This session will provide findings from survey results, provide tools to navigate conversations with dissenting opinions, and harness the power of honoring traditions and values of the past while forging a relevant and progressive future. Attendees will learn how to engage alumni and donors in a way that empowers them to join in the vision, and identify when to detach from donors who do not uphold the institution’s current mission and vision.

Embarking on a leadership role in advancement can be both exhilarating and challenging. While many of us began our advancement careers as specialists, (making in-person asks for big gifts, mastering back-office processes, creating marketing materials, etc.), sooner or later, we find ourselves managing teams. While we may be experts at “making the ask” or “mapping appeal code structures,” oftentimes new managers can find ourselves at a loss when required to give effective performance reviews or coach up a new team member. This session is tailored for advancement professionals who have recently taken the step from being practitioners to managing teams. You will hear from three of your colleagues who have made this leap and are now successful industry leaders. Madison, Karl, and Adrian will introduce you to the dynamic world of advancement teams, providing essential insights, strategies, and tools to help you become a more successful team manager and leader.

Challenged by Covid, leadership changes, and a changing university climate, the University of Louisiana Alumni Association clubs and chapters fell dormant, association financial support waned, and the staff was burned out and tired. This is the story of the Ragin' Cajun spirit rising better than ever before. Come hear the story behind the story - from strategic planning, staff realignment, new focus on clubs and chapters, and a reenergized, engaged board - you'll hear it all!

Legal concerns in advancement aren't just for planned giving anymore. Whatever you do in advancement – fundraising, alumni relations, communications, or advancement services – knowing how the law affects your work could make the difference between celebrating success and a costly lawsuit. Learn from a "recovering attorney" and advancement veteran about key principles and situations to consider, whether you're planning an event, managing a fundraising campaign, writing a press release, maintaining a database, or organizing a reunion. You'll hear about plenty of real-world examples, so bring your hardest questions and toughest challenges to this lively, engaging, and interactive session – no retainer required!

Alumni and Donor Relations are rarely sitting at the same table, part of the same reporting lines, and often lack a cohesive approach to constituent engagement. Breaking down the barriers between these two teams is critical to moving alumni through attitudes to affinity to engagement to becoming current and future donors. Alumni and Donor Relations are two sides of the same coin. Join us for a candid conversation on how to bridge the gap between these two worlds through leveraging alumni surveying to meet everyone’s needs with special emphasis on events, communications, and special interest areas of our constituents. We will explore how these two teams can partner on annual engagement and interest surveys, event and experience surveys, to gauging overall satisfaction with your institution. We will dive into event strategy development and partnership, collaborative communication schedules, and ensuring all programs are designed to enhance the overall alumni and donor engagement experience. Designed to be both strategic and tactical in nature, this session delivers the partnership, surveying, and engagement deep dive you’ve been needing for your organization.