Tracking and measuring alumni engagement can be complicated. How do we define engagement and create new engagement pipelines? What kind of model is best suited to this work? What KPIs should we use? What staffing resources are needed to build a framework?
Taking inspiration from the CASE Insights on Alumni Engagement survey, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) spent the past year developing a new approach and framework to tracking and analyzing alumni engagement metrics. In this session, you’ll learn more about this framework, the tools and processes the HAA is using track and measure engagement, and how internal partnerships between alumni relations, operations, and business intelligence teams are driving new opportunities for data analysis.

Student protests, political demonstrations, institutional statements, and more statements. When societal issues or global events disrupt campus life, how do you respond? Is your crisis communication plan built to support your community in these volatile times? In this interactive discussion, we will cover: core elements of crisis communications, policies for navigating official statements, internal communications protocols, promoting dialogue and safely allowing for free expression, legal and ethical considerations, case studies.

The road of philanthropy is not always straight. We have all left donor conversations feeling confused and unsure of the next steps needed to advance the relationship and gift discussion. In this interactive session, we will share examples of how internal and external partnerships can be instrumental in designing multi-step donor strategies and learn from one another how best to navigate the conversations that leave you saying, “ok, now what?”

As the alumni relations field continues to evolve, affinity engagement has become more important than ever. These types of programs allow universities to meet alumni where they are in their current life stage, whether through shared experience, identity, or interest. At Boston University, staff are investing heavily in creating affinity partnerships with departments and centers across the institution – including with the Newbury Center, a student-facing office that works to foster the holistic success of first-generation undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. In this presentation, we will share effective strategies, events, and programs that have strengthened the relationship between our offices and provided opportunities for students and alumni with the shared first-generation identity to connect and build community.

Join us to explore Brown Advancement's evolving data visualization journey! This session highlights how cross-team partnerships have shaped a dynamic approach, blending the art and science of visualization by incorporating critical elements of design theory and statistical principles.

Join Boston University as they share how they have transformed student giving from a give to get to give forever. With class gift generating more than 2,000 donors each year BU noticed they were not renewing after graduating. Changes to the campaign messaging, events, and promotions were made to accommodate a long-term retention strategy that has helped increase average gift, and retention of class gift donors after the pandemic! New reporting was created to track event attendance, giving, etc.

Clark University is embarking on a bold new campaign that integrates cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to its philanthropic mission. Joe Manok will share how the university’s strategic plan, which includes a fourfold increase in campaign goals, is not just a response to the changing landscape but a proactive effort to redefine what’s possible in higher education fundraising. Central to this strategy is the development of the Clark-EverTrue Advancement Lab, an innovative initiative focused on harnessing artificial intelligence to revolutionize donor engagement and campaign execution. This session will detail how the lab is driving advancements in data analytics, personalizing donor outreach, and optimizing campaign outcomes. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for designing ambitious campaigns that resonate with modern donors while staying true to institutional values, and insights on how to leverage AI to future-proof their advancement efforts.

We’re all familiar with the donor cycle, but what about the volunteer cycle? Learn how to successfully recruit, onboard, activate, and steward your young alumni volunteers. This session is applicable to all volunteers, whether they focus on fundraising, engagement, or both. Maybe you have a longstanding GOLD committee, or you are just trying to build up your young alumni network; either way, you’ll leave this session with actionable ideas to not only cultivate your most recent grads, but to build the pipeline for a lifelong relationship with your institution.

How are you squadding up with students in your advancement office? This panel presentation features three institutions sharing their successes, challenges, and tricks of the trade when it comes to leveraging one of our most valuable partners—our students. Join David Erwin, Chief Advancement Officer at Central Catholic High School, Julia Guy, Associate Director of Leadership Giving at the University of Vermont Foundation, and Paige Zuber-Weishaus, Assistant Director of Social Media at Bryant University, moderated by Sydney Rybicki, Associate Director of Alumni Relations at the University of Vermont Foundation, as they discuss the ways that they’ve slayed collaborating with students on campus and in the digital space.

This closing panel features experienced professionals who will share their insights on navigating the evolving landscape of advancement. The session will begin with a short presentation by Dr. Carl Simien, CASE’s Director of Talent Management, who will discuss CASE's strategic approach to talent management, with a focus on inclusivity, belonging, and community. Following this, our panel of experts will explore the importance of varied experiences, various career pathways within the advancement profession, and their hopes for the future of the profession.
Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on career planning, professional development, and achieving their career goals. The panel will conclude with a Q&A, providing an opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized advice from our esteemed panelists. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to gain insights from both Dr. Simien and our panelists while connecting with experienced professionals who can help you shape your future in the advancement field.