This panel conversation with our peers in CFR will talk about how they approached benchmarking, what they used it to accomplish, and what they'd do differently if they had it to do over. Panelists will also talk about the challenges of apples-to-apples comparisons, whether they be on FTEs or dollars in the door or gifts/grants from sources that don't disclose via tax returns. Panelists include Los Angeles's Mount Saint Mary's University, which has done benchmarking for institutional giving; U Michigan, which did a benchmarking with UM's research operations as well as development; and University of Washington, which has used varied approaches. Together, we will explore multiple ways of benchmarking, from informal calls for feedback among peers, to email surveys, to full-on data and interview-driven practices.