Data is increasingly central to how institutions understand their operating environment, make informed decisions, shape strategy, and operate effectively in an increasingly complex advancement landscape.

In this pre-conference session, participants will explore how they can leverage data and artificial intelligence (AI) strategically and practically to support institutional decision-making and operations in their advancement role. This workshop will provide a structured deep dive into what data is, how it can be considered from a strategic perspective, and how data-driven insights can help institutions better understand context, performance, and priorities within their advancement functions.

The session will also introduce key concepts in data science, examining how analytical approaches can move beyond reporting to support planning, strategy and process improvements. In addition, we will explore the use of AI in advancement, guiding participants to identify areas where they can practically apply AI in their advancement functions, build workflows, and develop practical approaches that deliver measurable outcomes.

This session is designed for advancement professionals across the various advancement functions and levels of experience - for individuals who are seeking to better align data, analytics, and emerging technologies with institutional needs and challenges.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand what data is and how it can be applied from a strategic perspective within educational advancement
• Explore how data and data science can be used to generate insights, inform decision-making, and support advancement strategy
• Identify high-value applications of AI that address genuine business needs and challenges across advancement functions
• Develop a practical blueprint to explore and apply data, data science, and artificial intelligence to address institutional priorities 

Chair

Tuesday, 5 May, 2026

Room: Samford Room, L5

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM UTC +10

Registrations

CASE Registration Desk, L5 Foyer

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM UTC +10

Welcome and Introduction

Samford Room, L5

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM UTC +10

Building Your Business Challenge with Data

The session provides an introduction to the use of data in advancement and how it can be used to address business challenges and needs, or inform decision-making. Participants will have an opportunity to explore how they can develop problem statements where data is central to insight and solution design. 

• Understand what constitutes data and how it is used in advancement
• Appreciate how data can inform decision-making and/or address organisational challenges
• Develop business challenge statements that incorporates the use of data to inform solutions designscriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive approaches.
• Apply appropriate data science methods to their business challenges

Samford Room, L5

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM UTC +10

Refreshment Break

Foyer, L5

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM UTC +10

Applications of Data Science in Advancement

Building on the earlier segment, this session introduces participants to data science and explores its concepts, and commonly used techniques and analyses. Participants will learn how different analytical methods reveal patterns, predict behaviour, optimise resources, and inform strategy – enabling them to address their defined business challenges with data-driven solutions.

• Understand what data science is and appreciate how it is applied in advancement
• Identify commonly used data science tools and analytical techniques, including descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive approaches.
• Apply appropriate data science methods to their business challenges

Samford Room, L5

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM UTC +10

Networking Lunch

Restaurant, Level 6

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM UTC +10

Applications of AI in Advancement (Part 1)

The session will explore what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is and it’s role in supporting advancement. Learn key concepts in AI, its practical applications and explore how it can be practically applied to business challenges and work processes in advancement – enabling teams to harness AI thoughtfully and ethically to improve efficiency and generate insights that inform strategy and decision-making

• Understand and appreciate the fundamentals of AI and its applications in advancement
• Practise applying AI tools and techniques to business functions and work processes
• Evaluate and recognise the ethical considerations of using AI

Samford Room, L5

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM UTC +10

Refreshment Break

Foyer, L5

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM UTC +10

Applications of AI in Advancement (Part 2)

Samford Room, L5

4:30 PM UTC +10

Programme Conclude

Wednesday, 7 May 2026

6:00 PM UTC+10

Welcome Reception 

Ballroom Foyer, L5