Since 2009, ANDE has regularly hosted its Metrics from the Ground Up Conference, featuring discussion topics and conference themes from emerging measurement practices among our members. Similar to our Annual Conference, ANDE’s Metrics from the Ground Up Conference sources session submissions from the broader ecosystem.
We are excited to welcome practitioners to Nairobi, Kenya on May 6-8, 2025! For information on hotels, logistics, and other questions, please contact Francis Gitau at francis.gitau@aspeninstitute.org.

Both ANDE members and non-members are invited to submit session ideas. The deadline for submitting session ideas is March 22, 2025. For any questions, please contact Mallory St. Claire at mallory.st.claire@aspeninstitute.org.

This conference is supported by generous contributions from the IKEA Foundation and Builders Vision.
Types of Sessions:

In general, the Metrics Conference has two types of sessions:

  • Workshops. Workshops are longer sessions that are aimed at growing a certain skill in the participants. They are practical and have a high degree of interactivity with participants. Past workshops have included sessions on integrating gender lens in measurement or an introduction to a new type of metrics framework. Workshops are typically 1.5 hours long.
  • Breakout sessions. Breakout sessions are smaller group sessions across a wide variety of topics. They can include a presentation or discussion of new tools or frameworks. Past breakout sessions have included presentations on measuring impact in agriculture, using new poverty measurement techniques, or how impact investors can validate their data. Breakout sessions are typically 45 minutes - 1 hour long. Unlike workshops, these involve more peer-learning, sharing, and discussions.
For a look at our previous year's agenda, please see here.

FAQ:
  • Submissions in English will be accepted.
  • We encourage submissions for 2025 around the following topics: ESG ratings/measurement, SROI, climate change, gender lens measurement, using AI for evaluation, waste/circularity, and soft skills for evaluators or IMM practitioners.
  • Both ANDE members and non-members are encouraged to submit session ideas. You do not need to be an ANDE member to submit a session idea or attend the conference.
  • Session submissions will be reviewed by ANDE's impact manager, research and impact director, and local East Africa ANDE staff. We will notify accepted submissions 1.5 weeks after the submission deadline.
  • You may submit multiple different session ideas, however ANDE typically will only select one session per organization.
  • If your session idea is accepted, you will mainly oversee leading the session and putting together the content. ANDE staff will assist with logistical needs and will also review content and presentations prior to the conference.
  • Sessions should be focused on impact measurement and management (IMM), metrics, or monitoring and evaluation topics, either broadly applicable or specific to the small and growing business space (SGBs).
  • We will not accept session proposals that are not focused on IMM/monitoring and evaluation. Sessions that are business proposals or sales pitches will also not be accepted.
  • Multiple organizations can lead a session – ANDE encourages organizations to collaborate where possible. When submitting your session idea, please disclose if you are working with other organizations to present your session.
  • The conference venue will provide necessary logistical support, such as projectors or other A/V equipment.
  • Workshops should be focused on building a skill with attendees. For example, a workshop might be focused on teaching participants how to tell an impact story, conduct qualitative analysis, or use a metrics set.

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