Networks, Stakeholders and Nonprofit Organization Governance: Whither (Wither?) Boards

A Conference for Practitioners and Researchers

 Convened by
The Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership

The Henry W. Bloch School of Business & Public Administration at the

University of Missouri - Kansas City
and
The Nonprofit Quarterly

April 26-27, 2007

Marriott Country Club Plaza Hotel
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A.

Nonprofit leaders understand that effective governance is integral to the success of nonprofits and to the communities they serve.  Nonetheless, consultants, researchers and executives alike continue to be intrigued, challenged, and even troubled by the complex and dynamic nature of nonprofit governance and the boards that engage in it. The purpose of this innovative conference is to advance our knowledge about nonprofit governance by bringing together in active dialogue those researchers and practitioners who have a serious interest in the changing world of nonprofit and NGO governance. 

The 2007 Governance Conference is a unique and highly participative conference that offers a timely opportunity for nonprofit leaders and researchers to come together for a lively dialogue about what we know and what we are learning as we consider the future of nonprofit boards and governance.  The conference is designed to be a relatively intimate gathering of those who are serious about sharing and shaping governance ideas and learning.  It offers a collegial forum for true dialogue, learning, and creative thinking as we explore the increasingly challenging dynamics of effective governance.  Using the Midwest Center model that has been so successful for previous academic-practitioner conferences, the conference offers multiple opportunities for formal and informal discussion and dialogue among the consultants, executives, and academics who are most engaged in addressing these challenges. 

One key element of the conference will be sharing highlights and insights emerging from recent governance research.  Leading researchers and writers in the field will discuss their work to explore the changing sphere of governance through case studies, empirical research and conceptual papers.  Current research into new forms of governance, the dynamics of alliances and collaborations, and more will be discussed.  In particular, the conference will feature plenary presentations by two leading governance authors who will discuss the implications of their consulting and research:

• Francie Ostrower of The Urban Institute (Washington, D.C., USA)

• Mel Gill of Synergy Associates (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)

Equally valuable will be the opportunities for dialogue – for experienced leaders who are exploring new and innovative strategies and approaches in their communities and organizations to engage in substantive discussions.  Half of the conference breakout sessions will be facilitated (non-presentation) dialogue sessions, each focused on a specific issue or interest.   To ensure active dialogue, conference size is limited to 150 participants, with a balance among practitioners and researchers.