The Commons
This is the heart of the NTC when attendees are not in sessions. Relax in lounges, work on volunteer projects, and chat with sponsors for information about the latest products and services. The Commons are open every day in Baltimore. Read on to see what's going on at The Commons this year!
Topic tables
Join conversations on key topics with fellow attendees at these sponsor-hosted tables during afternoon receptions on Wednesday and Thursday.
Wednesday's topics
• Using automation for nonprofit success: Automation Anywhere
• Boost donations with better websites: Autumn
• Attribution: Fact or fable?: BEATS Analytics
• Secrets to fundraising success: BetterWorld
• Streamlining event operations for nonprofits: Cadmium
• Using AI to accelerate fundraising analytics: Civis Analytics
• GitHub 101: Tech solutions built for and bynonprofits: GitHub Social Impact
• Accessible & inclusive web tactics: Kanopi Studios
• Streamlining operations with AI technology: LiveImpact
• Unlocking funding through security compliance: Lockwell
• Prioritizing staff skilling: Microsoft
• Managing disruption through culture: PROPEL culture consulting
• Securing your org with a data retention policy: Personified Tech
• Developing an AI use policy for your org: Personified Tech
• Ask a hacker anything: RipRap Security
• Ethical frameworks for evaluating AI: Quiller
• Check your back-office health: Mazlo
• Mission focused cyber resilience: Integris
• Getting started with automation & AI: Workhall
Thursday's topics
• Ask a hacker anything: RipRap Security
• Overcoming political turmoil with AI: Quiller
• Identifying culture roadblocks: PROPEL culture consulting
• Emerging trends in nonprofit phishing & scams: Personified Tech
• Cybersecurity best practices for your nonprofit: Personified Tech
• Engaging virtual volunteers: Microsoft
• Check your back-office health: Mazlo
• AI & the future of cybersecurity: Lockwell
• Make your website AI-ready: LiveImpact
• Inclusive web design for seniors: Kanopi Studios
• Am I ready for a data warehouse?: Civis Analytics
• Streamlining event operations for nonprofits: Cadmium
• Power of modern donation forms: BetterWorld
• Media mix modelling 101: BEATS Analytics
• Building a strong web presence: Autumn
• Crafting an effective AI policy: Adartova Consulting
• Mission focused cyber resilience: Integris
• Strategies for engaging virtual volunteers: GitHub Social Impact
Resource tables and Connect hubs
Expore product demos, resources and nonprofit offerings, and have in-depth chats with experts through sponsors' Resource tables and Connect hubs at The Commons throughout the conference.
Headshots and photo booth
Professional headshot photos will be available in the Commons – sponsored by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Plus, a traditional photo booth with printouts—sponsored by the Public Interest Registry—will be set up with fun props.
Both will be available from 11:30 AM till the end of the afternoon receptions on each conference day.
Games, art, and music
Take a play break in Baltimore! Enjoy pickleball, table tennis, badminton, arcade games, and traditional board games in the Commons whenever it's open. Compete for the championship in the pickleball tournament on Wednesday, April 16, at 3:45 pm ET, or in the table tennis tournament on Thursday, April 17, at 4:00 pm ET. Tournament spots are first-come, first-served and will fill up fast! Attendee fun is sponsored by Public Interest Registry.
Expert feedback chats
Get one-on-one or small-group advice from industry experts at these sponsor-hosted tables in Baltimore on Friday, April 18 from 10 am to 12:30 pm. These take place near the registration area, on Level 300 at the Pratt Street Lobby. Whether you need strategic guidance or technical tips, this is your chance to ask questions and gain valuable insights. View all the expertise on offer and book a fifteen-minute chat.
Virtual huddles
Looking for additional opportunities to connect and network as part of the virtual 25NTC experience? Virtual huddles are small-group meetups at the start of each day, offering a chance to connect, share insights, and build community with fellow attendees no matter where you are in the world.
This is a pilot program for the virtual NTC, so seats are limited. There is no additional cost to participate.
Facilitated huddles will happen each day of the conference from 9:00–10:00 am ET while in-person attendees attend the keynote, offering virtual attendees a way to also start each day connecting with peers. There will also be a post-event opportunity to extend connections beyond the conference.
Baltimore Orioles baseball game
Wrap up Day 1 of the conference with a free Baltimore Orioles game, sponsored by our NTC Host Sponsors: Microsoft, Advance Solutions Corp., and Public Interest Registry. On Wednesday, April 16, we've reserved an entire section for NTC attendees. The game time is 6:35 p.m. ET. Camden Yards is just a few blocks from the Baltimore Convention Center, so you won't have to go far. Seats are limited—reserve yours in your profile when you register or email us with any questions.
Attendee engagement
Attendee-led events
No matter how much we pack into the NTC program, our community’s enthusiasm for connection keeps going. Our attendees self-organize for even more networking, learning, and fun. The result is an abundance of unofficial gatherings and experiences to fill your days and nights.
Dine-around dinners
Enjoy good food and conversation with small groups of other attendees at one of Baltimore's popular restaurants. Dinners are no-host, which means you’re responsible for the cost of your meal and drinks. Available dinners will be added closer to the conference.
Birds of a feather
Connect with NTC attendees based on your shared interests or identities. Attendees can host Birds of a feather topics in person or virtually. Submit your topics by April 13 to ensure they are reflected on the NTC agenda.
