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District VIII Annual Conference 2025
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7 Results Found
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM PST
One hour, one story, ten guests – 100 opportunities to raise money!
Are you always looking for a more efficient way to fundraise? Join Capilano University as we share our successes in transforming the traditional fundraising model into an impactful and intimate experience. In this session, you'll discover the power of just one hour in maximizing engagement and donor potential by utilizing a small number of table hosts rather than relying on securing large event attendance.
Learn from our Marketing & Digital Communication team as they use brand storytelling to strengthen connection, reputation, and impact, while reflecting the values of your institution. Gain tips on how to craft a compelling impact story video that resonates deeply with your audience, making your cause irresistible. Plus, build a sponsorship strategy to offset 100% of the event’s expense.
Leave with actionable insights and practical tips to elevate your fundraising efforts. ‘We Believe’ our unique breakfast event model will inspire ideas and unlock new opportunities for your organization. CapU was recognized with a CASE Grand Gold Circle of Excellence Award for their We Believe fundraising video.
Speakers: Cari Bird, Manager, Creative, Marketing & Digital Experience, Capilano University, Jennifer Bryan, Director, Philanthropy & Alumni Relations, Capilano University, Zoran Stjepanovic, Philanthropy Officer, Individual Giving, Capilano University
Competencies: Relationship BuildingIndustry or Sector Expertise
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM PST
We've Been Overthinking Alumni Engagement Metrics
For years, alumni engagement leaders have been feeling the burn of quantifying the results of our work. Never as easy to quantify as dollars in the door and other frontline fundraiser metrics, we find ourselves trying to justify funding and support for our work without being able to show the ROI as easily as frontline fundraisers. Have we been making it too complicated?
In this session, Ellen Whitlock Baker and Aaron Clarry will outline how we have created an efficient way to measure and report alumni engagement metrics at Seattle University because of the strong partnership we’ve developed between our two shops.
We will show how you can simply collect and report out on some of the CASE AEM data, even if you can’t track it all. We’ll also show examples of key reports to leaders and team members to keep alumni engagement metrics accurate and top of mind.
This session is great for alumni engagement professionals as well as those who work in advancement services roles; it’s with our power combined that we are able to more effectively report on engagement KPIs.
Speakers: Aaron Clarry, Assistant Vice President, Advancement Services, Seattle University, Ellen Whitlock Baker, Founder and Principal, EWB Coaching
Competencies: Industry or Sector ExpertiseStrategic Thinking
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PST
Reporting Revolution: Streamlined And Sophisticated
Join us as we explore the evolution of principal gift (PG) impact reporting at the University of Calgary. This session will provide insights into our phased approach to improving donor communication, enhancing financial transparency, and strengthening bespoke reporting. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how strategic changes in stewardship practices can lead to more meaningful donor engagement and operational efficiencies.
Speakers: Jessica Halliday, Director, Stewardship, University of Calgary
Competencies: Industry or Sector ExpertiseStrategic Thinking
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PST
Thank them thoroughly: comprehensive planning for giving day stewardship
Take your annual giving day to the next level by enhancing the ways you follow up with your generous donors. Show them their impact and build those relationships with meaningful stewardship. In this session, you’ll receive examples for creating a comprehensive stewardship plan, audit your giving day thank yous, streamline your stewardship process, report back on your giving day success and gain templates you can adapt for your institution. This session will also highlight fun events to build connections with donors as well as your giving day partners.
Speakers: Sara Dier, Annual Giving Director of Engagement & Stewardship, Oregon State University Foundation, Cathleen Hockman-Wert, Director, Communications, Oregon State University Foundation
Competencies: Industry or Sector ExpertiseRelationship Building
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PST
Scalable Stewardship: Tailoring Technology for a Perfect Fit
Explore how technology can enhance donor experiences with bespoke, scalable stewardship through new communication developments at Oregon State University. Faced with rising expectations for personalized touchpoints and a notable 20% increase in major gift donors over the past five years, the Oregon State University Foundation’s Stewardship team partnered with Fundmetric, an AI-driven fundraising platform. Together, they have begun pioneering unique communications custom-fitted to donors’ interests. Despite having only one team member dedicated to this effort, OSU Stewardship now harnesses this approach to amplify outreach and create tailored experiences for thousands of donors. Join us to explore how your team can craft communications and weave in data to deliver personalized luxury at scale.
Speakers: Francis Brideau, Account Manager, Fundmetric, Rachel Stark, Director of Stewardship, Oregon State University Foundation
Competencies: Industry or Sector ExpertiseRelationship Building
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM PST
Working The Mid-Level: A Donor Pipeline & Fundraiser Career Path Conversation
Join four fundraisers from the University of Oregon for an exciting conversation about working the mid-level! Topics covered will include donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies; moving donors along the pipeline from annual giving to major gifts; and navigating career growth as a frontline fundraiser. Bring your questions and be ready for some real talk!
Speakers: Rubi Harney, Associate Director of Development, University of Oregon, Jenny Minniti- Shippey, Senior Associate Director, Leadership Annual Giving Programs, University of Oregon, Margaret Savoian, Director of Development, Academics, Research, and Faculty, University of Oregon
Competencies: Relationship BuildingIndustry or Sector Expertise
Experience Level: Level 2
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PST
Career Development: Innovative Programs that Enhance Engagement AND Alumni
With career pivots and side hustles becoming the norm, the alumni community’s appetite for ongoing career support is stronger than ever. The University of Calgary has successfully implemented a comprehensive suite of alumni career development initiatives designed to support professional growth and cultivate lifelong relationships. This session explains our multi-faceted approach, highlighting key career development offerings that have significantly increased alumni engagement and improved the lives of thousands of our alumni. These offerings are highly replicable and can be initiated by other institutions to improve engagement, all while providing life-changing support that positively impacts their alumni and greater community.
The success of our innovative alumni programming is evidenced by increased participation rates, positive feedback, and the strengthened sense of community among our alumni. By sharing our strategies and outcomes, we aim to inspire other institutions to adopt similar approaches, ultimately enhancing alumni engagement and their lifelong career development.
Speakers: Andrea Christensen, Sr Alumni Career Development Specialist, University of Calgary, Kathleen Ralph, Lead, Alumni Mentorship, University of Calgary
Competencies: Relationship BuildingIndustry or Sector Expertise