I had the opportunity to attend the Philanthropy Northwest Conference earlier this month in Anchorage, Alaska. It was my first trip to Alaska, and it did not disappoint. I was amazed by the beauty of the landscape, snow-covered mountains above valleys filled with brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red. It looked like an autumn Hallmark movie and quite a contrast to the 80-degree weather I had left behind in Boise. Equally memorable was the opportunity to learn more about Alaska Native cultures and the deep connection between people, place, and community.

I’ll admit something: multi-day conferences are not always my favorite thing.

There is so much information to absorb, many new people to meet, and countless organizations to remember. Inevitably, a few days later, I find myself trying to recall names and conversations that seemed unforgettable in the moment. And don’t even get me started on conference name badges. Organization names are often printed in a tiny font, while the badge itself hangs somewhere between your shoulders and your waist, leaving everyone awkwardly squinting at each other’s midsections just to start a conversation. You know!

Despite all that, there are two conferences I make a point of attending because I always leave feeling energized, inspired, and connected: Grantmakers In Health and Philanthropy Northwest.

This year was especially meaningful because Philanthropy Northwest celebrated its 50th anniversary. As the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is celebrating our own 25th anniversary, I found myself reflecting on the importance of longevity, partnership, and the lasting impact philanthropy can have on communities over time.

What I value most about gatherings like this is the opportunity for collaborative learning. Philanthropy is often viewed through the lens of grants and funding, but at its heart, it is a field built on relationships, shared learning, and continuous growth. Whether exchanging ideas about impact investing, discussing how local stories can drive meaningful systems change, how AI is impacting this work or exploring the evolution of trust-based philanthropy, every conversation offered a new perspective.

I was grateful to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new colleagues from across the Northwest who are asking important questions, testing innovative approaches, and working alongside communities to create lasting change. The collective wisdom in the room was a powerful reminder that none of us do this work alone. A theme that carried beyond the conference was the importance of place. Understanding, respecting, and honoring place when we work in our communities. Something I will remain thoughtful on as we head into the new year.

Thank you to Philanthropy Northwest for hosting a memorable conference and for creating a space where connection, learning, and collaboration can thrive. I was happy to have our program officers Jackie Yarbrough and Lisa Bearg join me at the conference.

And yes, I can now officially say that I’ve tried a yak burger.