Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 1, Tuesday, April 30

12:30-1:30 PM
Registration

1:30-1:45
Welcome

1:45-2:45
The Long and Winding Road: Alumni Relations at 100
Join a conversation with John Lippincott and Gary Olsen as they offer an overview of the history of alumni relations. They will focus on the cornerstones of effective alumni relations and discuss how alumni relations evolved as a distinct profession in advancement. What is its role at a modern institution? Where does alumni relations as a profession fall short of institutional needs? Lippincott and Olsen will consider where alumni relations has been in the past, and offer a peek at what it can look like in the future.

3:00-4:15
Future Think: What Do We Need to Start Doing Differently?
Alumni relations is evolving. What do we need to do to keep pace? What are the new imperatives in alumni relations? What are the key environmental changes that will demand a new kind of response from our profession? Join us as we discuss the evolving role of alumni relations and identify strategies for meeting the needs of alumni relations in the next century.

4:15-5:15
What's On Your Mind?
The purpose of the institute is to address the issues important to you. Here's your chance to share what is keeping you awake at night.

5:30-6:30
Networking Reception

6:30
Institute Adjourns for the Day
Dinner on your own

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Day 2, Wednesday, May 1

8:00-9:00 AM
Continental Breakfast

9:00-10:15
Measure for Measure: ROI
How do we add value for our institutions and our alumni in a 21st century landscape? How do we measure engagement? What might our institutional leadership be measuring? Discuss how to define "ROI" for a lifelong relationship.

10:30-11:30
Technology: Tool or Terminator?
Social media is no longer "new" in alumni relations. How are effective programs using social media as an engagement tool, as opposed to simply a communication tool? What role can virtual communities play in complementing or replacing traditional strategies like clubs and chapters? At the same time, social media and other technologies are often disruptive, with many voices competing for the attention of our alumni. How do we rise above the noise? Explore effective social media strategies for engaging our alumni.

11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Sustaining Effective Alumni Relations
There are a variety of structural models—ranging from alumni relations programs completely funded by the institution to self-governing alumni associations that generate all of their financial support. What is the current state of dues programs? What is the future of affinity revenue programs? Who should fund alumni relations, the institution or the alumni? Review effective models that can be sustainable by your institution or association.

12:30-2:15
Lunch On Your Own

2:15-3:30
Leading and Managing Change and Creativity
Innovation necessitated by changes in the environment doesn't happen without creativity and the effective leadership of change. How do you encourage creativity in your team? Can creativity be taught? Review some fresh approaches for leading change, both within your own team and at your institution.

3:45-5:00
Me, Myself and I: Key Traits of an Effective Chief Alumni Officer
Okay, you probably won't be working for the next 100 years, but how do you stay sharp and relevant for the next decade? What experiences do you need to have? What should be in your toolkit? In an era of increasing pressure to raise money, learn how to stay relevant and keep your seat at the advancement table.

  5:00
Institute Adjourns for the Day
Dinner on your own

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Day 3, Thursday, May 2

8:00-9:00 AM
Continental Breakfast  

9:00-10:30
Envisioning the Future of Alumni Relations, Part I
What if you could build your alumni relations program, starting from scratch? What core elements would be included in a program for the 21st century and beyond? Working within the constraints of reality, how can you take those elements and apply them to your own alumni relations efforts, and make them more effective in the emerging environment? This small-group exercise will have you rolling up your sleeves and putting what we've talked about into an action plan.

10:45 AM-NOON
Envisioning the Future of Alumni Relations, Part II
A continuation of the earlier session, small groups will report out on both their wishful and realistic planning. These plans will be documented and disseminated to institute participants.

NOON-12:30 PM
Final Comments, Questions and Suggestions

12:30
Institute Adjourns

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