This session will prepare you to streamline your annual planning process to make it more inclusive, strategically focused, results oriented, and easy to maintain. Annual planning is an opportunity to connect with and learn from colleagues at all levels within the Advancement organization, and focus the entire team on the most important objectives for the coming year. The session will be an interactive opportunity to learn strategies to make the most of your annual planning process, focus on what matters, simplify progress tracking, and celebrate successful outcomes.

Making it easier for donors to give may just be the most effective strategy in the savvy fundraiser’s toolkit—and we’ve got the conversion metrics (and science!) to prove it. In this session, we’ll show you how applying classic principles of persuasion science to your everyday fundraising challenges can dramatically improve donor engagement and move the needle on dollars raised. Using the Fogg Behavior Model as a framework for understanding donor motivation and ability, Melanie Earl-Replogle from Drury University will share the simple strategies her team has implemented to achieve impressive real-world results.

How often do we hear, "hey, you got 5 minutes?" How do we respond to this question? Our body language and response can be deflating to your colleague. Or, it can be the most uplifting message they hear. No matter your name or title, staff would rather follow someone who genuinely cares about them as opposed to someone who's only interested in the bottom line. We'll identify sources, steps, and key competencies for recruiting fundraisers, but we'll spend the bulk of our time discussing philosophical steps to engage fundraising staff. Retention and true engagement begins with you...and it begins here!

Learn about a unique annual scholarship program that focuses on local fundraising in rural communities that support students from their communities.

As fundraisers, we need to know how to harness the power of authentic storytelling to demonstrate the impact philanthropy has on students and the communities in which we live. Learn how MSU Denver’s first comprehensive campaign served as a catalyst for innovations in donor communication. Using an unscripted, reality show format, MSU Denver is documenting the varied and unique journeys of students and alumni as they unfold over the years of the campaign. In conversation with CCS Fundraising, MSU Denver and Anchor Shine Productions will discuss how the campaign spurred this work, unpack their creative process, and share lessons learned.

What are strategic plans for, and who are they for? What does it mean to be “strategic”? These are among the questions addressed in a yearlong study of 108 active college and university strategic plans. The analysis of plans through a constituent-centric lens was revealing, and this session will address the various pitfalls of strategic planning and the significant leadership opportunity for marketing and communications beyond just “promotion.” The session will also highlight an example of a market-oriented, human-centered strategic plan — the CU Denver 2030 strategic plan — sharing critical lessons from the university’s strategic planning process and activation.

It is not a coincidence that there is a higher rate of “Imposter Syndrome” among underrepresented minority groups. Lack of diversity creates exclusionary spaces that present significant challenges for marginalized individuals. This session explores the complexities of being an outsider and how the skills developed within adversity are far more applicable than given credit for. Through an honest lens that examines and celebrates the immense value of intersectionality, this discussion is for anyone interested in diversity empowerment and using experiences of alienation to strengthen voice, enhance storytelling, and make meaningful connections with internal and external partners—all without sacrificing identity.

Anonymous donor's name printed in the magazine for all to see? Faculty "saving" donor gifts as a "rainy day" fund? Former employee made promises that are undeliverable to the donor? We've seen it all! In this highly interactive session, we will be sharing some horrific case studies that have actually happened in our advancement work. We will disclose how each situation was handled and discuss what could have been done differently with the entire audience. After working through some of these horror stories, you will have nothing to fear in your daily work!

Hear from two experienced Vice Chancellors about their experience working through leadership changes: figuring out the role as a first timer, on boarding a new chancellor, preparing for the inevitable campaign, building out the team, managing the culture of change, focusing on the why not, and creating balance for you and the team

Storytelling is an essential part of marketing and communications, and Missouri S&T's Casting Call program has been a successful way to showcase the experiences of real students and promote the university. In this session, I'll share 5 key components of a successful Casting Call program, as well as tips for adapting the program to meet the needs of your own university.