How do you turn virtual tools created during and after the pandemic into meaningful ongoing in-person and virtual programmatic efforts? Learn more about how the Northwestern Alumni Association's Small Business Directory and Alumni Authors CATalogue went from online directories into multifaceted engagement opportunities. We will share information on the development and creation of these tools as well as their continuous impact on programming and engagement. Additionally, attendees will learn how these projects further the organization's mission to broaden outreach to previously unengaged alumni as well as support the advancement of institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion values.

In a post-#girlboss era, how can alumni relations teams create authentic connection and community for women alumni leaders and increase their likelihood to make a gift? Join staff from UChicago Alumni as we share our successes in breaking down silos between alumni relations and gift officers to launch our first Women’s Leadership Initiative, giving space for alumnae leaders to tell their stories, celebrate their achievements, and mentor young alumnae, all while deepening their connection and engagement with the University. Participants will gain actionable insights on how alumni relations frontliners can be effective and valued partners for gift officers in cultivating their prospects and fostering increased affinity for the institution.

This session will provide Advancement staff with strategies to build more equitable engagement pathways, empower diverse constituencies and drive mission impact. We will discuss: why equity and inclusion are critical to Advancement's mission and community impact, challenges and barriers facing marginalized groups, strategies for driving change to foster inclusive participation, and frameworks and language to advocate for equity-focused engagement in a compelling way.

With higher education facing uncertain changes, universities are making bold decisions in attempts to stay relevant and up to date to provide current and future students with the best academic careers possible. Some of these changes may be controversial and spark emotions from it’s alumni. Hear about how Emporia State University and the ESU Alumni Association faced adversity while continuing to emphasize alumni relationships and engagement.

Has your phonathon or telefund program lost momentum over the last decade? Are you alienating more of your constituents rather than engaging with them? If so, you do not have to hang it up. In this session, learn how Kent State University took their struggling phonathon program and transformed it into a multichannel engagement center that will have long term, positive impacts on Kent State’s pipeline health.