10:15 - 10:30 a.m. - Break, “Navigating the Future" Silent Auction open (Grand Kentucky Ballroom A)
10:30 - 11:45 a.m. - Breakout Session V
Noon - 1:30 p.m. - Lunch, Awards, and Closing Presentation (Grand Kentucky Ballroom A, B, & C)
Schedule by Track
Thursday, Dec. 5
Session 1
Effective Management that Enhances Best Employee Experience
10:45 a.m. - noon
What makes advancement operations/services successful? A great team of trained professionals who enjoy their work. Yet how do you maintain excellent employees and how do you encourage their best efforts? Join Deb Thomas in learning how effective management can enhance best employee experiences.
Debra Thomas,Senior Director of Development Research, University of Louisville
Session 2
Managing Our Expectations toward Millennials
1:45 – 3 p.m.
We all face the problem of a shrinking and aging donor file and our bosses are telling us to do something about it by reaching out to younger donors. But what should our expectations from these donors be? Learn about a 2018 study to determine the giving habits of the various different generational groups (i.e. Millennials, Gen Xers, Baby Boomers, etc.) and what we should be expecting from our own donors. Also, learn how Western Kentucky University (and other CASE institutions) are attracting young alumni through effective and proven direct marketing strategies.
Jon Van Oss, Director of Analytics, Pledemine Aarika Gunn,Assistant Director of Programs and Appeals, Western Kentucky University Heather McWhorter, Director of Integrated Marketing and Appeals, Western Kentucky University
Session 3
Thriving in a Complex Advancement Services World!
3:15 - 4:45 p.m.
How to talk about and use data to make friends, get resources and be the office superhero. Data is scary, threatening and when in the wrong hands downright dangerous. How do you use your powers for good and help advance the organization? How do you convince your colleagues that data is meant to be chewed up, tossed around, consumed and ever changing —and all along not scary? Everyone wants it but few use it...well. From the view of my executive seat - let's talk about how to break down some barriers to drive forward what we know is the way.
Carrie White, Vice President of Advancement Services, University of Cincinnati Foundation
Friday, Dec. 6
Session 4
The Fundamentals of Gift Processing: What Do I Need to Know?
9 – 10:15 a.m.
Gift processing is an essential function of any fundraising team in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. With a comprehensive advancement services program, all donors who support causes that matter most to them are tracked, researched, and thanked. This session will focus on the various aspects of gift processing, from gift vehicles and facts to procedures and guidelines. It will also answer the question of what does the IRS have to do with all this.
Dorothy Morgan,Executive Director of Advancement Services, Berea College
Session 5
The Easy Button for Event Prep: Implementing a Proactive Event Briefing Process
10:45 a.m. - noon
An interactive walk-through of how departmental collaboration is used at the University of Cincinnati Foundation to create data-driven, push-of-a-button Event Briefing Reports. This research product serves as a proactive approach to help take some of the stress out of the event season while still effectively preparing leadership and fundraisers to interact with key individuals. Attendees will explore core components of event briefing templates and ideas on preparing records and systems to automate the process right from their database. Advancement writing expertise will be promoted and practiced to help make prospects come to life through the briefing report in as little words as possible.
James Hess,Prospect Development Manager, University of Cincinnati Foundation Jane Owsley, Assistant Director of Data Quality, University of Cincinnati Foundation
Thursday, Dec. 5
Session 1
Creating an Inclusive Environment in Higher Ed Advancement
10:45 a.m. – noon
Research shows that the demographics of the alumni and donor base for American colleges and universities will be very different in the next quarter-century. Advancement organizations are faced with two critical questions: do we understand these (emerging) markets, and is our organization equipped to engage them? Attendees to this session will learn about making a business case for inclusion, giving motives of underrepresented populations, and how to develop strategies to prepare their workforce for the next generation of philanthropists.
Justin M. Gibson,Associate Director of Diversity Outreach and Engagement, University of Cincinnati Alumni Association
Session 2
Building an Active, Engaged Alumni Board of Directors
1:45 – 3 p.m.
At Bellarmine University we have built a very active, supportive group of alumni who serve on our Alumni Board of Directors. From 2007-2018 the group has grown in numbers, engagement, prestige, donor levels and attendance. We will discuss the step by step process we took in order to achieve this level of engagement and relate it to how other Alumni Offices can work with their best volunteers to build an active, supportive, meaningful Alumni Board of Directors. We will share real world examples from both our Alumni Board and other nonprofit Boards on which we have experience serving. Whether your Alumni Board is thriving or floundering, there will be relevant information and discussion which will benefit all who attend.
Peter Kremer, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, Bellarmine University Stephanie Pieper Reilly,Director of Alumni Events and Programs, Bellarmine University Emily Trager,Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, Bellarmine University
Session 3
Avoiding Volunteer Burnout
3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
Studies show that volunteering improves your mood, enriches lives, makes the community a better place, and literally extends your life. However, there can definitely be too much of a good thing. This session will discuss the frequent issues of over-involvement and over-commitment that could lead to your volunteers having burnout and discuss tangible ways to create a volunteer structure and approach that avoid these issues.
Angela Mills, Director of Alumni Relations, Virginia Tech College of Engineering
Friday, Dec. 6
Session 4
Student Ambassador Advisor Panel
9 – 10:15 a.m.
Come listen to student ambassador advisors discuss best practices, student programming, student philanthropy, and all things student-related. These professionals currently advise student engagement programs within their office.
Flynn Ashley,Northern Kentucky University Lisa Colletti-Jones, Berea College Alex Hanavan,Eastern Kentucky University Allison Caudill,Morehead State University
Session 5
Alumni Relations Round Table Discussion
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Come join this ‘round table’ discussion as a professional in the field of Alumni Relations. You will be able to ask questions about your upcoming Alumni Program to those who have already hosted similar events or started similar initiatives. You can also share your program’s success with your colleagues and help them experience the same success.
Amanda James,Assistant Director Young Alumni and Student Philanthropy, University of Louisville Allie Sharp,Coordinator of Student & Young Alumni Engagement, Western Kentucky University
Thursday, Dec. 5
Session 1
Gaining the buy-in, growing the relationship, getting the goal. Tactics to maximize a marketing and communication department's relationship with other campus units
10:45 a.m. – noon
The office of marketing and communications can often be perceived as an 'assembly line' unit by other departments—design a flyer, distribute a press release, produce a web page—and more. Learn about easy-to-execute ideas to deepen and more strategically work with various campus units, including academics, student life and recruitment, in order to achieve both your departmental and institutional goals.
Shawn Touney,Executive Director of Marketing and Communication, Murray State University
Session 2
What is a student worth? Understanding how marketing and quality customer service go hand in hand.
1:45 – 3 p.m.
Creative graphics and catchy slogans can go a long way towards marketing your institution but customer service can create the lasting impressions that will convert prospects to students. Find out true customer service techniques that are guaranteed to create a lasting impression on prospective students and bring in the students every school is looking for.
Alison Gillaspie, Director of Digital Media Marketing, Georgetown College
Session 3
Agility & Nimbleness in Higher Ed? Yes. It is possible.
3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
In this session hear real-life, change management lessons about transforming the culture of a MarComm division from change resistant to one that embraces a cross-functional, team based approach.
In order to get results with our graduates of the last decade (GOLDs), we threw out the rule book entirely. Learn how we generated buzz, built momentum, and created anchors in behavior for our largest demographic by designing a moment just for them.
Shelby Childs,Associate Director of Class Giving and Programs, Colby College
Session 5
A University in Crisis: Overcoming Communications Challenges
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Financial mismanagement. Administrative scandal and resignations. Sombreros. Federal Investigations. NCAA violations. SACS probation. Strippers in dorms. And reporters—lots of reporters. The University of Louisville battled a series of crises and issues in recent years. Hear how the university’s communications and marketing team worked to keep its brand intact.
Kim Butterweck,Director of Communication Initiatives, University of Louisville John Karman, Director of Media Relations, Communications and Marketing Specialist, University of Louisville
Friday, Dec. 6
Session 4
Building anInclusive Environment to Attract, Inspire and keep a Diverse Team
9 – 10:15 a.m.
It is incumbent on our industry endeavors to bring everyone to the table to develop and sustain our institutions, and to democratize giving so that each of us has a stake and ownership in the next generation of students. Hear from three institutional leaders about their path to higher education and how they are working to ensure diverse representation on their campuses and beyond.
Dr. Tracey Y. Folden, Assistant Vice President Academic Affairs, University of Evansville
Taran McZee,Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Bluegrass Community Technical College
Dr. Linda Strong-Leek, Provost, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and General Studies, Berea College
Session 5
Women Leadership in Advancement --- The Lessons Learned of Experienced Leaders
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Join three experienced women leaders in advancement discuss their careers and experiences in leadership positions. Hear their viewpoint of what makes a great manager and how to keep and motivate talented staff. These successful women represent institutions of various sizes and all bring a unique perspective to advancement.
Kara Covert,Associate Vice President for Advancement, Transylvania University
Julie Dials,Executive Director Belknap Campus Development, University of Louisville
Yvette Eastham,Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director, HCC Foundation, Inc., Hopkinsville Community College
Thursday, Dec. 5
Session 1
Lessons learned in successful first “Day of Giving”
10:45 a.m. - noon
Have you thought about starting your own Day of Giving? Or are you interested in helpful tips that drove the success of Sayre School’s first Day of Giving? This session will highlight lessons learned from an independent school’s first day of giving and recommended action items for your first or ninth year of focusing on one specific day to highlight crowdfunding and fundraising.
Melanie Driver,Advancement Associate, Sayre School
Session 2
Is Phonathon still valuable?
1:45 – 3 p.m.
In today’s busy and noisy world, many schools are questioning or even abandoning their investment in phonathons. Between call screening and blocking, the proliferation of cell phones and the reduction of landlines, phonathon efforts can be viewed as being a less effective way to connect with donors and secure gifts.
In this session, we will review examples of effective phonathons and specifically discuss how to enhance your efforts. If you are contemplating starting a phonathon, are currently conducting phonathons with paid and/or volunteer callers, or are giving consideration to stopping your phonathon efforts, you will benefit from this workshop!
Kelly Purcell Stratman, Associate Director of Advancement - Alumni & Constituent Relations, Saint Xavier High School
Session 3
Creating and Planning a Major Gifts Program
3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
The purpose of this session is to work through the creation and planning of a major gifts program utilizing the Moves Management system. The purpose of the moves system is to strengthen the relationship between the school and the constituent, with the goal of moving the constituent through a cycle from identification to cultivation to solicitation to stewardship.
Samantha Carroll, Assistant Director of Advancement for Leadership Gifts at Saint Xavier High School Beth Clingaman,Vice President for Advancement, Sacred Heart Schools
Thursday, Dec. 5
Session 1
Giving Day: Lessons from the Trenches (as a panel discussion)
10:45 a.m. – noon
UK, Transylvania University, EKU and SAYRE School each hosted their respective giving days with the hope of achieving two goals: to obtain new donors and to re-engage their respective alumni and friends across the nation and abroad. Granted, a lot of work - and some tears - went into the planning of this monumental day for their institutions; along the way they wondered if it would all be worth it. Spoiler alert - it was! Come join us to learn how you can use some of the techniques they implemented and perhaps avoid some of the lessons they learned as you revitalize your alumni base.
Sarah Fitzgerald,Philanthropy Specialist, Donor Relations, The University of Kentucky
Danielle Evans,Assistant Director of Donor Engagement, Transylvania University
Alex Hanavan,Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Communication, Eastern Kentucky University
Mary Breeding,Director of Advancement, SAYRE School
Session 2
“Use Your Athletic Fundraisers” – How Athletic Giving Can Be a Gateway to Greater University Support
1:45 – 3 p.m.
Learn about exactly what athletic fundraisers do on a day-to-day basis. Also, find out how athletic and university fundraisers can work together to better enhance the student experience and campus overall.
Brandon Spurlock, Associate Director of Development, University of Tennessee
Session 3
It Takes a Team: How Development and External Relations Can Work Together to Maximize Support
3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
Effective collaboration between development and external relations yields exciting results but it takes work. Learn tips and tricks for building a comprehensive “team” where donors have a seamless experience and goals are aligned. Discuss the challenges that come with collaboration and ways we can all work together to improve. This session will leave you inspired to make real changes that yield positive donor results.
Dr. Sara Hartley, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies and External Relations, University of Alabama
Jenny Pyle,Director of Development - College of Communication & Information Sciences, University of Alabama
Friday, Dec. 6
Session 4
Recognizing the Potential of and Building a Strong Women’s Philanthropy Initiative
9 – 10:15 a.m.
As we seek to enhance the philanthropic experience for all of our constituents, we invite you to learn more about creating new endeavors specifically for ladies!
Please join us at this session for additional information about how to create a women’s centric giving society at your institution, and hear about the success of these types of initiatives at other agencies- including a university and a national nonprofit located in Kentucky!
Amy Hardin,Development and Sponsorship Manager, National Corvette Museum
Session 5
The ABCs of Improving your GPA (Gift Planning Aptitude): A Simplified Best Practices Guide for Gift Officers
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Both major and annual fund gift officers should be adept at recognizing cues for life-income and bequest gifts and at least broach the topic of planned gifts with their donors. While most gift officers know this to be true, a 2015 EAB study, "Why Major Gift Officers Aren't Having the Planned Giving Conversation," indicates that gift officers can be reluctant to have those conversations because unlike their charity's mission and program, which they know inside and out, they don't have that same confidence with respect to planned giving vehicles. They fear the donor might ask questions they're unable to field. To address this challenge, Amy has developed a training module for gift officers designed to 1) build their confidence in broaching planned gifts with their donors and 2) enable them to relay information in a donor-centric and simplified way so that the information can be easily grasped by the donor.
Amy has trained dozens of gift officers and development leaders of all experience levels with this method. Planned giving professionals can also use the information to train gift officers on their teams.
Amy Shehee, J.D., Director of Planned Giving, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
