Day 1, Tuesday, January 11

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

8:30-8:45
Welcome and Faculty Introductions

8:45-9:45
Working Backwards: Using End Goals to Facilitate Planning
Close your eyes and imagine what goals you wish to have accomplished by your event's conclusion. The sky is the limit! We will first discuss how to set your goals and objectives for your event and then we'll talk about how to make those dreams become reality. It can be done!

10:00-11:00
Nontraditional Homecomings
To most people, Homecoming is an autumn weekend full of school spirit, sports and special recognition. While that works for some, others may want to consider a new approach. Learn how two institutions reframed Homecoming - one a mid-winter celebration and the other a set of virtual experiences.

11:15 AM-12:15 PM
If We Create It, Will They Come?
Five years ago, the University of Florida Alumni Association created the Silver Society, a new reunion program highlighting graduates 25 years out. Brad Crews will share the highs, lows, struggles and successes of creating a new program. Learn how to create a following for your program and how to capitalize on its successes.

12:15-1:45 PM
Dine-Arounds
Sign up for group lunches with faculty and peers.

1:45-2:45
Engaging Tomorrow's Alumni-Our Students
Students are the lifeblood of any campus, and tomorrow's alumni. Discuss ideas geared toward making Homecoming and other reunion events vital to today's students and the larger campus population, including faculty and staff.

3:00-4:00
Affinity Reunions
Could a gathering of your theatre alumni be a crowning event for your next reunion event? Perhaps it is baseball or fashion design. Whatever the focus, small group and activity-based reunions can be a great way to engage alumni outside the traditional "class anniversary" model. Discover the potential of engaging campus and community partners in your reunion efforts while investing in individuals who do not fit a conventional mold.

4:15-5:15
Supersize Your Homecoming
Homecoming is a significant investment of time and campus resources. Learn how to maximize the celebration to showcase your people and programs without maximizing your budget.

5:15-6:00
Hall of Fame/Shame: It's YOUR Turn
We'll facilitate a dynamic discussion in which participants will be asked to share their success (and not so successful) stories and best practices.

6:00-7:00
Networking Reception

7:00
Conference Adjourns for the Day
Dinner on your own

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Day 2, Wednesday, January 12

8:00-8:45 AM
Continental Breakfast and Roundtables

8:45- 9:45
Is it Okay to Talk About "Giving Back" at Your Program?
Should you pass the plate or make the ask? Reunion giving is becoming a necessity in today's higher education climate. Presenters will share how their respective universities strike the delicate balance between welcoming reunion attendees back to their institutions and seeking a financial commitment.

10:00-11:00
I Need Help! Where Are Those Volunteers?
We all know that volunteers can be the lifeblood of your events. When they are good, they are VERY good, and when they are challenging...well, you get the picture. How can we balance alumni involvement and connection with our needs to get our jobs done effectively and efficiently? During this session we will brainstorm ideas for recruiting, training, nurturing and retaining our volunteers.

11:00-11:30 AM
Conference Wrap-Up: Wait a Minute-One More Question!
This is your last chance to ask those lingering questions you have before we conclude our conference.

11:30 AM
Conference Adjourns

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