All of our institutions are either preparing for, in the midst of, or transitioning out of a campaign. There is no absolute truth about whether to integrate your annual fund into the campaign, but there are some important considerations to address before you make your decision. And you may even discover mid-way that you want to go in a different direction. This discussion will explore some of the pros, cons, and factors to consider in deciding how, when or if to use your campaign to promote annual giving.

Turn up the heat on your cold calls and keep the door open after your first visit. Learn how to get the appointment, how to start the conversation and keep it on track, and most important, how to end the visit ensuring a productive next step. Have to solicit on that first call? We'll cover that as well. The development professional who masters and enjoys cold calls and first visits is destined for success.

Strategic and generative conversations are at the heart of our work. Questioning and listening are powerful life skills. First, they will help you create productive donor relationships. What organizations do you support with your philanthropy? Where are we on your list of philanthropies? How do you make your philanthropic decisions? What has been your most meaningful gift? Quality questions elicit amazing information that will guide you in the solicitation process and help you build relationships on campus with your supervisor, peers and faculty members. Learn how to develop questions instead of talking points that will inform your gift strategy, advance relationships, and result in a joyful, generous "Yes" to your request for increased engagement with your institution, a significant gift to one of your priorities or for whatever you were hoping that volunteer or colleague would do to help you achieve your goals.

Timing is everything for successful parent fundraising programs. There is a narrow window of opportunities for engaging, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding parents, so we must thoughtfully plan the critical fundraising touches along the way - from the admissions cycle through graduation. If we do this well we can achieve our goals and provide rewarding experiences for our parents and families. Let's explore the journey of parents/families and discuss ways to optimize fundraising opportunities along the way.

Millennials are from Mars; Boomers are from Venus. Generational differences affect how successful we are in our workplaces as well as in our work. Do you want that next promotion? Do you want to close big gifts? Effective communication is critical to building productive and authentic relationships – with our colleagues and with our donors. Learn how understanding and adapting for generational differences can help us get ahead in our careers and raise more money for our institutions.

In today's ever-evolving workplace, it is crucial to develop effective strategies for managing up to your supervisors and navigating your organization's structure. We will explore the art of managing from your seat, providing you with insights and practical techniques to cultivate strong relationships with supervisors and peers while influencing the decision-making process. We will explore how to effectively communicate your ideas, progress reports, and results to supervisors, ensuring your contributions are acknowledged and appreciated. Additionally, we will delve into strategies for building skills, reputation, mentorship circles, and positioning you for success in today’s rapidly changing work environment.

What can a career path in advancement look like? A straight line? A squiggly doodle? Career decision making - should I stay or should I go? Join a panel of exceptionally talented faculty to discuss careers in fundraising and lessons learned and unlearned.

Known for creative and innovative marketing campaigns, Ashley Budd is one of the most influential voices in education marketing and fundraising. In her popular creative brainstorming class, Ashley shares how she crafts timely and relevant messages, visuals, stories, and digital content through division-wide brainstorming sessions. Learn her brainstorming framework for bringing teams together and solidifying buy-in for creative projects. Ashley will share how to leverage online tools, create an audience mindset, lean on team member strengths, and make it fun!