Let’s be honest – managing and reporting on donor funds is no small feat and advancement teams cannot do it alone. We rely heavily on our systems, processes, and organization partners to help us create the best donor experiences we possibly can. But if you ask yourself: Are our donor funds being utilized? Are they being used correctly and timely? Should we be worried when we send out our annual donor fund reports? And if you've shared some of these concerns, you're not alone. In recent years, many organizations have grappled with similar questions, finding little guidance on this vital aspect of any advancement operation. Join us in this session as we look at several case studies on how organizations like yours built the case for support to create and grow a fund management program. It's time to bring the discussion on funds management challenges out of closed-door conversations and begin an industry dialogue to identify what tools, resources, and standards need to be in place to successfully manage and steward donor funds. Whether you are new to funds management or seasoned in the field, come prepared to share your experiences and glean insights from others in this collaborative space.

Warren Buffett once said, “You only get one mind and one body...it’s what you do right now, today, that determines how your mind and body will operate 10, 20, and 30 years from now.” This session invites participants to pause and assess their current approach to wellness, both personally and professionally. Co-led by two longtime Advancement professionals, the session will start with a brief awareness exercise to reflect on your available time and an interactive poll on wellness habits. Then, through a guided discussion of the Gallup Engagement Pyramid, we’ll explore practical strategies for:
• Advocating for clear goals, resources, and boundaries to achieve professional success.
• Leveraging your strengths and prioritizing self-care to fulfill individual needs.
• Building meaningful workplace relationships and fostering psychological safety within teams.
• Pursuing opportunities for growth and development in your role. The session will conclude with a wellness planning exercise, empowering you to recharge intentionally and sustain your well-being over time. Join us to take control of your wellness journey and thrive both inside and outside of work.

As higher education institutions face increasingly complex fundraising landscapes, the role of campaign leaders has evolved significantly. Today’s campaign leaders must balance strategic vision, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative leadership to drive successful fundraising efforts. This session will explore how the role of campaign leaders is changing and what skills and strategies are essential for success in modern fundraising campaigns.

In this session, we will examine the following key areas:

• The shift from traditional to strategic campaign leadership
• The importance of data and analytics in campaign planning and execution
• Building and leading cross-functional teams
• Engaging stakeholders and fostering a culture of philanthropy

We all know that culture can eat strategy for lunch, but how do you turn a feeding frenzy into feeding to fuel? Leaders of MSU Denver’s Advancement division undertook a multi-year initiative based on Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead curriculum to transform their staff culture that was challenged by lack of accountability, staff turnover, and underperforming productivity. Starting with an assessment of staff and organizational culture they went through a yearlong program followed by self-developed practices that have transformed their organizational culture and become a model for the rest of the university. These changes have resulted in a quadrupling of fundraising outcomes, staff feedback that they have grown professionally and personally, career advancement for many, and the attraction of top talent. This session will share their process and provide insights on fostering a healthy staff culture that will feed your strategy not serve it for lunch.

Your campus buildings can be transformed into effective marketing assets through highly creative environmental branding. Learn how these often overlooked spaces can be utilized to their full marketing potential to greatly elevate the overall perception of your brand, enhance the student experience, and boost donor dollars. In this session, you will learn effective strategies and results supported by case studies that will elevate your understanding of the powerful influence environmental branding can have on your institution.