-changers for your organization?" ● "How have you successfully navigated similar challenges?" ● "What partnerships have been most valuable to your work?" ● "Where do you find inspiration for new approaches?"
Reflection and Wrap-Up Prompts (10 minutes)
● "What's one insight from today's discussion that you'll take back to your work?"
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● "What questions are you leaving with?" ● "What support would help you implement what we've discussed?"
Facilitation Guidelines CNA Staff will read the following instructions and copy/paste this list in the roundtable chat
Thank you for joining us today. Before we get started, I would like to cover some ground rules for a productive roundtable. Our roundtables are intended to foster peer-to-peer learning, so remember that you each are experts in your experiences. We hope you will share both your strengths and ideas as well as questions and areas where you can use additional support.
1. Zoom Etiquette
● Keep yourself muted when not speaking ● Use the "raise hand" feature or chat to indicate you'd like to speak ● When speaking, turn your camera on if possible
2. Be Fully Present:
● Close other tabs and minimize distractions ● Stay engaged with the discussion (limit multitasking) ● Keep your camera on when possible to create connection
3. Practice Inclusive Participation: ● Share airtime equitably
● Listen actively when others are speaking ● Avoid dominating the conversation - aim for concise contributions
5. Encourage Community:
● Critique ideas, not people ● Acknowledge and build on others' contributions
Facilitator Best Practices
1. Ensure equal participation from all attendees a. If you notice an individual dominating the conversation, acknowledge and thank them for their thoughts and then ask who else would like to share or contribute 2. Navigate tangents gracefully back to core topics 3. Be prepared with follow-up questions to deepen discussion 4. Connect similar experiences across organizations 5. If encountering technical issues, ask CNA staff member for assistance
Discussion Management Techniques
● Use the "round robin" technique for initial responses ● Employ the "stack" method for managing multiple speakers
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● Utilize silence strategically to encourage reflection - it is okay for there to be moments of quiet reflection or lulls in the conversation ● Bridge between different perspectives and experiences
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Colorado Nonprofit Association Connecting Colorado Guide
Event Overview
Connecting Colorado is a full-day, in-person conference bringing together nonprofit professionals for educational sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities .
Target Audience: Nonprofit professionals at all career stages Session Duration: Choose between 60 or 75 minutes Audience Size: Varies by location (see venue details below) Conference Dates & Attendance Estimates 📍 Loveland – April 16, 2025 (170 attendees) 📍 Colorado Springs – May 20, 2025 (160 attendees) 📍 Grand Junction – September 10, 2025 (125 attendees) 📍 Denver – October 20, 2025 (300 attendees)
Conference Schedule Overview
Time
Activity
8:15-9:00
Check-in & Breakfast Networking
9:00-9:30
Opening Remarks
Breakout Session 1
9:40-10:55
Breakout Session 2
11:00-12:00
12:00-1:15
Lunch
Breakout Session 3
1:20-2:20
Breakout Session 4
2:30-3:15
Plenary Session (New this year!)
3:20-4:00
4:00-4:30
Closing Remarks & Reflections
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What to Do When You Arrive on Event Day
To ensure a smooth experience, please follow these steps when you arrive:
1. Check in with the Association team – Stop by the registration table to pick up your speaker packet , which includes your name badge, schedule, and any last-minute updates. 2. View Your Breakout Room – Take a moment to familiarize yourself with your session room, check the A/V setup, and arrange any materials you’ll need. 3. Set Up at the Speaker Table – We’ve designated a Speaker Table (similar to a vendor table) where you can place materials for attendees to pick up. Use this space to display handouts, business cards, or resources for follow-up after your session.
If you need any assistance, Colorado Nonprofit Association staff will be on-site to help with logistics, A/V setup, and answering any questions.
Speaker Logistics by Location
Location
Venue
Room Capacity
A/V Setup
Parking
Loveland
Embassy Suites Conference Center
48 (Classroom Style)
Bring your own computer (adapters & clicker provided); Wireless mic & LCD package
$14/day onsite
Colorado Springs
The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel
50 (Theatre Style)
Bring your own computer; Wireless mic, lavalier, clicker, & laptop audio interface
Complimentary self-parking
Grand Junction
Grand Junction Convention Center
45 (Classroom Style)
Bring your own computer; Projector, screen, wireless mic, sound, & clicker
Free parking (private lot & underground)
Denver
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
70 (Classroom Style)
Bring your own computer
Discounted self-parking ($10/car)
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Facilitator Best Practices
To create an engaging and impactful session, follow these best practices:
1. Set the Stage for Engagement
● Arrive at least one hour before your session to check in and set up. ● Start with a brief introduction and an interactive icebreaker. ● Outline session objectives and highlight key takeaways.
2. Encourage Participation
● Keep your session dynamic—use discussion prompts, case studies, or group activities . ● Foster peer-to-peer learning by encouraging attendees to share their experiences. ● Reserve time for Q&A to ensure an interactive experience.
3. Manage Time Effectively
● Stick to the agenda while allowing room for organic conversation. ● Use transition slides or verbal cues to guide participants through content shifts. ● Be mindful of scheduled breaks —staying on track helps the event flow smoothly.
4. Utilize Resources & Support
● The Colorado Nonprofit Association staff will be on-site to assist with logistics and tech support. ● If using handouts , please bring printed copies as on-site printing is limited. ● Submit presentation slides in advance to our programs team.
5. End with Actionable Insights
● Summarize key takeaways and provide next steps or resources. ● Encourage attendees to connect with you and continue discussions post-event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to purchase a ticket?
No, your ticket is covered! Lunch will be provided—please notify us of any dietary restrictions or if you do not plan to stay for lunch.
Do I need to bring printed handouts?
Yes, if you plan to distribute materials, please bring printed copies. On-site printing will be limited.
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How many participants should I expect?
We will provide room capacity estimates, but actual attendance may vary.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive at least one hour before your session to check in and set up.
How should I submit my slides?
Please send your slides to our programs team a few days before the event for inclusion in follow-up materials.
What happens after the conference?
Following each conference, we will send attendees a follow-up email with session materials and a survey. Please provide any additional resources you’d like to share along with your slides.
Point of Contact:
● Madeline Espinoza – mespinoza@coloradononprofits.org, Events and Programs Coordinator ● Jaime Burgher – jburgher@coloradononprofits.org, Director of Programs
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