The work we do in advancement is critical to our institution's success. Being able to define what we do is more important than ever. As we redefine our focus, our ability to talk about what we do and work together is key to our success. Learning the language of advancement will allow you to make a case for your work, collaborate with colleagues, and better understand what we have been focused on in the past and where are are headed as we redefine our work in higher education advancement.

Advancement services is more than processing gifts and managing data—it’s a compliance-driven function that protects an institution’s reputation, ensures accurate reporting, and upholds donor trust. This session unpacks the ethical principles, federal and state regulations, and industry guidelines that govern our work. From IRS gift substantiation rules to PCI compliance, CASE and AFP standards, and GDPR/FERPA implications, participants will learn how to create a compliance framework that’s both practical and adaptable. Real-world examples will highlight how small oversights can lead to big risks, and how proactive policies can keep advancement operations both efficient and ethical.

Long considered primarily a research and portfolio support function, prospect development is emerging as a key strategic partner in driving fundraising growth. This session features a case study from the University of Tennessee Foundation, where a collaboration with Huron | GG+A redefined the role of prospect development within a high-performing, multi-campus advancement organization. Informed by benchmarking data from over fifteen leading institutions, the initiative progressed from issue identification to in-depth analysis, solution design, staffing recommendations, and structural realignment culminating in the implementation of a new, integrated and aligned prospect development model. Attendees will gain practical insights into aligning prospect development capabilities with institutional fundraising priorities, and explore strategies to evolve team structures, services, and capabilities. The session will highlight how a proactive, data-informed approach can elevate the role of prospect development, deepen fundraiser support, and enhance overall philanthropic performance.

Join a panel of VPs for Advancement in a thought exercise on the future of philanthropy. Which of today's challenges are more permanent and which are temporary? How will we address the narrowing gift pyramid? How should we think strategically about gifts at all levels? How can Advancement help our institutions improve public trust in higher education and build public and private support for our return on investment? What will the Advancement team of 2040 look like, and what skills will be most important? What will the campus experience be, and how will colleges foster a sense of place and purpose?

The North Carolina A&T State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions team, in partnership with the Office of Alumni Relations, has created an innovative process to engage alumni volunteers as event representatives. This session will cover the development of a comprehensive training and assessment system that ensures alumni are well-prepared and that Admissions can efficiently coordinate event representation. We’ll explore how this initiative was automated and its benefits, providing attendees with practical strategies to implement similar systems at their own institutions. Learn how this initiative supports A&T’s recruitment efforts and empowers alumni to actively contribute.

Join us as we explore the world of Gen Z college students and young alumni, digital natives born between 1995 and 2012. These tech-savvy individuals are navigating "emerging adulthood," a phase where they are no longer adolescents but not quite adults. We'll delve into Arnett's concept of identity exploration, instability, self-sufficiency, and endless possibilities. Additionally, we'll examine Schlossberg’s Transition Theory to understand how Gen Z seniors prepare to graduate and enter the "real world." By understanding the 4 S’s of Transition—Situation, Self, Support, and Strategies—we can create innovative support for seniors and young alumni. This session will highlight how thoughtful support during this transition impacts their perception of the value of their college education. Let's learn, appreciate, and support our Gen Zers on their exciting journey!

FSU's Discovery Days is a weeklong celebration of research and creativity that has something for everyone — from "Shark Tank”-style business pitch competitions to kid-friendly physics and art projects to events on public health, AI, and more. This annual event, which began in the fall of 2023, has become a fixture in the extended FSU community. While it serves as an internal celebration of our faculty and students, it also has served as a way for us to engage with leaders from various sectors while raising the profile of FSU research. In this workshop, participants will learn the ins and outs of planning the week, how we use it to showcase the positive impacts of university research and tips for planning your own celebration.

With over 75,000 living alumni and a dues-based association model, Jacksonville State University has reimagined its alumni engagement strategy to go far beyond traditional reunions and homecoming weekends. By deploying a targeted, data-informed approach, JSU's advancement team now executes 60–75 events annually - spanning everything from micro-gatherings of 15 alumni to receptions with over 300 attendees, each designed with a specific audience and objective in mind.
This session explores how JSU uses alumni directory mapping and geospatial data to drive decisions, creating highly relevant programming across different age groups, affinity segments, and interest areas. From “Graduate Toast” events for new alumni to geographically targeted “State of the University” receptions and reunion-based fundraising experiences like the Shrimp Boil, every touchpoint is designed to move alumni from first-time attendees to lifelong supporters.
Attendees will also learn how JSU connects engagement metrics like event attendance and repeat participation - with donor cultivation goals, using internal systems and CRM integrations to track giving behavior post-engagement. By aligning programming with a donor pipeline model, JSU has created a scalable playbook that boosts both participation and giving - without requiring a major overhaul of team structure or budget.
This session is ideal for advancement professionals seeking to enhance donor engagement through smarter, segmented event strategies and measurable outcomes. Whether you're starting small or scaling fast, JSU’s framework offers practical insights for teams looking to deepen alumni relationships and drive philanthropic growth.

This isn’t your average fundraising session—this is a full-on strategy reboot for advancement professionals who are ready to elevate their impact. In this high-energy, research-driven workshop, we’ll dive into the powerful intersection of mission, messaging, and money. You’ll discover how a school’s core identity, its mission, vision, and values fuels advancement success when aligned with bold storytelling, intentional branding, and a thriving culture. We’ll bust common myths about why donors give (and why they don’t), explore the psychology behind creating raving fans instead of one-time donors, and look at how to turn supporters into true investors. Walk away with 10 actionable strategies, 4 fundraising fallacies, 3 top investment trends, and a clear understanding of the difference between a gift and a growth opportunity. Whether you’re new to development or ready to rethink your entire approach, this session is packed with practical tools, fresh insights, and a little humor to keep things real. Let’s talk strategy, spark ideas, and yes - find the money!

How can advancement teams create personalized donor experiences at scale without sacrificing efficiency? Vanderbilt University and William & Mary have done just that, transforming their approach to online giving and delivering their most innovative Giving Days and campaigns yet. This session will explore the challenges encountered in meeting online giving goals, the strategic shifts they made, and the dramatic improvements in donor experience and campaign performance that came about as a result. Attendees will get an inside look at how these teams built a modern, seamless giving experience—from a stunning campaign website to streamlined giving forms—that inspires donors and drives measurable results.