“You can’t do that, because we’re doing it” or “We’ve already contacted that alumnus about a different project”.

How often as engagement professionals have, we felt in competition with different services and Advancement teams from within the same institution? And how does this impact on the experience of our graduate community?

At Newcastle University Business School we have devised a model which looks to add value and compliment existing activity, by working in conjunction with and not against central advancement services. This ultimately enhances the graduate and student experience and allows both teams try much more ambitious projects. In this session, we will touch on the why and how we are working in collaboration and some of the approaches we have tested.

Delivering excellent customer experience is important in building brand differentiation, appeal and connection - all of which contribute to recruitment performance. But it’s also critical in ensuring student retention, success and advocacy. This session will explore the core components of developing and implementing an effective customer experience strategy, focused on meeting audiences’ needs to improve institutional performance. We’ll share examples from the University of Wolverhampton’s recent work on improving the customer experience that they deliver. We will also draw on recent syndicated research conducted by SMRS, working with 47 universities who are part of the CASE Universities’ Marketing Forum, to understand the behaviours of over 34,000 future undergraduate students.

Many major gift fundraisers are looking forward to returning to elements of pre-pandemic fundraising. However, there is a new generation whose primary experience is working in the new ‘hybrid era’, who have been successful in building and cultivating relationships to gift outcomes purely in this environment.

What can we learn from these class of 20/21 fundraisers? Which aspects of their approaches can be utilised by experienced fundraisers, and how can we incorporate individuals into the area, and work in teams with a blend of experience?

This session will provide personal insight into starting in this new environment, share key takeaways for individual practitioners, managers, and teams, and provide an opportunity to share experiences of joining the profession at this time or working with new fundraisers.

Covid, lockdown and the war in Ukraine have tested alumni and volunteer communities like never before. Now, join me and explore ways that we can capitalize on the new reality to continue inspiring unique and meaningful alumni engagement. We’ll examine how over the past two years Central European University's Alumni Relations office met these challenges by creating meaningful programming and volunteer opportunities, allowing it to engage its alumni and student communities in new and powerful ways. Through this we’ll see how by using its strategic position, ARO not only created new engagement opportunities for alumni, but increased fundraising and affinity building as well. We’ll close with key takeaways plus potential ramifications for the future of alumni engagement.

Delivering excellent customer experience is important in building brand differentiation, appeal and connection - all of which contribute to recruitment performance. But it’s also critical in ensuring student retention, success and advocacy. This session will explore the core components of developing and implementing an effective customer experience strategy, focused on meeting audiences’ needs to improve institutional performance. We’ll share examples from the University of Wolverhampton’s recent work on improving the customer experience that they deliver. We will also draw on recent syndicated research conducted by SMRS, working with 47 universities who are part of the CASE Universities’ Marketing Forum, to understand the behaviours of over 34,000 future undergraduate students.

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'.