Business Schools need their alumni’s help at an awkward stage of the alumni journey: for rankings and mentoring, that is at the 3 years mark. That is early enough to be competing with many other priorities, but late enough to have lost contact. Requests for support can fall flat. Join this session for an open discussion on how to create a seamless student to alumn pathway, taking as example Durham University Business School’s (DUBS) efforts. From induction to study visits, from graduation to creating new alumni networks, the Alumni Team at DUBS has joined together separate teams and activities into one coherent whole.

How do you know your school is truly ready to launch a capital campaign? In this interactive session, we’ll explore the key pillars that form the foundation of campaign readiness—from leadership alignment and a compelling case for support, to donor research and development office capacity. Using practical tools, real-world examples, and peer discussion, participants will assess their own school’s preparedness and identify actionable next steps. Whether you’re just starting the conversation or moving toward campaign planning, this session will equip you with the clarity and confidence to move forward strategically

If you were handed a blank sheet of paper and asked to build an Alumni Engagement/Relations function where do you start? What would you prioritise and what are the essentials you need? And what really makes a difference between a programme that runs and one that drives institutional impact? Using the metaphor of designing an Alumni Engagement Mansion we will take you through how to build the foundations, the walls, the roof, the insulation and the finishing touches that every institution needs – no matter what size and budget. This session will explore the elements you need to build a strong and sustainable Alumni Engagement function as part of a wider Advancement function.

Universities face increasing pressure to stand out and strengthen their academic reputation on the global stage, including through league table performance. This campfire session will explore practical strategies for designing campaigns that drive engagement with academic audiences and elevate institutional reputation. Participants will share experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange insights from successful multi-channel campaigns, focusing on how data-driven planning, creative storytelling, and cross-team collaboration can deliver measurable impact.