11:15–11:30 AM

Log in and test your connectivity. Attendees will receive additional directions via email. 

11:30–11:45

Welcome and Introductions

Join conference leadership to meet the faculty, review conference highlights and learn how to get the most out of your time online.

11:45 AM–12:45 PM

Opening Keynote

Lynne Wester, Founder, Donor Relations Guru

Lynne Wester, industry powerhouse and founder of Donor Relations Guru, will kick off our two days of online content with a deep dive into the current state of the donor relations industry and what our future holds for donor engagement, stewardship, and recognition. Lynne has helped organizations through many crises, although admittedly this is her first pandemic, and she is well-prepared to share best practices and lessons learned to guide us in the best (and worst) of times. Join us for an hour packed with insight, tactical ideas, and a good dose of humor!

1:00–2:00 

General Session

Campaigns & Strategic Collaboration

Many organizations have had to shift or adapt their comprehensive campaigns during this time – delaying events, major announcements, and solicitations. This session will explore the role Donor Relations plays in this and how we can strategically collaborate with our Development partners during these challenging organizational times. 

Megan McAndrews, Executive Director of Development, Syracuse University

2:00–2:30 

Exhibit Hall / Break

Use this time to check out the virtual exhibit hall and chat live with exhibitors, move around a bit, or check out resources in the library.

2:30–3:30 

General Session

Endowment Reporting & Fund Utilization

This session will explore best practices in endowment reporting during average years as well as the challenges we will face in FY20 reports due to economic downturns. We will also address tracking and ensuring maximum utilization of donor funds as it is more critical than ever right now – it’s officially a rainy day. 

Sarah Sims, Executive Director of Donor Relations, University of Florida

Susan Wright, Director of Stewardship, McMaster University

3:30-4:00

Faculty Q&A

Close the day with an open Q&A with our faculty experts.

Questions can be submitted live via chat or before the panel begins.

4:00–4:30

Optional Networking Social Hour

Pour yourself a cocktail (or mocktail) and meet virtually with conference attendees, exhibitors and faculty members.

4:30

Conference Adjourns for the Day

11:00 AM–NOON

Roundtable Discussions

Bring your breakfast or lunch and connect with attendees in small groups. Each group will receive discussion prompts and will be encouraged to participate in the conversation on timely topics effecting our industry. This is a great time to connect with peers to share best practices, ideas and support.

NOON–1:00 PM

General Session

Impact Reporting & Stewarding Emergency Funds

We will gather to explore best practices in impact reporting, how to effectively steward and engage your emergency fund donors, and incorporating technology into your Donor Relations work.

Avery G. Howard, Associate Director of Stewardship, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Leslie Carmona, Director of Donor Relations, Wayne State University

1:15–2:15

General Session

Taking Events Virtual: The Future of In-Person Engagement

Galas, commencements, scholarship luncheons, VIP or Alumni gatherings…we have all had to cancel or postpone events in the wake of national quarantining. Join us to explore how we can repurpose and rebuild events in the virtual space, message appropriately, and what this means for our industry in the short- and long-term.

Matthew Helmer, Assistant Vice President, University Advancement, Colorado State University

2:15–2:45

Exhibit Hall / Break

Use this time to check out the virtual exhibit hall and chat live with exhibitors, move around a bit, or check out resources in the library.

2:45–3:45

General Session

Minute to Win It: Best of COVID-19

A quick, fast paced hour of the very best communications and creative engagement opportunities we have seen from organizations across the country. Join us as we preview how Donor Relations teams have stepped up and effectively used technology, creativity, and thoughtfulness in their socially distanced donor relationships!

Leslie Carmona, Director of Donor Relations, Wayne State University

Sarah Sims, Executive Director of Donor Relations, University of Florida

4:00–5:00

Faculty Panel

Donor Relations 2.0: Short & Long-Term Changes Resulting from Crisis

Join our faculty for a panel discussion on the how COVID-19 has disrupted our shops and the Donor Relations industry as a whole, how we pivot and prioritize work effectively, and how we can adapt to changes in our business plans, budgets, and goals. What do we focus on now and what comes next?  

Faculty and Kirsten Lavin, Director of Stewardship, Johns Hopkins University

5:00

Conference Adjourns for the Day