The down economy is causing many nonprofit groups, businesses, and families to cut some of the excess out of their budgets.

The same holds true for organizations such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals that play host to major conferences.

To manage costs, planners have found ways to scale back this year’s event without skimping on educational sessions for participants.

Gone are free catered lunches in the exhibit hall.

Another cut: live musicians. Instead of hiring a band to serve as the warm-up for major speakers, organizers have instead opted for recorded music.

“We really tried to focus our attention on maximizing the resources that are important to our members,” said Paulette Maehara, the association’s president.