Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how we work, live, and learn. In this session, we will explore how for-profit industries have embraced AI and how advancement teams can learn from their experience. We will elaborate on the ways AI will fundamentally alter fundraising by enhancing efficiency, streamlining donor engagement, lowering costs, and giving institutional leadership real-time insights for better decision-making. Using case studies from institutions at the forefront of leveraging AI in their philanthropy efforts, we will highlight best practices and use real-world examples to demonstrate how AI is beginning to help universities identify and prioritize prospects, increase gift revenue, and ultimately build better donor and alumni relationships. And, we will discuss the challenges and ethical considerations that come with integrating AI into advancement for higher education.
(Thanks to ChatGPT, the AI-driven natural language processing tool, which helped write this session description.)

Learning Objective 1: Increase understanding of how AI will support the efforts and effectiveness of your advancement operations and learn how to begin leveraging AI for prospect discovery and one-to-one donor engagement.

Learning Objective 2: Increase awareness of the ethical and data implications of embracing AI for fundraising in higher education.

Philanthropically engaged women have swagger, invest for impact, and expect to be in dialogue with your institution. Colleges and universities that have focused on women’s engagement and giving are experiencing huge wins. Women historically build community, collaborate, and care about the welfare of others. Understanding these characteristics and motivations are part of the key to unlocking the potential impact women’s philanthropy can have on your institution. This panel of experts with perspectives grounded in research will share how they have applied the principles of successful women’s philanthropy to increase engagement and giving at their institutions. Women have tremendous resources and are poised and ready to be influential, strategic, and engaged investors for your institution. Join us to learn how to position your shop for successful engagement with this critical group of stakeholders.

Learning Objective 1:Upon completion participants will deepen their understanding of the philanthropic motivations and unrealized impact of women that could be applied to their university advancement programs.

Learning Objective 2: Upon completion participants will gain insight into the invisible and unintentional barriers that inhibit or neglect to maximize women’s giving.

In the past five years, the number of institutions with marketing and communications leaders that sit on the university cabinet or report directly to the institution’s president has grown by more than 30 percent. There is a good reason for this positive development. As the author of How to Market a University Terry Flannery explains, "marketing strategy must mirror institutional strategy".

In recent times, institutions have been challenged by significant marketing problems including poor public perceptions of higher education, questions about the value proposition for parents and students, brand management through mergers and acquisitions, digital marketing and marketing technology growth, brand and the customer experience, transformational state investments and political challenges, athletic issues, and more. Leading your institution to success requires both institutional focus and commitment, as well as leaders who know that institutional challenges require more than a good story.

Learning Objective 1: How to build a case for support among university leadership using industry trend data around the maturation of marketing and branding organizations and leadership.

Learning Objective 2: Awareness and understanding of new research on public perceptions of higher education including an interesting disconnect between how alumni opinions of their own experience differ from a broader decline in public trust.

Presented by CASE and GG+A, the Research Symposium will feature three leaders in higher education who will examine the academic literature from a personal and professional view, helping us understand what we can learn about what traits make leaders most effective, navigating transitions at your institution and how you can work to develop a strong pipeline for leadership. Part I will include leaders discussing the literature.

Presented by CASE and GG+A, the Research Symposium will feature three leaders in higher education who will examine the academic literature from a personal and professional view, helping us understand what we can learn about what traits make leaders most effective, navigating transitions at your institution and how you can work to develop a strong pipeline for leadership. Part II is an interactive, moderated discussion that will further explore how the highlighted academic research translates to the institution.

Almost all universities face staffing and talent challenges in today’s post-pandemic climate, but smaller institutions in rural areas or smaller towns and cities are at an even greater disadvantage when it comes to recruiting and retaining the talent needed to drive successful, institutional fundraising programs.

During this panel, advancement leaders from Union College in Kentucky, Bennett College in North Carolina, and Northern Kentucky University will discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by institutions outside of major city centers, and the creative solutions to staffing that have allowed them to build and maintain fundraising momentum amidst the talent crisis. We will elaborate on key tactics for amplifying the success of small teams using technology and senior leadership involvement, as well as tools for accelerating the cultivation and solicitation process when working with a smaller advancement team.

Learning Objective 1: Better understand the challenges faced by institutions outside of major metro areas to attract and retain talent.

Learning Objective 2: Learn key tactics for amplifying success of small and changing teams, with technology and by senior leadership intervention.