The Envelope & Print Division of Tension sales team shares their most memorable parts of this year’s show.
From July 31-August 2, 2024, the Bridge Conference returned to National Harbor, MD. During the show, Tension had the opportunity to meet with customers, prospects, and leaders in the nonprofit space. In this blog, our sales team shares their key takeaways from the 2024 Bridge. We hope to see you again next year!
“The most interesting thing about this years Bridge was how many of the workshops were about Storytelling and how many of the workshops were about Artificial Intelligence.
Storytelling strategies lend themselves to long-format creative, i.e. direct mail letter kits. AI has a role to play in crafting a compelling story for fundraising purposes but can’t replace the humanity that was the genesis of the story shared by the non-profit to their audience.”
Chris Leitnick, Regional Manager – Fort Worth
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn here.
“After hearing about it last year from one of my good customers in higher education, I was looking forward to attending the 2024 Bridge Conference and IT. DID. NOT. DISAPPOINT! Being a “first-timer,” I thought it was incredibly valuable to not just have the opportunity to visit with clients at a dinner party, or an outside meal, but also to visit with so many that made it a point to stop by the Tension booth. We were able to share samples of our newest work and initiatives with them while also discussing their current and future projects.”
Tim Woodworth, Account Executive – Midwest Region
Connect with Tim on LinkedIn here.
“I had a fantastic conversation with one of our customers in higher education. This is an existing account that we have done various Printed Product work and mailings. They have genuine interest in our Gift Lift solution as they are really lacking with good employment information on their donors, and they know they are really missing an opportunity to capture more matching gift dollars.”
Mike Desmarais, National Category Sales Manager – Printed Products
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn here.
“Over the last six years that Tension has exhibited at the Bridge, its been amazing to see the show grow and learn how Tension’s offering can work with other exhibitors to offer the attendees here a well rounded portfolio to help them reach their donors.“
Kaitlin Graham, CRM and Marketing Events Manager
Connect with Kaitlin on LinkedIn here.
“Fundraising work is hard work. Yet walking into the Gaylord each year, greeted in the lobby by friendly faces with clipboards and balloons, I feel a sense of comradery with our customers who are on the front line as well as those of us who support them. This year in particular, I left inspired to find both small and large ways to make a difference and be a true Champion of Change.”
Karen Loggia, Vice President-Marketing
“It was most valuable to have deeper dive discussions with companies regarding their mailing needs. The conversations allowed us to uncover efficiencies that go beyond basic job specifications.”
Neil Lubin, Account Executive, East Region
Connect with Neil on LinkedIn here.
Tension has enjoyed exhibiting at the Bridge Conference since 2016. It’s not too early to be thinking of Bridge 2025, so if you would like more information, please visit our event page here. We look forward to next year’s show and we hope to see you there!
