EdCon 2026: How tiny tokens led to huge fundraising success

At EdCon2026, our largest gathering yet, with over 2,200 attendees and nearly 200 exhibitors filling the Seattle Convention Center, we asked a simple question:

What if everyone gave just a little?

The idea was simple:

Attendees could give a minimum of $25, receive a set of signature “giver” beads, spread the word, and be entered into a raffle to win a one-of-a-kind prize: a US Men’s National Team uniform (complete with grass stains!) worn by keynote speaker Brad Evans, former Seattle Sounders captain and USMNT player.

Our exhibitors joined in too, purchasing $250 raffle tickets for a chance to win a FREE EdCon2027 10x10 booth, or apply the value toward a premium or larger space.

And then something incredible happened.

stepped in and matched every dollar raised, up to $5,000.

Because of this collective generosity, we raised a total of:

$11,650

That means each of our five non-profit partners:

will each receive:

$2,330 each.

This is what happens when a community shows up, not just to connect, but to give back.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

To everyone who gave, participated, and believed in the idea: thank you, thank you, thank you.