In today’s fast-paced media landscape, how we communicate during breaking news and crisis situations can shape public perception, institutional trust, and stakeholder relationships. This open dialogue session invites communicators, alumni engagement professionals, and other advancement leaders to share experiences, challenges, and strategies for navigating urgent and sensitive situations. Through guided discussion, we’ll explore: How communicators can craft timely, authentic, and effective messaging The role of alumni and donor relations in maintaining trust during crises Strategies for internal collaboration between marketing, stewardship, and leadership Lessons learned from recent real-world examples This session is designed as an open, solutions-focused conversation where all perspectives are valued. Whether you’re crafting messaging, managing relationships, or responding to stakeholder concerns, join us for a dynamic discussion on communication in times of change.

Leading a division through a major project requires implementation of change management. Learn how Johns Hopkins recently moved their entire division to a new CRM - a big undertaking. It was successful through stakeholder management, tailored messaging and equipping leaders and users with the necessary skills to adapt to the change. Learn how they became emotionally ready through storytelling, and becoming partners in driving the change. And...they also will highlight the importance of embracing the unknown and learning from failures.

Expectations for large and even transformational gifts from corporations and foundations often are an order of magnitude bigger than historical giving from those sources. In the context of campaigns and special initiatives (think AI, DEIB, Climate, 100 & Change), how can fundraisers raise expectations of prospective donors and manage expectations within their own institutions? What are strategies and practices for marshalling internal teams to prepare big proposals? How do you grow and sustain needed external partners? What is the role of alumni connections and how do alumni in different roles and at different levels effectively help the process? What if there are no alumni – what other close connections and friends can act as advocates and champions?

Talking about money is hard enough. What happens when you add death and religion to the mix? Three experienced fundraisers – a Jew, a Christian and a Muslim – explain death and legacy giving in their traditions. Statistics show that religiously active donors give larger charitable gifts. Participants will gain an understanding of faith-based giving from these three faiths with an emphasis on bequests and end of life gifts.

Join us for an enlightening seminar on the revolutionary impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in donor relations. Discover how AI technologies are transforming the way development professionals engage with donors, streamline fundraising efforts, and enhance donor experiences. This session will delve into: * Personalized Donor Engagement: Learn how AI can create tailored communication strategies that resonate with individual donors, boosting engagement and loyalty. * Predictive Analytics: Explore the power of AI in predicting donor behavior, identifying potential major donors, and optimizing fundraising campaigns for maximum impact. * Automated Administrative Tasks: See how AI can handle routine administrative tasks, freeing up valuable time for development professionals to focus on relationship-building. * Data-Driven Decision Making: Understand how AI-driven insights can inform strategic decisions, ensuring your donor relations efforts are both efficient and effective. * Ethical Considerations: Discuss the ethical implications of using AI in donor relations, ensuring your practices align with organizational values and donor expectations. This seminar is designed for development professionals eager to harness the latest AI technologies to elevate their donor relations strategies. Whether you're a seasoned expert or new to the field, you'll leave with actionable insights and innovative ideas to implement in your organization. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and revolutionize your donor engagement practices!

As our profession and the world continue to evolve, leaders are called to reimagine how we work, collaborate, and lead to foster stronger, more connected communities. In this fireside chat, Shanna Hocking, founder and CEO of Hocking Leadership, and Carol Packard, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at Lehigh University, will share practical strategies to foster collaboration, trust, and meaningful change. They’ll explore how bold moves can break silos, build bridges, and inspire innovation, offering actionable takeaways for leaders at every level. Gain fresh insights to strengthen your teams, align your organization, and create meaningful change in 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from two dynamic leaders dedicated to advancing the future of our profession through authentic conversation, connection, and community-building.