Learn how to build, manage and evolve international alumni advisory boards to help your institution fulfil its international fundraising and engagement goals. Avoid common mistakes in creating boards and provide a structure that will yield tangible results and increase engagement with your alumni. Whether you are looking to evolve your current alumni advisory boards or learn about the benefits and challenges in creating new boards, this session is for you. There is no one fit all approach and in this session we will explore different models and discuss the all important questions of what are your goals in the country/region and how a board could help to determine if creating a board or a series of boards is the right approach.

In a world marked by uncertainty and a seemingly never-ending series of crises, institutions worldwide face unprecedented challenges. In this presentation, we will delve into the remarkable journey of the American University of Beirut (AUB) during times of crisis and how its strategies and experiences can serve as a valuable model for any institution confronting a crisis. We will first explore how AUB, located in a country that is in the midst of an economic collapse and great political instability and in dire need of essential resources and medical supplies, has managed to maintain fundraising best practices and transparency and mobilize its global alumni community, thereby strengthening its reputation as a trusted and resilient institution. We will highlight how AUB now shines even brighter as a beacon of hope as it has stepped into the void left by the government to address critical community needs. We will show how AUB expanded its role, going beyond its usual academic and healthcare mission to lend a helping hand when its community needed it the most. We will share stories of how the university teamed up with businesses, NGOs, alumni chapters, and volunteers to overcome formidable challenges demonstrating the power of teamwork and community support. Furthermore, we will explore how AUB has measured the tangible impact of its fundraising efforts, particularly focusing on resource scarcity and healthcare challenges. Above all, we'll draw meaningful lessons from this journey that can resonate with any institution facing a crisis. Our story is a story of resilience, adaptability, and of the profound human spirit to make a positive difference – especially during a time of crisis.

"Within the hearts of our youth reside dreams, plans, and hopes for the future. Sabancı University's core mission is to provide the finest education possible, ensuring that these aspirations evolve from mere words into tangible realities. We wanted to amplify our call for support by not just encouraging our students' dreams but by making them palpable and visible. In our 'Promise for the Future Scholarship Campaign,' we sought to solidify the promises our young minds make for the future, employing technology to bridge the gap between intention and action. By engaging with the students who have chosen Sabancı University as their academic home, we actively listened to their dreams for the future, meticulously recording these aspirations. Subsequently, we transformed these dreams into three-dimensional soundwave models, employing advanced technology. Through 3D printing, we crafted unique sculptures composed of the soundwaves of each student's promise. These sculptures now stand as testaments to our students' unwavering commitment to building a better world and a brighter future. Moreover, we affixed QR codes to each sculpture, allowing donors and supporters to connect directly with the promises our students have made. This innovative approach has ensured that the pledges our students have made to tackle global challenges and contribute to a more promising future remain indelible. These commitments are forever etched in the collective memory of our institution. At Sabancı University, we firmly believe that investing in the dreams of our young generation is an investment in a brighter, more promising world. It's our way of transforming ideals into actions, a promise to ensure that the hopes for a better tomorrow, nurtured by our students and shared with the world, endure and flourish.

Using James Cook University's experience as a case study, we'll share our data-centric approach that led to significant advancements in fundraising efforts since 2022. From overhauling a historical database dating back to 1960 to implementing over 30 data integrity procedures, we have achieved remarkable progress. Learn firsthand how to lay the groundwork for a successful data management strategy and optimize fundraising outcomes. In this session, we'll provide actionable insights on: • Implementing effective data management practices • Establishing a robust Advancement Services team • Streamlining database cleanup and maintenance • Leveraging data-centric approaches for impactful fundraising Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and practical tips on enhancing your fundraising endeavours. Let's embark on this journey together and pave the way for greater fundraising success.

There are promises everywhere right now that artificial intelligence (AI) can change the world of work. But for many of us, this technological surge in popularity appears to be happening at an overwhelming pace. The anxiety of needing to keep up coupled with the fear of being left behind are all too real. But it doesn't have to be that way. In this session, author of The Connected Campus and CASE Crystal Apple winner, Tracy Playle will break down the AI opportunities through the lens of what this means for advancement professionals in education. In a session that spans the longer term big picture through to things you can try out right there in the session to start adopting AI right now, you'll come away knowing exactly how this might impact your role and the opportunities within it. We'll support the leaders in the room to feel fully equipped to engage in conversations about how AI impacts strategic leadership decisions in advancement, and we'll show how practitioners in the room can start using these tools to bring creativity, efficiency and impact to their work. Above all, we'll also explore the ethical context of using AI tools and how to create your own set of boundaries and principles to ensure that you're using the tools responsibly and with transparency. By sharing a range of tools and their applications, you'll leave the session with practical next steps to apply in your role.