Affinity and Identity-based alumni engagement is a powerful strategy framework designed to foster stronger connections with our communities. Rather than solely organizing events and solicitations on graduating class identity, this framework leverages an individual's interest and identity to engage more effectively. In this session, we will discuss the “magic of 3” and how to optimize relationship building using affinity and identity to achieve successful outcomes including deeper connections, better event attendance, and stronger fundraising.

Fundraising campaigns are complex, and so is the blueprint for campaign marketing and communications. We have to reach a variety of constituents for a ton of different reasons over a period of years. And all the while we must tell a coherent story based in our institution’s values, mission, and plans. So where to start? What to produce and why? This is doable.

What's a Gift Agreement? Why are they necessary? We'll cover the critical importance of a properly written Gift Agreement, what it should and should not include and how it benefits both your institution and the donor. The session will include stories 'from the road' about how fundraisers navigate conversations with prospects, ensuring that we facilitate the philanthropic impact they want to make while staying compliant as an organization.

For more than 10,000 years humankind has been moved by great stories. Stories have changed the course of history, been used to right wrongs, and to educate new generations. Each of our educational institutions is bursting with powerful, meaningful stories. As advancement professionals, we have the opportunity and the challenge to capture this vital information and bring it to life. Many believe that the best fundraisers are also exceptional storytellers. This elective session will dive into the techniques and approaches that will help anyone learn to tell a great story, including time to role play what you’ve learned with your classmates!

“Without data, you're just another person with an opinion." Explore the essentials of using data for effective measurement and reporting in fundraising. Understand the different types of reports your prospect development shop may need and how each type drives your strategy. Learn what to measure, why it matters, and identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for benchmarking.

Over the past decade, higher education has shifted from having our faculty experts comment during election years to candidates using our work and missions as polarizing talking points. Regardless of your role in marketing or communications, grasping the interconnected nature of higher education and politics will empower you to be more effective in your role. Teresa will provide vital tools for proactive, strategic, and thoughtful action. In addition, this session will provide data and national trends from the current election year to frame how we can help our leaders look around corners and return to strategically communicating with our internal and external stakeholders to remain true to our strategic foci and key messages. Teresa will share what works in a polarizing environment, what we need to plan for in the coming months, and how we should position our expertise for different stakeholders so we can have a leadership role in shaping our own narratives and our institutions’ reputations.

Our alumni aren’t just names on a list, they’re constituents, stakeholders, potential life partners … a most valuable resource for our institutions. They want and deserve access (to a degree), a voice (always), and to be advocated for (who doesn’t!), so how we communicate with them—to open a relationship or to deepen one—is crucial. Let’s review strategies and deliverables for interacting with these important and often far-flung community members.

Join us for an insightful presentation on the significance of student philanthropy at our organizations. We will explore how educating students about philanthropy through initiatives such as senior gift campaigns and awareness drives fosters a culture of giving that lasts beyond their time on campus. Attendees will learn best practices for implementing a robust student philanthropy program and understand the lasting impact of instilling philanthropic values in students before they graduate. Walk away with practical strategies to nurture the next generation of engaged and generous alumni.

Most external facing advancement officers have experienced an uncomfortable, offensive, tricky, or harmful donor interaction. Perhaps you have. If not, chances are you will. Power dynamics are real, and it is easy to feel as if the donor, volunteer, or potential donor has ALL the power. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll equip you with tools and tactics to help you define situations, navigate difficult donor conversations in the moment, follow-up actions, and ways to create strategies that will minimize troubling donor interactions in the future.

Elevate your institution's alumni engagement and achieve meaningful returns by joining our session on "Maximizing Alumni Event ROI Through Effective Operational Support." Discover the critical role of operational excellence in driving successful alumni events and learn how advancement services can provide the streamlined support necessary to exceed expectations. We will explore best practices in planning, execution, and post-event analysis, offering practical strategies to maximize event ROI and enhance future success. Gain valuable insights and actionable tools to transform your alumni events into impactful, ROI-driven successes. Don't miss this opportunity to refine your approach to alumni engagement and operational excellence!