The pandemic sent alumni professionals hurtling into a world of digital engagement - for KAUST, in Saudi Arabia, this world was one we wanted to be part of, so we decided to use the 'opportunity' of lockdown to increase targeted engagement with the global alumni community. From checking-in to see how alumni were, to a digital campaign with the message ‘share the view from your window’ and receiving the University’s first philanthropic gift from the Chinese alumni chapter, the first nine months of pandemic resulted in 17% increased engagement.

In this session, we’ll speak about KAUST’s experiences of engaging alumni in Saudi Arabia and internationally pre, during-and post-pandemic; our successes and learnings; as well as considering what’s next for connecting with the COVID-community and beyond.

Join the University of Aberdeen as we discuss how we broke through the noise of the COP26 conference in Glasgow by bringing teams from across the University together to deliver an integrated marketing communications campaign that amplified our voice and delivered great results.

Geographically removed from the conference but in the epi centre of the energy conversation, how did we ensure we were part of the conversation? An opportunity for the University to demonstrate our academic excellence on a global stage, how did we stand out from the crowd and generate results?

Now we have your attention: - this is a very practical session for any institution with foreign alumni which will address such things as: Do we need to set up our own legal entity in another country to accept tax-effective donations or would an Intermediary work just as well; my US alumni want Planned Giving – what is it; what is this US/UK dual benefit for my donors; is Transnational Giving Europe still working, is fundraising in Hong Kong still possible and so forth.  Mary Emerson, Executive Director of American Friends of Winchester College, Arnaud Marcilhacy, French Major Gift Fundraiser and Nancy Bikson, lawyer and expert in tax-effective giving worldwide will talk you through your international engagement, post-pandemic, during a cost-of-living crisis, war in Ukraine and as climate change hits!  No matter where your institution is located we will help you ensure you are maximising your time and energy whilst minimising costs and headaches.  Practical, real help and advice from skilled practitioners who have lived international fundraising for education for decades.

By 2025/2026 there could be over 1 million students applying for higher education, with increasing routes and courses across traditional degrees, apprenticeships, higher technical qualifications and lifelong learning. Students are faced with more choice than ever; universities and colleges are employing increasingly sophisticated marketing strategies to capture greater attention while expanding portfolios to cater for increasing volumes. But does more choice lead to positive outcomes or confusion/dilution? The competitive landscape is increasing. Students need a curated offer to help them make the right decisions when choice is more critical; universities and colleges need a curated offer to concentrate effort on their strengths and the right applicants for their institution, whilst every other institution is looking to do the same. In addition, the focus on widening access and participation is increasing. Discover how taking a data-led approach enables both students and institutions navigate the multiplicity of choice, cut through the noise and reach better outcomes. Hear from Ashleigh Little, University of Sunderland, on how their work with UCAS has transformed their outreach, academic engagement and recruitment initiatives. You’ll come away with: (a) An understanding of the future HE landscape; (b) Tips on how to focus on your big hitters; (c) Opportunities to improve course portfolio, outreach and conversion strategies

Faced with an ongoing global pandemic and a zoom-fatigued audience, the CERN Alumni Relations team was tasked with designing an engaging, three-day, virtual reunion event. Our mission was to showcase the impact of CERN alumni on society, build networks between alumni and stakeholders, whilst renewing their deep connection with the Organization, adding a sprinkling of gamification. The foundation for 'CERN Alumni Second Collisions' was a bespoke, virtual CERN environment, which enabled guest to roam freely around iconic CERN buildings and grounds, to visit our underground experimental facilities, network with other participants and be inspired by our alumni speakers. Join me to find out if it was 'Mission accomplished' or 'Game over'.

There is a rise in female philanthropists and women’s wealth, indicating that changes to the gender balance of the major gift prospect pool are on the horizon. To maximise the opportunities this change presents, event managers should consider taking a fresh, proactive approach; evolving their event design to better cater to the distinct requirements of female philanthropists. Join this fireside chat to explore how with the right event experience design, events could play a vital part in discovering and developing the female major gift prospect pool.

Can philanthropy and alumni engagement transform entrepreneurship in higher education? What role does philanthropy play in start-ups and social venture philanthropy?

Over the past few years, advancement has fuelled a huge transformation in Durham University’s work in entrepreneurship. The impact of this work has been significant; twice as many students engaging with innovation and entrepreneurship activity, the number of startups emerging from programmes has almost trebled and four ventures have now raised over £1 million in external funding.

This session will showcase how the Durham Inspired Campaign has and continues to raise ambitions for entrepreneurship at Durham University and will help you consider how you might engage with entrepreneurship at your institution.

When its Alumni Office was first established, the DA had a very active network of alumni aged 50 years and older. In order to attract more students and young alumni to become lifelong and committed volunteers, the DA developed several strategies of early engagement. In his session, Andreas will showcase the da.link career services, jointly organised by the DA and its alumni association, which have become the most successful tool to put students in touch with alumni and to convince them to join the DA's alumni network early on. Through an interactive discussion, Andreas will discuss his example with participating delegates and invite colleagues to introduce their own strategies of combining alumni and career services for the benefit of students, alumni and their institutions.

Western, Eastern, Southern and Central Europe District Cabinet members want to bust a few myths on the advancement profession in continental Europe. Join this expert panel for an enlightening and hopefully amusing session discussing and busting a few myths on what works and doesn’t in fundraising, alumni engagement, and advancement leadership. The session will be open to audience interaction in order to gather as many examples as possible of how Continental Europe gets things done, similarly or differently to our neighbors in the north or across the sea. Our team of busters will take on a few myths such as:

• FUNDRAISING MYTH: This may all work for the Anglo-Saxons, but rich people don’t make large gifts in continental Europe.
• LEADERSHIP MYTH: Our rectors and presidents don’t believe fundraising and alumni relations will make a difference
• ADVANCEMENT PROFESSION MYTH: It’s not in our culture to ask / give back
• ALUMNI MYTH: We’ve built strong relations with our alumni, asking them for money will spoil the relationships

Panelists will share their case and explain how their example busts the myth and invite the audience to share theirs. We are sure this lighthearted myth busting process will bring you energy, ideas and some great stuff to copy and share.