We have too many things to do, and there's no end in sight. As fundraisers in higher education, we are all navigating complex issues every day. The daily stream of news, events, and pressure related to resource development in higher education is a lot to manage. Finding and staying in a productive zone can be daunting, and burnout is often nipping at our heels. This will be an interactive session that creates space for sharing best practices for laser focus in a complex and over-scheduled world. *Separate registration required

In this session, we will explore a real-world case study that demonstrates how collaboration, strategic planning, and effective stakeholder engagement can drive revenue growth and transform an organization. Imagine starting at a new organization raising just $600,000 a year and transforming it to a consistent $3 million a year in revenue after just 18 months. We’ll explore the practical strategies that fueled our growth and how to create a collaborative relationship with Faculty and Advancement leadership. Join us to learn more about this journey where people power and relationships led to dramatic financial transformation!

In this multi-disciplinary approach, learn how Oregon State University crafted its most comprehensive discovery program to date. This presentation will showcase how we blend traditional marketing and analytics with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and connect with potential donors. Learn about our newly formed team of development officers dedicated exclusively to this critical work, and discover how this program is also driving our volunteer engagement efforts. In an industry facing a challenging donor landscape, this program represents a forward-thinking solution to rejuvenate and expand OSU's donor base, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for the organization.

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.

What is it about “the little engine that could” that allowed it to successfully pull the train over the mountain when larger engines refused to even try? Why is it that California pistachio farmers so often become millionaires when the trees take years to mature and bear fruit? What can we learn from the little engine that exclaimed “I think I can…I think I can” as it huffed and puffed to the mountain top? Can universities and colleges embarking on a major comprehensive campaign learn from these examples? Yes, when one considers the common characteristics or ingredients in a successful campaign: patience, persistence, and a healthy culture of philanthropy. It is almost universal that comprehensive campaigns, especially multi-year, first time efforts, are a mixture of challenges and opportunities. But with patience, persistence and a keen understanding of your culture of philanthropy, the challenges can be met, and the opportunities can bear fruit. Join us for an in-depth look at these issues and obstacles and get tips on how patience and persistence can lead to success: • How do you go about setting meaningful priorities and goals? How do you respond to shifting priorities? • Explore strategies when changes in leadership occur. • Join our discussion on successful techniques to grow or enhance your prospect pool. • It takes money to raise money. Explore with colleagues the multiple methods for aquiring resources that will put you on a path to a successful campaign. • What do you do when when campaign fatigue sets in? • Identifying and growing your culture of philanthropy is essential to campaign success. Explore with us the four key pillars of a robust culture and how you can improve them as your campaign unfolds.