Nonprofit
Marketing Summit
100+ nonprofit leaders served
and counting.
Free, hands-on marketing education for Austin nonprofits.
Every year, Zilker Media opens its doors to a select group of mission-driven organizations for a full day of workshops, real conversations, and strategies you can actually use.
About the Summit
Each year, Zilker Media brings together Austin-area nonprofit leaders for a day unlike anything else on the calendar. Every session is hands-on and built for a focused group working side by side with the Zilker team on the marketing challenges that matter most to your mission.
The Experience
The day runs from morning through late afternoon, with interactive workshops, a provided lunch, and a happy hour to close, including headshots and brand audits with the Zilker team.
Each year’s workshops are shaped by what nonprofits need most. Topics evolve, but the goal stays the same: sessions for practical skills you can use right away.
- PR & Media Training — How to pitch your story for coverage, build media relationships, and show up confidently in the press.
- AI in Marketing — Practical tools that help your team communicate more clearly and work efficiently.
- Content Strategy — Building a sustainable approach to content that keeps your audience engaged without burning out your team.
- Email Marketing — Segmentation, campaigns, subject lines, and the analytics that tell you what’s working.
- Design — How to make your organization look polished and professional, whatever your budget or team size.
- Website Best Practices — Trust, clarity, SEO, accessibility, and the UX decisions that convert visitors into supporters.
- Donor Conversion — How to make the most of the moment someone decides to give.
Who Should Attend
This summit is designed for people who wear many hats.
If you’re responsible for how your organization shows up in the world, this day was built for you.
Executive Directors – Nonprofit leaders who set the vision and need their marketing to reflect it clearly.
Communications Leads – Staff managing PR, media, and messaging with lean resources and big goals.
Development Staff – Fundraising professionals who need their brand to support donor cultivation.
Marketing Coordinators – The person doing it all — social, email, design, website — who wants to do it better.
FAQs
Is the Summit really free?
Yes, completely. There is no cost to attend – we do this as one way to put our value of bettering our community into action. Food and drinks throughout the day are provided by Zilker Media.
How does the invitation process work?
The Nonprofit Marketing Summit is invite-only. You can express interest using this form, or you may receive a personal invitation from the Zilker team or one of our clients.
Can I bring someone from my organization?
Yes. Each nonprofit may bring up to two team members.
Where is the event held?
The Nonprofit Marketing Summit is held at the Zilker Media office in Austin, Texas. Registered attendees receive full details in advance.
Do I need marketing experience to attend?
Not at all. Sessions are designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re building from scratch or sharpening what you already have.
Is this only for Austin-area nonprofits?
Primarily, yes, since the event is in-person. If you’re based outside Austin, reach out, and we’ll let you know if we have capacity.
Can I attend more than once?
Absolutely. Past attendees are welcome back. Sessions evolve each year, so there’s always something new to take away.
Can I refer another nonprofit?
Yes. If you know an organization that would benefit, reach out, and if space allows, we’ll extend a personal invitation on your behalf.