More than 275 people joined in discussions of board leadership, the importance and ethics of fundraising, and new options for nonprofits at the Governance Matters Stepping Up Matters! Strong boards=Healthy Nonprofits=Vibrant Communities conference in April 2009. Attendees had the opportunity to discuss topics ranging from leading in difficult times to inter-generational leadership, from philanthropy to legalities, from board recruitment to mergers.

The goal of the conference was to encourage innovative leadership, proactive fiscal responsibility and transparent oversight. The event included two keynote speakers and seven workshops that explored best practices.

Summaries of keynote presentations:
Reynold Levy of Lincoln Center:Embrace Your Mission, Then Sell It.

Bob Edgar of Common Cause: The Leaders We've Been Waiting For.

Panel discussion: Board Leadership in Difficult Times.

The conference was held in collaboration with VCG/boardnetUSA, BoardSource, the George H. Heyman Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising, and Governance Matters.