2023 NAYDO Experience

The annual conference of the North American YMCA Development Organization
(NAYDO) was held in Austin, TX this year. The conference brings together YMCA staff and developers to gather together to network, learn, and grow through workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities.

This spring, BellXcel introduced Arly, the official name of its youth program management solution, to attendees of the NAYDO Conference. Attendees learned how Arly integrates all of the essential ingredients for creating and managing high-quality youth experiences with proven impact. The team was inspired by the exciting conversations on the exhibit floor, with new and long-time YMCA friends alike.

Our team was also thrilled to have the opportunity to present an interactive workshop at the conference entitled “Essential Ingredients for a Powerful Fundraising Strategy.” Dr. Lauren Sanchez Gilbert, CEO of BellXcel, alongside Damon Johnson, Chief Impact Officer, and Sasha Trosh, Associate Vice President, Philanthropic Partnerships, took participants through the three key ingredients for fundraising success: finding your evidence, telling your story, and showing your impact. The team stressed the importance of taking the time to evaluate the significance of a program by first thinking through why it exists, who it helps and how to know if the program is successful. An interactive activity challenged participants to think about how different types of evidence could be used to provide insight into their program’s story of impact.

The standing-room-only crowd left the workshop feeling energized and engaged, excited to take these tips back to their programs. Arly by BellXcel is already confirmed as a returning exhibitor in 2024.

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Look for Arly by BellXcel next at the YMCA General Assembly this July.