Better Evaluation and Planning of Events
From the Nominator
The Advancement Events Summary dashboard uses data to help us assess the Return on Engagement (ROE) and the impact of events and programs at Indiana University (IU). To do this, we built a Tableau dashboard that "pulls" data from events coded in our customer relationship management system to better understand at a glance "who was in the room" and the advancement actions attendees took 60 days and six months after an event, such as making a donation or becoming a prospect. While we understand that event/program participation may not be the sole reason a constituent makes a gift, the dashboard helps us to show that there is likely a correlation between the activities. The dashboard is built to look at just one event, or all of the events within a given time period. Additionally, the dashboard allows our campuses, schools, and units to filter results based on their specific unit and/or programs. The impact has been monumental, as it allows advancement professionals across the institution to have more strategic conversations about program design; they can see if programs are meeting audience segmentation and ROE goals, and they can help campuses, schools, and units connect their alumni engagement and donor journeys more deliberately. At IU Alumni Association specifically, we use the dashboard with other program metrics to provide a more holistic post-event evaluation. No longer do we consider an event/program "good" based only on how many people attended and survey evaluations, but on a number of factors.
From the Judges
Events are a key engagement touchpoint for many development offices. This entry presented outcome data that makes it easy to analyze the immediate and longer-term return on investment of events. The results guide future decisions and encourage thoughtful event-planning choices, leading to more success and accountability. The team considered how other internal groups would use the dashboard, and because of its high relevance and value, are already sharing it as an example for peer institutions.