''Growing Philanthropy In A Shrinking World''; The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Massachusetts Chapter Annual Conference.

BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Chapter of Fundraising Professionals will hold its Annual Conference on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at the Copley Marriott Hotel beginning at 7:30 AM. Entitled Growing Philanthropy In A Shrinking World, the Conference will boast more than 60 sessions and workshops that will take a look at trends and issues facing the world of giving.

The Conference plenary keynote speaker will be Raymond Offenheiser, President of Oxfam America, a international relief and development agency, one of 12 Oxfam confederations, which collectively work in 120 countries. Offenheiser's remarks will highlight global philanthropy in the wake of the disasters of 2005, including the Tsunami, hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and Pakistani earthquake relief challenges.

"We are very excited about our upcoming Conference and having Raymond Offenheiser as the keynote speaker," states Ted MacMahon, President of the Massachusetts Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). "During these times of great challenge when local philanthropic dollars are being pulled nationally and internationally due to natural disasters, there is a tremendous need for development professionals to hone their messages and refocus on their core business clients."

This Conference offers very timely and innovative tracks that will greatly benefit all levels of development professionals. Tracks include: Advancement Services; Annual Fund and Capital Campaign Tracks; Communications and Marketing; Donor Relations, Major Gifts, Management, and Global Philanthropy Tracks. Within each track, there will be sessions and workshops for all levels ranging from advanced professionals to paths for beginners and executive directors.

As in past years, this year's conference is expected to draw some 1,100 people from the world of charitable giving, making it the largest such single day conference in the Boston area. To learn more about the conference and how to register, log onto the AFP website at [e-mail].

AFP, an association of professionals throughout the world, advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice effective and ethical fundraising. The core activities through which AFP fulfills this mission include education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing and advocacy. AFP members and affiliates enable people and organizations to better serve diverse communities and the association as a whole.