Advancement is becoming an increasingly strategic function in European institutions, yet many universities, business schools, research centres or schools are still building the structures, narratives, and leadership cultures needed for it to reach its full potential. This opening plenary will explore the essential building blocks of advancement, its place in institutional leadership, and how communications, alumni engagement, and fundraising can work together to strengthen institutional impact. The conversation will also reflect on whether a distinctive European model of advancement is emerging and what success might look like over the next decade.

Advancement thrives when communications, alumni relations, and fundraising work as an integrated ecosystem. This session will unpack how to build trust, align goals, and create the organisational conditions that allow collaboration, innovation, and success.

This first tutor group session will be an opportunity to digest and discuss the opening sessions. We'll also use the time to find out about each person's advancement setup and team structure, as well as discuss the challenges we're facing at each of our institutions.

How do we cut through the noise to position our institutions strategically? This session explores the role of communications in reputation-building, thought leadership, and supporting alumni and fundraising efforts. We will look at practical tools and strategies for building trust and raising awareness.

Alumni are an organisation's largest stakeholder group and strongest brand ambassadors, facilitators and supporters. This session focuses on strengthening institutional relationships with alumni, by creating value and building meaningful connections with them worldwide. We’ll explore how breaking silos internally and fostering synergy across departments leads to transformative outcomes, ensuring sustained success in today's dynamic educational landscape.

Fundraising is both art and science: blending strategy, skill, and trust to secure support. This session will explore fundraising in the European context, from identifying prospects to stewardship, and how fundraising works best in close partnership with communications and alumni relations.