In this podcast, Trevor Nelson and Victoria Emily-Bapp, Vice President of TechBridge, discuss the intricacies of fundraising, the importance of networking, and the transition from law enforcement to nonprofit leadership. They discuss how to build meaningful relationships in fundraising, the significance of strategy and operations, and the dynamics of sponsorship management in the nonprofit sector. Key Topics: - Fundraising requires a strong network and relationship-building skills. - Transitioning from law enforcement to nonprofit work. - Understanding the emotional aspect of fundraising. - Separating the ask from operations. - Building relationships that lead to long-term sponsorships. Timestamps: 00:00 The Power of Networking in Fundraising 02:32 From Law Enforcement to Nonprofit Leadership 05:34 Leveraging Corporate Skills in Nonprofits 07:15 Building Relationships Over Transactions 10:13 Strategic Event Planning and Execution 13:13 The Importance of Research in Sponsorships 16:04 Innovative Approaches to Fundraising Events 18:59 Lessons Learned in Fundraising 21:51 Embracing Change and Staying Curious #fundraising #networking #nonprofit #sponsorship #relationshipbuilding #golftournament #TechBridge #lawenforcement #strategy #communityservice About Victoria: Victoria Emily-Bapp is a distinguished events leader with nearly two decades of experience delivering transformative conferences and events. As the Vice President of Strategic Events at TechBridge, she leverages her extensive expertise and dedication to excellence to drive innovative strategies and achieve remarkable outcomes. Victoria's diverse background includes nine years of service in Georgia law enforcement, which has uniquely equipped her with a strong foundation in leadership, crisis management, and community engagement. Her transition to the events industry is marked by a commitment to harnessing these skills to create meaningful experiences and foster economic growth. Before joining TechBridge in 2021, Victoria brought her dynamic leadership to Marriott Global as Director of Conference and Events Management, where she focused on attracting Sports & Entertainment and West Coast Corporate events to the Atlanta market. Her strategic vision and collaboration with the Atlanta Citywide Campaign were instrumental in supporting the city as a premier destination for high-profile gatherings, contributing more than $3 million in annual event revenue. Beyond her professional achievements in law enforcement and conference/events management, Victoria is a passionate advocate for social causes. She supports initiatives against human trafficking and child abuse, particularly where they intersect with the hospitality industry. She frequently shares her insights and expertise with peers and emerging leaders in the field as a speaker at event industry conferences. Victoria is a long-standing member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), where she contributes to the Education Taskforce Committee. She has also been a Meeting Professionals International (MPI) member since 2017, the world's largest international association for meeting and event professionals. With a track record of delivering impactful events and a commitment to making a difference, Victoria continues to be a driving force in the convening industry and beyond. Where to find Victoria: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-emily-bapp/ TechBridge - https://techbridge.org/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wearetechbridge/