Good research communication is crucial, not just for a university’s reputation, but also to help counter disinformation and misinformation. However, not all academics are interested in dealing with the public – and even those who are interested may feel like they lack the experience and training for it. This conference talk will present a case study of a successful programme (the XJTLU Research Outreach Ambassadors Programme) that empowers academics to bridge the gap between complex research and public engagement for their research to achieve greater impact. We will explore the challenges faced, and the steps we took, including developing a survey so we could better tailor our programme to our researchers’ unique needs, offering four tiers of communications training for a strong foundation, and encouraging self-editing of earlier work to track progress. Attendees will gain valuable insights to develop similar initiatives in their own institutions, fostering wider research dissemination and public outreach. Let's unlock the potential of academic research, promote collaboration, and help your institution’s research to resonate with a broader audience.

Session Description: Collaboration holds immense value across various contexts, whether in the workplace, education, research, or community initiatives. In our field of Alumni Relations, there are several reasons why collaboration should be highly considered, particularly regarding synergy and innovation, learning and growth, enhancing problem-solving strategies, etc. In essence, collaboration among Alumni Relations Officers is not just about achieving specific tasks; it's about fostering a culture of shared purpose, mutual support, and continuous improvement. The value of collaboration among professionals in our field extends beyond immediate outcomes, influencing the overall success and sustainability of various endeavors.

Session Description: A case study on how The American School in Japan re-defined the role of its PTA and moved away from event-based fundraising to a new funding model. From a starting point of having two separate PTAs, a Boosters group, Friends of the Fine Arts group, and a Senior Parent group, ASIJ transitioned overtime to a single PTA Board. The session will explore how the school moved from having multiple event-based fundraisers that supported parent group budgets to a school-funded budget model and the creation of a PTA Annual Fund Committee that supports the work of the Advancement Office. These changes contributed to ASIJ having its most successful fundraising year in 2022-23.

Is there any additional information you would like to share about the session, speakers or format? : Having been at ASIJ for 22 years, and as a serving member of the PTA Board, I have been the architect and shepherd for much of the change that has taken place over the years to bring us to this position. I can speak to the challenges, roadblocks, and opportunities that schools have with parent groups and provide insight into how ASIJ was able to complete this journey and how we are stewarding the change as we move forward.

Learning Outcomes : Articulate the pros and cons of moving away from a traditional PTA fundraising model.
Understand how to build consensus and move forward with changes.
Describe the benefits of focusing the PTA on institutionally aligned fundraising. Creating community support for the Annual Fund

What is the key takeaway from this session?: That the traditional PTA model with event-based fundraising is not the only option and the time, energy, and resources used for major fundraising events can be harnessed to move institutions forward more strategically and sustainably.

This session will dive into the Celebrating UNSW Women initiative, a social impact project that was successfully delivered in 12 months with remarkable community impact. This session will share the strategic thinking and vision behind the project, the community engagement wins and operational challenges. Delegates will take away key insights for delivering social impact projects in their own institutions. The pioneering Celebrating UNSW Women project celebrates the remarkable and diverse UNSW community by increasing the visibility of women across the University's built and virtual environments. It was a project established to ensure better representation of the dynamic UNSW community and is inclusive of any alumni, former or current staff and students who identify as women. The project was comprised of three phases to promote the immediate, medium, and longer-term visibility of women role models, including the first women graduates of each faculty, the first woman Professor; the first woman Deputy Chancellor; the first Indigenous woman graduate; and many other trailblazing alumnae.   The bold and collaborative initiative, centred on equity, diversity and inclusion, partnered with every division and faculty across the University to honour UNSW’s rich history, and to inspire the next generation. Spanning community and engagement, alumni relations and strategic stakeholder communications, this session shares strategic and organisational insights to support skill development in delivering meaningful social impact projects.

Give me the money! Too often, fundraisers and institutional leaders tunnel vision when assessing the breadth of potential donors available to them. How many times have we been in a meeting, and required to come up with intricate strategies in order to specifically only target ‘Rich Listers’, the biggest businesses, MNCs and the most high profile foundations? With so many gatekeepers between them and you, as well as a long line of other organisations also seeking funding from such high-profile prospects, though we are not advocating to ignore such potential donors, however the fact of the matter remains that quite often, travelling down the less beaten path can more often yield greater return on investment. Today, we are going to explore the topic of unconventional prospecting. From the types of prospects, we seek out, to the strategies employed in order to find your next major donor. Through this session, we will take you through the path to experience the excitement of reaching out to unconventional prospects. Participants will gain insights into how unconventional prospecting happens through the contrasting experiences of two institutions in very different stages in very different cultural settings.

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion as we delve into the multifaceted world of fundraising, exploring the intersection between data-driven strategies and the art of relationship-building. Our esteemed panelists will share insights, challenges, and successes gleaned from their experiences in the field, offering practical advice and actionable takeaways for organizations looking to enhance their fundraising efforts. From understanding the history and culture of an organization to leveraging sophisticated engagement metrics, we'll explore the journey of building a proactive fundraising culture and the key initiatives that drive transformation. Learn how to navigate diverse donor profiles, optimize opportunities through tailored moves management approaches, and foster internal cultural shifts that empower staff and leadership to become enthusiastic advocates for philanthropy. Discover the power of setting expectations, developing competence, and the art of making specific asks that resonate with donors. Gain valuable insights into international fundraising efforts and creative strategies for expanding philanthropic initiatives abroad. Whether you're a seasoned fundraising professional or just beginning to explore the world of philanthropy, this session promises to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to engage donors, maximize opportunities, and drive meaningful impact.

Prepare to travel the world from the comfort of your seat as we unveil the subtle, yet powerful, cultural factors that influence alumni engagement internationally.  You won't just be listening; you'll be engaging with stories of triumph and caution as some of our international experts share their personal experiences—the victories, the missteps, and everything in-between. These narratives will equip you with the nuanced understanding necessary to navigate the global philanthropic landscape confidently. By the end of this session, you'll have learned: Some critical cultural considerations in global fundraising. Strategies for enhancing the efficiency of your ask. Insights from first-hand international fundraising experiences to shape your approach. Don't miss this chance to broaden your fundraising horizons and make every conversation with potential donors count, no matter where they are in the world.

We are perpetually building on our past and present to create our future. After almost eighty years of collaboration with charities across geographies and cultures, CCS is proud to be a leader in helping the nonprofit world navigate the intersection of the past that has brought us here, the present where we stand, and the future that will bring us forward. Join Greg Hagin, Principal & Managing Director leading CCS’s Data Analytics and AI practice, and Ruyi Lu, Senior Vice President leading CCS’s Asia-Pacific Steering Group, to understand our current state and map a path forward. This session will emphasize audience engagement and discussion, driving collaboration between fundraising professionals and mutual education. Participants will come away with a clear understanding of best practices and next practices, and a holistic vision of our shared future.