AI front and centre at sector technology conference

Now in its 20th year, the sector's largest technology related event – formerly the Connecting Up conference – will feature AI-related sessions with topics ranging from Social Impact in the AI Era to Effective and Ethical Use of AI in the NFP Sector.

Such is the sector's interest, Infoxchange this week added a third half-day workshop devoted to AI, with the support of event partner Microsoft.

Facilitated by Microsoft's health and human services lead, Meli Kaplan, the AI and Social Impact half-day workshop will help attendees better understand how organisations can benefit from embracing AI tools.

The AI workshop on Friday May 3 is free for conference ticket holders but is capped at 100 tickets on a first-in first-served basis for those who register.

Microsoft ANZ's philanthropies and skills for employability lead, Tim Allen, said it was important to understand the risks and rewards of the burgeoning new technology.

“We need to be sure we all can be a democratising force for this new generation of technology, helping unlock its opportunity while mitigating its risks,” said Mr Allen.

“We also have a responsibility to ensure economic growth and opportunity reaches every person, organisation and community.

“AI has the potential to transform the social sector by enabling not-for-profits and social organisations to generate novel and diverse solutions, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of core functions and support beneficiaries in a more impactful way.”

Artificial intelligence is one of the biggest challenges – and opportunities – facing the not-for-profit and charity sector.

A poll conducted by the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) earlier this year on NFP leaders' attitudes to AI revealed:

• more than 20% believed there is potential to make greater use of AI in their organisations to make data-driven decisions
• about one fifth said AI would help them write better grant applications
• more than 15% believed the burgeoning technology would help them analyse data more effectively
• about 9% believed AI would improve customer engagement.

Almost one in four not-for-profits and charity organisations (69%) are already using AI, with two-thirds planning to adopt the technology in the coming year, according to the latest Digital Technology in the Not-For-Profit Sector report from Infoxchange.

Charities Minister Andrew Leigh will officially open the conference, which promises to examine the latest insights and trends in technology and social impact, as well to celebrate innovation and the use of tech by the country's not-for-profits.

Speakers, panellists and masterclass facilitators will cover the most pressing issues, topics and trends of 2024, with masterclass sessions to provide practical tools and training for NFP leaders to empower their organisation’s digital journey.

Organisers say the conference is also a chance to connect and collaborate with peers, thought leaders and technology providers in an intimate environment.

In a year marked by groundbreaking technological innovation, this year’s conference will focus on how to introduce new digital tools, including AI, strategically and ethically.

Panellists and masterclass facilitators will cover topics including:

• the changing landscape for charities and NFPs
• digital frontiers: new threats and opportunities for NFPs
• cybersecurity and the NFP sector
• the appropriate and effective use of AI in the NFP sector
• human-centric design, digital inclusion and digital accessibility
• data for impact
• digital marketing, community building and fundraising for NFPs.

ACNC Advisory Committee chair and Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO Sarah Davies will deliver the opening keynote address, titled Technology for Social Justice: Navigating New Digital Frontiers and Our True North.

The conference will also feature several panel discussions featuring leading lights from across the NFP, charity and technology sector, including:

• New Digital Frontiers: The Threats and Opportunities for the NFP Sector, with panellists ACOSS president Hang Vo, Microsoft CTO partner Nila Sarma, ARC Centre for Excellence director Professor Julian Thomas, and Tech Impact CEO Patrick Callihan

• Effective and Ethical Use of AI in the NFP Sector, with panellists Judy Slatyer, the Responsible AI Think Tank leader at the National AI Centre; Jessica Wilson, CEO of Good Things Foundation Australia; Lee Schofield, co-founder of Future For Now; and Chris Povey, CEO of Justice Connect. The session will be moderated by Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) journalist Matthew Schulz.

Head here for the full conference agenda, including details of day two masterclasses covering topics such as data, and cyber and digital marketing and fundraising.

Day one of the conference will be capped off by the annual Australian Not-for-Profit Technology Awards, which recognise the very best of technology innovation across the sector.

The award categories are:

• Not-for-profit Technology Innovator of the Year
• Technology for Community Impact
• Best Use of Data for Community Impact
• Best Technology Achievement by a First Nations Person or Group
• Best Accidental IT Person
• Technology Volunteer of the Year.

Infoxchange CEO David Spriggs said the Technology for Social Justice conference is the biggest gathering of not-for-profit and tech leaders in the nation.

“The overarching theme for our conference this year is really the latest in digital frontiers for the not-for-profit sector and really helping to demystify for not-for-profit leaders what all of that looks like.”

“I think it is a real opportunity for sector leaders to come together to really think about how they might use technology in a different way.”