Beyond the Gift: Conversations on Legacy, Impact, and Purpose

FRIDAY, March 20, 2026

Join the Planned Giving Council for an engaging conversation exploring the evolving landscape of legacy philanthropy. This session will offer insights into how thoughtful planning can align financial strategy with personal values and charitable impact.

Attendees will gain perspective on emerging trends, donor motivations, and practical approaches to meaningful legacy conversations.

Whether you work in development, advising, or nonprofit leadership, this program will spark new ideas for helping donors create lasting impact.

Featured Speaker:

Michael D. Benson

Managing Partner Benson Blackburn

Michael Benson has built and co‑invested in several successful businesses over his fifty‑year career. These businesses include a life insurance consultancy firm, two multi-family offices, a trust company, a planned giving consulting firm, and a third‑party gift administration company. Collectively, these companies grew to over $12 billion under management or administration.

Michael has served as a planned giving consultant for over 50 charitable organizations, trustee for several nonprofit organizations, and he is a philanthropist himself. He is also the founder of The NextGen Speaker Series.

Full Speaker Bio

Agenda:

11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Networking

12:00 - Plated Lunch begins** 

12:15 p.m. -1:00 p.m. - Presentation​

*Networking will begin at 11:15 a.m., with lunch service starting at 12:00 p.m. The presentation will begin promptly at 12:15 p.m.​

**A vegetarian lunch option is available; please select your preference upon registering.

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(Note: Upon entering the lobby, the Royal Palm Room is back to the left)

Member RSVP: No fee

Non-Member & Guest RSVP: $45