2013 Annual Conference Presentations
The Power of Exchange: Creating Sustainable Cities & Sustainable Relationships was the theme of the 57th Annual Conference. Conference sessions explored innovative ways municipalities and communities can work together to build strong and lasting relationships. Here are some speaker presentations and resources from the Conference.
Fundraising: Advocating for Funding Locally
The process of raising funds to support your non-profit requires some diversification. Learn the various ways to raise funds locally through federal grants, corporate giving sponsorships, and foundation support. Also, pick up some tips and tricks from professionals to learn how to strengthen your grant applications and stand out from the pile.
Click here to download panelist Dana Kelly, Lakeland Sister Cities International’s presentation.
Exchange & Partnerships: Partnering with Diaspora Organizations for Success
America is still the great melting pot of the world with people from all over the globe calling U.S. cities home. Many immigrants retain strong ties to their ancestral homes and participate in different organizations and events to connect with other members of the diaspora community. There is a natural synergy between sister city programs and these diaspora organizations. Learn more about how your organization can reach out and explore new partnerships with the diaspora community.
Click here for panelist The Honorable Councilwoman Marie Erlande Steril, Vice Mayor, City of North Miami’s presentation.
Fundraising: Generating Revenue from Local Membership
Many organizations today are looking to create a steady base of support for their local activities. One way some sister city programs achieve this goal is through local member dues. Learn about different models for local membership structures and investigate what questions to answer in determining which model is right for your program.
Click here for Adam Kaplan, Membership Director, Sister Cities International’s presentation.
Exchange & Partnerships: Visa Services & High School Homestay
So many forms—so little time! Visa experts will join us to offer advice on applying for the various visa types and offer their insight on the visa process. New rules and
regulations went into effect in 2012.
Click here for the pamphlet on visa types distributed in this session.
Economic Development: Leveraging Your Cultural Assets for a Positive Economic Impact
Cultural assets are an important precursor to economic development especially in the area of international engagement. Creative Industries in any community can provide important economic impact and significance.
Click here to view panelist Dr. Steve Nivin, Assistant Professor of Economics, St. Mary’s University’s presentation.
Exchange & Partnerships: Your Program and Returning Military Veterans
U.S. service members are returning from their tours abroad and have great experience and local contacts from their travels. This experience can enhance your local programming and provide the on-the-ground experience, especially abroad, that can make the difference for a successful program. Join us to learn about how you can reach out to this community of soldiers and offer them a way to continue making an impact abroad through their local sister cities program.
- Click here to view moderator Joe Rice, Director of Government Relations, Lockheed Martin Space Systems’ presentation. Click here to view a pamplet.
- Click here to view panelist Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins, the Adjutant General of Maryland’s presentation.
Luncheon Keynote: David Houle, America’s Leading Futurist and Author of “Entering the Shift Age”
David Houle is consistently ranked as one of the top futurists and futurist keynote speakers in the world today. In the last three years he has delivered keynotes on six continents and twelve countries. He is often called “the CEOs’ Futurist” having spoken to or advised 2,000+ CEOs and business owners in the past four years.”
Click here to view David Houle’s presentation.