The Strategic Importance of Advancement for Institutions and the Role Academic Leaders Play
Institutional success in today’s higher education landscape depends on more than academic excellence and research innovation - it requires visionary leadership that embraces philanthropy as a strategic driver of growth and impact. In this session, we explore how advancement and academic leadership intersect to advance the mission and purpose of the modern university.
Through candid insights and reflections, we will share how leaders can embed philanthropy into institutional culture, strengthen partnerships with donors and stakeholders, and recognise that fundraising is not simply a support function, but a shared responsibility that underpins strategic success. This conversation will provide valuable perspectives for deans, research leaders and senior academics on aligning their roles in research, innovation and development with their institution’s broader vision - and on leading with purpose in an era of change.
Queen's Ballroom, L5
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM UTC+10
Refreshment Break
Foyer, L5
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM UTC+10
The Donor Cycle - What goes into the mind of a donor?
This session invites academic leaders to view the development process from the donor’s perspective - understanding the thoughts, decisions and emotions that shape their journey of giving.
Participants will explore the stages of the donor cycle – identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship – through the lens of what the donor experiences at each stage. The session will highlight how deans and academic leaders can work strategically with their advancement teams to build authentic relationships, align institutional goals with donor aspirations and create meaningful, lasting engagement. Subsequent sessions throughout the programme will take a deeper dive into specific stages of the cycle and how to sustain success over time.
Queen's Ballroom, L5
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM UTC+10
Networking Lunch
Foyer, L5
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM UTC+10
The Winning Partnership: The Important relationship between Deans / Academic Leaders and Advancement Leaders
Successful fundraising stems from strong collaboration between academic leaders and their advancement teams - partnerships built on trust, shared goals and clear communication. This session explores how deans, research leaders and academic heads can work more effectively with their advancement colleagues to secure philanthropic support that advances their institution’s mission and priorities.
This interactive discussion will examine what makes these partnerships thrive, where challenges often arise, and how to navigate them constructively. Participants will gain practical insights into aligning institutional objectives with donor interests, strengthening mutual understanding, and creating a culture of collaboration that drives long-term fundraising success.
Queen's Ballroom, L5
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM UTC+10
Break
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM UTC+10
Best Practices in Cultivation and Stewardship
Strong relationships are at the heart of successful fundraising, and effective cultivation and stewardship are key to sustaining donor trust and long-term engagement. This session provides academic leaders with practical strategies and proven techniques to build meaningful connections with donors, ensuring that relationships are nurtured with authenticity, purpose and consistency.
Participants will gain insights into best practices for cultivating prospective donors and stewarding existing ones - from understanding motivations and expectations to developing clear communication and engagement plans. The session will also explore how to work collaboratively with advancement teams and university leadership to deliver thoughtful, timely stewardship that strengthens relationships and reinforces confidence in your institution’s mission and impact.
Queen's Ballroom, L5
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM UTC+10
Refreshment Break
Queen's Ballroom, L5
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM UTC+10
Building a Culture of Philanthropy in Your Faculty or Institute
Creating a sustainable culture of philanthropy begins within your own faculty or institute — where every staff member, researcher and academic has a role to play. This session explores how academic leaders can inspire a shared understanding of philanthropy’s importance, translating institutional priorities into meaningful opportunities for giving and engagement.
Through practical insights and discussion, participants will learn how to foster collaboration among administrative staff, faculty members, and research teams to create an environment where philanthropy is valued and championed. The session will also examine how to build momentum for fundraising initiatives, engage alumni and stakeholders, and embed a culture of giving that supports long-term institutional success.
Queen's Ballroom, L5
6:00 PM UTC+10
Welcome Reception
Foyer, L5
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM UTC+10
Welcome to APAC 2026
Ballroom, L5
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM UTC+10
APAC 2026 Opening Plenary
Opening Plenary: Advancement Town Hall
As institutions navigate competing priorities, reputational pressures, and shifting stakeholder expectations, advancement teams are increasingly required to respond with both strategic clarity and values-driven judgement. In this Opening Plenary, participants are invited to examine and reflect on the lived realities of institutional leadership and the complex challenges shaping advancement today. Through a range of leadership perspectives, participants will consider the tensions, trade-offs, and decision-making pressures faced across fundraising, alumni engagement, communications, operations, and strategy. The session explores how advancement professionals can remain attentive to broader institutional priorities, while leading with credibility, resilience, and purpose.
Ballroom, L5
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM UTC+10
Refreshment Break
Foyer, L5
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM UTC+10
Engaging the Donor and Making the Ask
Engaging donors effectively is both an art and a skill - one that requires authenticity, preparation and the confidence to make meaningful connections. This session provides practical guidance to help academic leaders navigate donor conversations with purpose and impact, from cultivating relationships to making a compelling ask for support.
Through interactive discussions and role plays, participants will explore how to prepare for donor meetings, ask strategic questions, and respond thoughtfully to donor cues. The session will also demystify the process of “making the ask”, offering tips to increase confidence and ensure that conversations are both engaging and productive. Attendees will leave with practical tools and greater assurance in representing their institution’s mission, vision and funding priorities.
Queen's Ballroom, L5
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM UTC+10
Networking Lunch
Foyer, L5
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM UTC+10
How to Build Your / Your Institution's Story
Behind every successful fundraising effort lies a powerful story - one that connects purpose with emotion and transforms institutional priorities into a compelling call to action. This session explores how academic and research leaders can craft authentic narratives that capture the heart of their institution’s mission and inspire others to give.
Participants will learn how to articulate their story with clarity, intent and impact - weaving together data, outcomes and emotion to create resonance with donors and stakeholders. Through discussion and practical examples, the session will highlight how effective storytelling strengthens donor engagement, reinforces institutional identity, and helps position your faculty or institute as a driving force for positive change.
Queen's Ballroom, L5
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM UTC+10
Refreshment Break
Foyer, L5
2:45 PM – 4:15 PM UTC+10
Managing Ethics and Reputational Risk
Ethics and integrity are at the heart of effective fundraising. As institutions navigate an increasingly complex philanthropic landscape, maintaining transparency, accountability and authenticity is critical to protecting both donor trust and institutional reputation. This session explores the ethical principles that underpin responsible fundraising, helping academic leaders and advancement professionals understand how to act with confidence and clarity in challenging situations.
Through reflection and discussion, participants will consider real-world scenarios that test ethical judgement and explore how to align fundraising decisions with institutional values and public expectations. The session will also highlight how strong ethical practices build credibility, sustain donor confidence and safeguard long-term relationships — ensuring that philanthropy continues to serve the mission and purpose of the institution with integrity.
