Wednesday June 1, 2011
8:00 AM-NOON

New to donor relations? Don't know the difference between a gift agreement and an endowment report? This optional preconference workshop will get you up to speed on the basics of donor relations.

Separate registration fee required. See Registration page for fees.

Program

7:30-8:00 AM
Registration/Continental Breakfast

8:00-8:15
Welcome

8:15-8:45
The Role of Donor Relations and Stewardship
The role of donor relations and stewardship is an integral part of the fundraising apparatus. In this session, we'll explore and define the general concepts as well as help you understand how to build a foundational plan in your new role as a donor relations and stewardship professional.

8:45-9:30
New Kid on the Block: 30 Ideas for Your First 30 Days
Being the new kid on the block--whether that means a new job at your old institution, in a new institution or a first job out of college - getting acclimated can be a real challenge. Wherever you are professionally, you are guaranteed to have moments where you are staring at your to-do list wondering where to start and what to do next. In this session, seasoned professionals offer their best "getting started" advice designed to help you with a number of challenges unique to being a newcomer to the profession. You'll leave the session with a better understanding of how best to learn about the culture of your institution, what best practices are essential, how to make the biggest impact on your institution and how to make the best impression on your colleagues.

9:45-10:30
Acknowledgment Process: Start Fresh, Rebuild, Get It Done
Acknowledgments are the keystone and foundation of what we do as donor relations professionals. This session will approach the process and strategic view, sharing best practices and plans for you to help build your program. In addition, we will cover how to level your acknowledgements, how to streamline your process while keeping your letters personalized, available resources and more!

10:30-11:15
Event Toolkit: How to Keep Events on Track, on Time and on Budget
Planning an event is a large undertaking that often involves coordinating the ideas and perspectives of a large number of stakeholders while staying true to your institution's core values (not to mention your budget). But there is good news! There is a plethora of tools that you can use to help plan and execute seamless events regardless of the nature of your institution, the size of your shop, or the depth of your event experience. This session provides a five-step program to becoming an event guru at your institution.

11:15 AM-NOON
How to Become an Endowment Reporting Expert
New to the donor relations field? Not quite sure what an endowment is, let alone how to report it? Communicating impact and accountability to donors is vital to the lasting success of your institution's programs and activities. Determine what factors to consider when creating a new endowment reporting program or revamping an existing program. Figure out what information should be included and which colleagues will be essential to the implementation of your program. Finally, learn how to assess the program once it has started and then enjoy the response you receive from your donors.

NOON-12:15 PM
Wrap-Up and Remaining Questions

12:15
Workshop Adjourns