In today's competitive landscape, engaging donors and alumni effectively is crucial, even when resources are limited. Big budgets do not always equal big impact! In this session, seasoned engagement professionals from Washington and Lee University and UVA's Darden School of Business will unveil their most impactful donor touches and event enhancements that cost nothing and will share lessons learned. This session will highlight ways to leverage existing resources and partnerships and will showcase practical, cost-effective ideas that add value and authenticity to your events. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to elevate their engagement and stewardship programs. The session will be interactive, featuring case studies, practical examples, and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and discussion. Come prepared with your best event extras to share with the group!

In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential, the representation of young alumni on national alumni association boards is more critical than ever. This session will delve into the opportunities and inclusive practices that can help amplify young alumni voices, drawing from my personal experience as the youngest board member on my alma mater's national alumni association boards.

Learn about the sustained success of William & Mary's Society of 1918 women's philanthropy initiative. Beginning its 7th year, the Society continues to grow in numbers and impact and is now comprised of over 600 women who are philanthropically committed to W&M. The success of the Society is borne out of existing research and 6 proven principles derived from Kathleen Loehr's Gender Matters: A Guide to Growing Women's Philanthropy. We will share both our successes and lessons learned along the way. This session is a fit for you whether you are exploring the potential return on investment, currently launching or striving to sustain and grow your women's philanthropy initiative.

A strong alumni program leads with a diverse menu of options – events, volunteer opportunities, digital presence, etc. How can you create multiple opportunities for your alumni while they are scattered around the world? How can you develop opportunities that enhance your digital presence and encourage interaction with alumni? What content will inspire institutional pride and encourage interaction - all while reaching a broader audience? This session will explore answers to these questions while giving specific examples of successful digital engagement initiatives led by the Duke Sanford School of Public Policy. Want to learn more about our recent summer initiative #DogDaysOfSummer where we asked alumni to share their policy stories and photos with us? How did we launch ‘100 Hours of Service for 100 Years of Duke” and reach over 2,000 hours within the first few months? I look forward to sharing these initiatives with you as we take a deep dive into these concepts, data, and takeaways that will inspire your school to enhance your alumni digital experience. What opportunities can you create that: highlight your school priorities, encourage engagement within the alumni network, increase alumni engagement, and lift up the successes of your school? Let’s create!

This session will offer insight into how an Advancement events team and Athletics fundraisers and event planners can collaborate to make event magic happen! We'll discuss how to divide and conquer, how Athletics donors may require us to slightly stray from the norm of donor events, and how to ensure that your even has just the right level of pep!

By collaborating with Licensing to develop unique ODU-branded products like beer, barbecue sauce, ice cream, and the 1930 Collection clothing line, Old Dominion University (ODU) Alumni Relations has successfully engaged new audiences, strengthened alumni connections, and enhanced brand visibility. This session will focus on how ODU Alumni Relations has partnered with Licensing to develop and promote these products, fostering loyalty, increasing pride, and deepening engagement. Join us to learn how to work with Licensing, make the most of these partnerships, and effectively use your marketing and communications team to bring these ideas to life.

We will delve into the intricate landscape of alumni engagement spanning across generations. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, understanding the diverse needs, preferences, and communication styles across different generations is crucial for fostering meaningful connections and sustaining relationships with alumni. Led by alumni professionals from Generation X and Generation Z, this insightful discussion will provide practical strategies as participants explore how to effectively engage alumni of all ages while leveraging their own technology, storytelling, and personalized approaches. This course equips participants with insights and ideas to help support their efforts to connect with alumni of all ages.