Relational equity is essential to effective strategic communication… simply stated, people don’t care what you know until they know that you care (about them).

Most strategic plans, especially those intended to disrupt the flow of things and introduce organizational change, start with ideas and concepts but they should really be starting with the people first. When you start with people before processes, you have the opportunity to create meaningful connections for lasting impact!

In the fast-paced world of professional fundraising, the pressure to secure larger and larger gifts is intense....unfortunately, I have bad news...the pressure won't let up! This session unveils nontraditional strategies that moved fundraising at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff from annual yields of $2M to a record breaking year of more than $12million; we're convinced that we can help you move the needle as well. This inspiring and strategy-filled seminar introduces participants to techniques in expanding corporate giving, alumni outreach, and processes in building a non-affiliated donor pipeline. At the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, we grew foundation and corporate giving by more than 200%, expanded alumni giving by 50%, and even increased faculty-staff giving by more than 40%. This hands on learning session is filled with practical tips that will show you how you can create a Personal Fundraising Plan (PFP), grow your non-affiliated donor pipeline, and attract those high capacity donors that always seem to get away. Designed as a best-practice session for new Development Officers, or even the veteran advancement leader looking to reinvigorate their fundraising strategies, this insightful session just might be your secret sauce for success!

Hindsight is always 20/20, but why do we have to wait on hindsight. This session is designed to help you take your leadership to the next level. As a first-time CMO, Dr. Carrie Phillips faced several struggles when she was elevated into her first CMO role. And like most, she had some successes...and also some failures. In this session, she’ll candidly share managing mistakes she made, offer some lessons she learned the hard way, and provide practical takeaways to support your management journey. Whether you’re a seasoned leader, interested in the CMO role, or leading a team for the first time this session will help you think about your own leadership and ways to continually improve.

Harness the power of passion with effective board management strategies. Keturi DeLong will guide a candid discussion with three experts who have managed powerhouse boards through transitions, campaigns, challenges, and celebrations.

In this session, HR panelists will delve into the key aspects of understanding and addressing managerial needs. This session promises to be an engaging and informative experience, offering valuable perspectives and practical advice. During the discussion, the panelists will explore several highlights on how to excel as a professional in the managerial realm. They will share their expertise on effective communication strategies, fostering a positive team environment, and the importance of continuous learning and development. Additionally, they will provide tangible insights on leadership skills, time management, and the significance of empathy in management. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals and to ask any questions you may have related to your managerial journey. We hope you will join us for this enriching discussion and take advantage of the valuable knowledge being shared. Your participation will undoubtedly contribute to a more dynamic and engaging session.

While rich institutional knowledge and experience can be invaluable and provide priceless insights into an organization's history, culture, and procedures, it also presents challenges. New employees often discover that there are many unwritten rules (highlighting the importance of documentation), historical details, and old practices, which can be confusing. Additionally, institutional knowledge is often associated with sticking too rigidly to old ways, which can block new ideas. It’s important to find a balance between preserving valuable old knowledge and welcoming new ideas to help the team improve its overall efficiency and effectiveness.