In this lightning-fast session, I’ll condense 25 years of on-staff and client alumni magazine and higher ed communications experience into 60 ideas that you can use TODAY to make your print publications — including magazines, major anniversary publications, and even campaign materials more read, more loved, and more valuable.

From optimizing your print publications for the coffee table to techniques that can 8x the effectiveness of your headlines, to “engagement engineering” to make stories as feedback-friendly as possible, participants will come away with concrete ideas that they can implement immediately and make a real difference for their publications and communications.

Your institution just celebrated its 50th Anniversary, is in the thick of developing a new strategic plan, and is in a major website redesign. And your board of trustees decides to change your institution’s name by dropping the word “community.” Whew! Hear how Oakton College approached this monumental task. We implemented a brand refresh, strengthened our brand relevance, aligned institutional efforts, and doubled down on community. We will share how we approached this work: the wins, the challenges, the lessons learned, and how we rolled out our brand launch.

What to do if you suddenly find yourself at the helm of a rudderless Advancement ship and the passengers are relying on your to get it safely back on course. This is for those people who are beginning, or want to turn around, a Foundation/Advancement operation that has never existed or has been neglected for so long it's on the rocks and about to sink. What can you do when you have less than zero resources and need to turn the boat around? Where is the biggest bang for the buck? How can you exponentially increase impact without increasing personnel? How can you leverage connection and technology to bring about the needed change and get your operation back on course? This was where we found ourselves at Diablo Valley College and you can hear what we've done so far.

Join us for an exhilarating breakout session that will revolutionize your approach to donor stewardship and engagement! Discover the secrets to creating meaningful connections and nurturing long-term relationships with your supporters. Learn how to craft impactful impact reports that showcase the transformative power of their contributions. Explore the Howard Brown Giving Society, a prestigious recognition program that inspires elevated giving. Gain insights into planning unforgettable donor events that leave a lasting impression. We'll also delve into the art of crafting an engaging annual report card that highlights achievements and fosters trust. Plus, uncover the magic of holiday stewardship and its role in deepening donor relationships. Lastly, discover how a scholarship reception can strengthen bonds and attract new benefactors. Don't miss this game-changing session packed with practical strategies and inspiring ideas that will take your donor stewardship to new heights!

Strong brands go a long way in student and employee retention, revitalized relationships with partners and donors, and in creating a welcoming environment and a sense of belonging. Hear how Arizona Western College approached this monumental task without hiring an outside agency. We'll share about the wins, the pitfalls, the cynics, the fans, the rollout, the lessons learned - and of course the before and after. Attendees will learn the basics of leading branding change and the benefits and challenges of going it alone.

Building a culture of philanthropy involves engaging stakeholders in the stories of our students and alumni. A successful major gift strategy is aligning a donor's interest with our shared mission. This session will share three case studies of fundraising success in New Hampshire that collectively have built a culture where students choose community and donors give opportunity.