No one could have predicted the fallout from COVID. The experience of lockdown and the explosion of digital experiences that ensued have both had a huge effect on the way alumni relations professionals work and how our audiences react. But there are other ‘disruptors’ we need to contend with and perhaps more to come: the changing demographics of our alumni communities, the expectations of recent graduates for a more personalised relationship with their institutions, the increased reliance on technology and systems to deliver a seamless experience. All these ‘disruptors’ and more will require us to be ever more adaptive and agile and might even influence the sorts of people we hire into our teams. Please join us for this track opening thought leadership session where we’ll polish our crystal ball and tap into key insights from highly experienced colleagues based in the US, Canada, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

A dynamic and interactive session unpacking the powerful concept of 'glocal' - a hybrid approach to education brand building which maximises both global and local engagement and reputation to create a coherent brand narrative to enhance an institution's standing and impact.

We will explore good practice from within the education sector and in health and retail sectors to exemplify the approach and outline to tools delegates need to enrich their own institutions' brands.

The history of how universities formed is almost certainly shaping your fundraising programme, and maybe not in a good way. Listen to best practices in Strategic Initiative fundraising and prepare your whole institution to give the donors what they want and achieve the impact you’re really capable of.  Challenge yourself to be a leader and do the evolution of fundraising – because if you want to solve 21st century problems, you might need to break out of some 11th century silos first.

The COVID-19 pandemic crisis leveled the field and alumni engagement went virtual and inclusive. For years, engaging international alumni included some form of virtual engagement: online meetings with volunteers, knowledge exchanges and career development. Alumni relations depended mostly on international chapter leaders to organise and maintain the relationship between alumni abroad and their alma mater. New approaches are evolving due to switching most alumni activities online during the crisis. What are some of the new approaches? Why should higher education continue to invest in virtual engagement? How do international alumni and their alma mater benefit from online community building? This interactive session explores answers to these questions by using results of academic research and successful practices in the field.

How do we create a meaningful value exchange with our new graduates, which supports graduate employability and helps to deliver university priorities?

In this session, you will hear about University of Southampton's Graduate Ambassador Scheme - an exciting volunteering programme specifically for new graduates, which engages them as ambassadors for the University, whilst helping them to be work ready in a challenging employment market. Learn about the ways that our Graduate Ambassadors are giving back to the University through volunteering, and how we, as an alumni office, are supporting them to develop key employability skills and networks to help them stand out against their peers.

If a beautiful story is what you seek, dance this way and take a peek.
Together in tango, we will move, to discover what makes your content groove.
Grab my hand, I’ll lead the way, and show you how your brand can slay.
I want to make your mind shift, a twist of perspective will be my gift.
You know it’s no longer what you share, but that you convey it with care.
It’s time to step in a new direction and change your concept of perfection.
For it is always a story with soul, that will end up stealing the show.

Whereas theories and practices of fundraising have largely emerged in the English-speaking world, there is no doubt that higher education advancement is now a global phenomenon. Adjustments are made to create relevance and impact in different cultures, and solutions are developed on the go – often with small teams and no previous guidelines. With examples ranging from the governmental matching funding campaign dynamics of Finland to grand challenge fundraising in South Africa, we look at how fundraising is shaping into culture-specific forms that may challenge traditional theories and practices. In this interactive session, you will also be provided with sufficient space to reveal your own creative fundraising on the go! We invite you, therefore, to bring your cultural observations and experiences to the discussion, for the continuous advancement of the advancement profession.

In this interactive workshop Rachel and Margaret will take you from blank page to inspiring and impactful case for support.

Your case is the foundation of your fundraising programme but how often do we rehash the same phrases or copy and paste from old funding bids or direct mail.

Well no more!

Come with a project you’re working on, an open mind and a willingness to ask, ‘why would anyone give to us?’

Our marketing efforts are most often dependent upon winning hearts and minds, what better time to do this than at Christmas – that is what John Lewis tapped into when they created their legendary Christmas TV advert series. This formula can also work for higher education as well. In this session we will explore how one university, Bangor in north Wales, took inspiration from John Lewis and told a very personal Christmas story which reached target audiences in an exceptional way.  

From time to time all of us face conversations which we anticipate will be challenging. Whether it is a critical negotiation, or a meeting to give difficult feedback to a team member, they can feel uncomfortable and unpredictable.

So how do we prepare when we don’t know how it will go? The key is to focus less on what we will say, and more on our mindset, approach, intentions and objectives.

In this interactive workshop led by Sarah Langslow, a leadership development specialist and executive coach, we will explore how to prepare yourself effectively and show up powerfully.

During the session you will be introduced to a framework to set you up for success in challenging conversations, then have space to practise putting it into action through live role play. Attendees will leave with insights into their own blind spots as well as practical tools to take back into their leadership roles.