NFPW board members today were video stars, fashionistas and architects. They’re probably a bit tired, too, but that’s not going to stop any of them.

We took time to create a short video to welcome everyone to the 2010 NFPW Communications Conference in Chicago. Details, including speakers, pre-tours, post-tours and other highlights will be posted to the NFPW Web site.

A few members modeled NFPW logo wear – a great way to say, “I’m a proud NFPW member.” I’m writing my blog wearing my purple NFPW polo shirt.

And we drew the blueprints for the future of NFPW. What does that future look like? Here are some highlights:

1)       Retention: We have many members who have not renewed. We don’t know if it’s the economy or if they are like many of us – they are so busy they forgot to do so. So each board member will be calling a group in the next week. If you haven’t renewed, please do so. We don’t want to lose you. And if there is something we can do to improve membership, let us know.

2)      Web site: We’ve got a great start to the site, but there is so much more we can do. We’re going to improve the navigability of it. We’re going to only use photos of our members and professionals who have spoken to us – no more stock photography. We’ll make it easy to connect by including links to our Facebook and Linkedin pages.  We’re adding an online calendar. We’ll include links to all affiliate Web sites. Our goal is to unveil a new and improved Web site in September.

3)      Social media: We’re going to create a Facebook Fan page so it will be easier for all of us to share and keep the messages under the NFPW umbrella. We’ve changed Linkedin so that only members can join our group – no more postings from individuals trying to sell you something.

4)      Members Directory: We’re exploring how to enhance the directory. For a nominal fee, members will be able to post URLs to their Web sites, blogs, Linkedin profiles. They’ll be able to include a PDF of their resume or a photo of themselves of their book cover. It’s all about personal branding. This is under development and we expect to be able to unveil it by conference.

5)      Contest Review: We’ve taken a look at the categories. In some areas, we streamlined. We also added categories to reflect the changing communications landscape.

I can’t begin to cover everything we achieved these past two days so I touched on the highlights. I’ll continue to share snippets in upcoming blogs and through the monthly e-letter.

I’d like to take this moment and thank each board member for their active participation and for building NFPW’s future.