Effective multimedia experiences leverage technology to “show” stories in new and interesting ways. Whether it be audio, video, animation, augmented reality, virtual reality or [insert technology not invented yet], none of these will resonate with your audience unless they have an authentic emotional story at their core. Ravi invites all around the proverbial campfire to unpack the primordial hooks and motivations of enduring storytelling. Collectively, we will examine how new and existing technologies can be integrated to serve content to emotionally engage both new and old audiences. In this session, you will:

• Learn how to identify core story forms within their brand and institutional messaging.
• Consider how time-based media can offer a new perspective on an existing story.
• Get inspired by how new media vehicles can be leveraged to support and extend an established advancement strategy.

In the ever-evolving landscape of alumni relations and fundraising, understanding and leveraging the power of data is critical for success. This session will delve into the strategic use of metrics and KPI to drive alumni engagement and boost fundraising outcomes. Attendees will learn how to harness data to identify trends, measure engagement effectiveness, and tailor outreach efforts for maximum ROI.

As a leadership annual fund or major gift professional, you can become a detective or anthropologist, uncovering clues to your donor's philanthropic interests, motivations and values. And, like a good detective or anthropologist, you have many different tools for gaining the information you need. In this session, we will identify some of the critical skills needed to be a strategic listener and observer and an active participant in relationship building.

Uncover the art of Impact Reporting in this insightful presentation, where we delve into defining impact and the diverse types of stories organizations can tell. Learn how to identify meaningful narratives with the help of advancement services and discover strategies to share these stories effectively, even on a limited budget. We'll cover practical tips for storytelling techniques and cost-efficient communication methods that highlight your organization's successes. Join us to understand how to craft and share compelling impact stories that resonate and showcase your organizations values.

Do people read emails anymore? Yes—they do. But not the way you think. This talk will show you exactly how to write subject lines, optimize your links, and lay out your email copy so your message gets across. In this session, you’ll learn: How to write good subject lines that increase open rates. Typical email reading patterns and how to use them to your advantage. How to appropriately use formatting and white space. Recommendations on sentence structure and reading level. How to use links and buttons to guarantee click-through. A quick way to test if your email will get read. This session is useful for everyone, whether you send mass emails or just internal ones.

Regardless of how an advancement shop chooses to structure alumni relations and development, there are natural opportunities for alumni teams to collaborate with development teams to engage prospective and current donors in meaningful ways. In this session, you will hear relevant examples of alumni professionals partnering with development officers to cultivate donors in the major gift cycle, while also providing alumni audiences with unique and special experiences. You will gain insight into the win-win opportunities that you can create in your advancement shop that lead to major gifts while also engaging alumni with impactful, alumni-centered programming.

Your head is full of everything you've learned about annual giving, alumni, volunteer engagement, personal solicitations, direct mail, prospect management, advancement services, communications and campaigns. Now what? How do you pull together all the pieces for a successful program? Strategic thinking and planning, of course! We'll discuss ways to plan for success, whether you're managing an office, a program, a staff-or just yourself. So, you have a great idea but aren’t sure how to get the green light. Have been asked to take on developing a new program to engage alumni and donors, but don’t know where to start? In this session, we will cover the ins and outs of strategic planning not just at the organization-wide level, but also at the program or department level. We will cover the why, approaches for ensuring ROI, managing outcomes, aligning resources, and lead an interactive exercise to support the development of meaningful roadmaps.

Join us for an engaging presentation that explores the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of educational fundraising. Uncover the potential of AI to revolutionize how institutions connect with alumni, build relationships, and secure vital financial resources. Come learn how AI can empower your institution to achieve new levels of fundraising success while fostering lifelong relationships with donors.

Embark on a journey to strategically shape your career in advancement services with our interactive session tailored for early-career professionals. This session will guide you through the essentials of career mapping, helping you identify key milestones and skillsets necessary for growth and success in the field. We will explore the hierarchical skill progression, from foundational competencies to advanced expertise, and how to strategically develop these skills to ascend in your career. Learn how to leverage mentorship, professional development opportunities, and practical experiences to build a robust career roadmap. Join us to gain insights, practical tips, and the inspiration to take proactive steps in advancing your career in the dynamic world of advancement services.

Dive into the essentials of developing robust policies and procedures in this session, featuring diverse examples. Explore the significant benefits of strong policies, learn how to evaluate when they are needed, and understand the collaborative process of policy creation. Equip yourself with the knowledge to identify stakeholders, manage expectations, ensure compliance, and implement best practices in your organization.