2026 Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference

Frequently Asked Questions about VMHC

• What is the VMHC?

  The Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference (VMHC) is a one-day, conference-style event designed specifically for professionals working in volunteer engagement.

  Presented by Better Impact, in support of the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE) and Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada (VMPC), VMHC is one of the largest and most accessible events dedicated to volunteer professionals across North America.

  Unlike traditional conferences that require travel, VMHC delivers a full conference experience in a flexible hybrid format. Attendees can join live expert-led sessions either individually from anywhere or by participating at a local host site, where they can connect and network in person with peers in their community.

  The event focuses on the real challenges facing volunteer engagement today, including strategy, technology, data, and program sustainability. Sessions are designed to provide practical takeaways that professionals can apply immediately in their organizations.

  VMHC 2026 takes place on October 20, 2026.

• What is a Conference Host Site?

  A Host Site is a local gathering organized by an organization or company where volunteer engagement professionals come together to participate in the conference as a group.

  Instead of attending alone, participants join peers in their area to watch the live sessions, take part in facilitated discussions or workgroups, and exchange ideas in real time. This creates a more interactive and collaborative experience while still accessing the full conference program.

  Host Sites are a core part of the hybrid format, combining the accessibility of a virtual event with the energy and connection of in-person engagement.

  By attending at a Host Site, participants benefit from:

  • Access to thought leaders and experienced practitioners in volunteer management
  • Interactive discussions and activities that help turn ideas into practical action
  • The opportunity to build relationships with a local network of peers while being part of a broader, continent-wide conversation

• Can I attend as an individual?

  Yes. You can attend the Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference individually from anywhere.

  All sessions are streamed live, so you can fully participate, learn from expert speakers, and gain practical insights without needing to travel or join a group.

  If you prefer a more interactive experience, you also have the option to attend at a local Host Site, where you can connect and engage with peers in person. But this is not required. Many attendees choose to join individually and still receive the full value of the conference.

• What is the theme this year?

  This year’s theme is “Embracing the Future of Volunteer Engagement: Building for Resilience and Sustainability.”

  As expectations continue to rise and resources remain stretched, volunteer engagement professionals are being asked to lead with greater clarity, adaptability, and strategic focus. This year’s conference is designed to help you navigate that reality.

  Sessions will explore how to build volunteer programs that are not only effective today, but resilient enough to evolve with changing needs. From technology and data to leadership and long-term planning, the focus is on creating sustainable systems that support both your volunteers and your mission over time.

• What are the fees for attending or organizing a Host Site?

  Individual attendance is $50, providing full access to all live conference sessions and content.

  For organizations interested in hosting a local Host Site, pricing is as follows:

  • $550 for Better Impact customers, AL!VE members and Service Enterprise organizations, and VMPC members
  • $600 for the general public

  Host Sites set their own pricing for attendees, allowing each organization to structure participation in a way that fits their local community and goals.

  Hosting a site provides an opportunity to bring volunteer professionals together for a more interactive, in-person experience while accessing the full conference program.

• Why is this year's conference only one day?

  This year’s conference has been intentionally designed as a focused, high-impact one-day experience.

  By concentrating the event into a single day, we are able to deliver more relevant, practical content without the time and scheduling challenges that often come with multi-day conferences. It allows more professionals to participate fully, stay engaged, and walk away with clear, actionable insights.

  The format has also been structured to be accessible across all North American time zones, making it easier for attendees to join live without needing to commit multiple days or navigate complex schedules.

  The goal is simple: make the conference more accessible, more focused, and more valuable for today’s busy volunteer engagement professionals.

   

• When will registration open?

  We will be opening registration soon. While an official date has not yet been announced, you can pre-register now to be the first to know when registration goes live.

  Pre-registering ensures you receive early updates, event details, and important announcements as they become available.

• Who can I contact to find out more?

  If you have questions about the Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference, you can reach out directly to Eli Samuels, Senior Director of Marketing at Better Impact.

  Email: eli.samuels@betterimpact.com