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.

In today’s diverse higher education environment, inclusive communication is not just an option but a necessity. This session aims to equip higher education professionals with the knowledge and strategies to better understand, identify, engage on and communicate observances important to diverse communities. From religious holidays to cultural heritage months, recognizing these events helps build an inclusive campus environment in which diverse community members can see themselves reflected in, promotes mutual respect, and enhances student, staff and faculty understanding of and engagement with equity and anti-racism. We’ll explore emerging practices to consult and collaborate with communities on communication initiatives, develop tools and mechanisms to better cooordinate amongst institutional communication partners (particularly of relevance to those in large, decentralized organizations), and assess and develop appropriate communication and engagement approaches – including social media, programming considerations and leadership messaging. We’ll share experiences and invite a participatory discussion on promising practices and ways to navigate expectations, manage reactive situations and take on proactive approaches. Participants will better understand how these efforts help cultivate knowledge and inspire behaviour change to build a more inclusive university community. Delve into essential components: understanding the rich tapestry of observances, crafting dynamic communication strategies for diverse audiences, embedding observances into the fabric of institutional communications, and measuring outcomes. Walk away with actionable insights and strategies to cultivate inclusivity, elevate awareness of equity and anti-racism, and ignite community engagement through vibrant observance communication initiatives at your institution. This session is tailored for professionals looking to optimize the celebration of key observances crucial to our diverse student, faculty, and staff communities. Leave equipped with actionable insights to drive inclusivity, elevate cultural awareness, and enhance community engagement through impactful observance initiatives at your institution. University of British Columbia campuses are situated within the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh, and in the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and their peoples.

In this lightning-fast session, we’ll condense 25 years of higher ed print communications experience into 60 ideas that you can use TODAY to make your print publications more read, more loved, and more valuable. From optimizing your print publications for the coffee table to techniques that can 8x the effectiveness of your headlines, to “engagement engineering” to make stories as feedback-friendly as possible, participants will come away with concrete ideas that they can implement immediately and make a real difference for their publications and communications.

In 2022, the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) engaged an alumni volunteer committee as the Alumni Recognition Focus Group (ARFG) to re-design alumni recognition and awards programming at Mount Royal University (MRU). The revamped program that emerged in 2023, the Outstanding Alumni Awards, integrated direct feedback from these alumni volunteers and aligned alumni recognition directly to Mount Royal’s vision and values while supporting the strategic goals from both the Alumni Relations strategic plan and the overall University Advancement strategic plan. This shift has created the opportunity to celebrate alumni who may not have received recognition under the previous, achievement-focused format and provides the opportunity for deeper relationship building with a wider alumni audience. The Outstanding Alumni Awards (OAA) is a year-round program engaging alumni, priority campus stakeholders and friends of the university actively in volunteer roles and content creation. This evolution process and subsequent awards program recently received a Silver Medal at the CCAE (Canadian Council for Advancement in Education) Prix d'Excellence awards.

Here’s the edited version of your copy, incorporating the idea that these lessons apply beyond traditional creative roles: As creatives, we often aspire to secure a seat at “the table”—seeking recognition, influence, and the opportunity to shape key decisions. But here's the truth: we already have a table of our own, brimming with unique insights, diverse experiences, and the ability to make a real impact. The challenge lies in recognizing and leveraging it. This session is designed for in-house creative professionals looking to grow their careers, expand creative opportunities, and develop leadership skills. However, the lessons shared go beyond traditional creative roles. No matter where you work or what your role is, creativity isn’t confined to a title or department—it’s a mindset. Together, we’ll explore how to identify and unlock opportunities for authentic connections and influence within your organization, empowering you to make an impact without waiting for an invitation.

Discover how Portland State University, an urban campus with a non-traditional student body, has created a vibrant and successful Day of Giving campaign with nearly 100 participating funds. This session will reveal the unique strategies used to garner widespread support and brand recognition among campus partners, alumni, faculty/staff, and students. Attendees will learn how to leverage challenges, foster effective partner communication and training, boost student involvement, and execute a comprehensive communications strategy. Join us to gain actionable insights and proven methods to elevate your institution’s Day of Giving.