9-10:15 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
Annual Giving Stewardship: Collaboration and Coordination
Harold Williams, Old Dominion University
Promenade Ballroom
Join Harold for a session all about stewardship, and how to effectively partner with Donor Relations and the Alumni Association to streamline communications, prevent donor fatigue and uncover new donors.
Pairing Engagement and Tech: Polishing the Alumni Transition to Donor
Sharon Horinka, UNC Charlotte, Morgan McSweeney, and K.J. Moses, Mongoose
Point Ballroom
Join Sharon, Morgan and K.J. for this interactive session to learn more about utilizing texting as a key strategy for your Annual Giving shop, no matter the size. Learn how UNC Charlotte has utilized Mongoose’s Cadence Engagement Platform to boost fundraising initiatives, engage alumni, and steward donors. We will share tips, tricks, and best practices on pipeline development and how your team can capitalize on target segments to maximize technology platforms and boost donor count and philanthropic dollars!
Unlocking Transformational Philanthropy Through Annual Giving: Pine Crest School’s Journey to a Vibrant Giving Ecosystem
Brandy Miller and Josephine Halsor, Pine Crest School
Breakout 3
From inception, cultivating a culture of philanthropy has been integral to Pine Crest School’s remarkable journey. Over the past decade, we’ve evolved from conventional fundraising methods to a sustainable model centered on strategic relationship management, personalized solicitations, and meticulous stewardship—all while celebrating donors’ invaluable contributions across all levels. Discover how purposeful strategies encompassing strategic portfolio management, volunteer leadership, effective communications, matching gifts, interdisciplinary collaborations, and data-driven decision-making have propelled our small shop to new heights in philanthropic support. Learn from our experiences and gain insights into how your annual giving program can foster enduring donor relationships, optimize contributions, and drive transformational philanthropy. Beyond financial accomplishments, this journey has nurtured a more engaged, committed, and closely-knit community.
A Parent Giving Forum
Moderators TBA
Breakout 4
10:15-10:30 a.m. – Break
10:30-11:45 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
A Student Giving Program Case Study
Caroline Smoak and Ellen Eigner, The Citadel Foundation
Point Ballroom
We all know that cultivating relationships with current students can lead to a lifetime of alumni engagement and dedication to giving back. But how? Join us as we discuss The Citadel Foundation’s long-standing goal of building lasting relationships with our Corps of Cadets. This session addresses everything from how we got started to lessons to learned to our current program and where we are looking to go next.
Building a Better Donor Experience
James Barnard, BWF
Breakout 3
Research tells us that the main reason donors renew their support (and don’t), boils down to the donor experience. With more tools than ever at our disposal, every advancement program can offer personal outreach at scale and create a valuable experience that keeps donors hooked. In this session we’ll talk about building your engagement-first fundraising program – from the team, tools, and tactics to audience development, marketing, and measuring success.
Independent Schools Forum 1
George Montes & Juan Gomez, Palmer Trinity School
Breakout 4
Join Juan and George for an open Q&A session about all things independent schools. Parent (and grandparent!) fundraising, special events, project-based fundraising, giving days and more. Attendees from any type of institution are welcome!
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. – Lunch (On Your Own)
Check out our list of local lunch options that are a short walk away.
1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
What is Missing in Digital Fundraising: Unveiling Opportunities for Success
Josh Privette, NC State
Promenade Ballroom
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, fundraising professionals are continuously exploring innovative ways to engage donors, raise funds, and drive impactful campaigns. As technology becomes increasingly central to the fundraising process, it is essential to identify and address the gaps or missed opportunities that might be hindering organizations from maximizing their digital fundraising potential. The “What is Missing in Digital Fundraising” session aims to bring together gift officers to delve into the key challenges and untapped opportunities in the realm of digital fundraising. By exploring these gaps, the session will provide valuable insights to help attendees optimize their fundraising efforts, adapt to changing donor behaviors, and unlock new avenues for success.
AI and Fundraising
Cameron Hall, University of South Carolina, Harold Williams, Old Dominion University, Catherine Smoak, The Citadel Foundation
Point Ballroom
Join our moderators for an open forum on the ways AI is integrating into annual giving, advancement and more. Bring your already-implemented uses, your planned or potential uses, and all your questions for this open discussion.
Maximize Your Giving Day
Robin Gordon, Campbell University and Sharon Horinka, UNC Charlotte
Breakout 3
Calling all shops, big or small! Join us for an exciting session that celebrates some of the best ideas in Giving Days, regardless of the size of your shop! Come ready to steal some of the dynamic strategies that have helped propel UNC Charlotte and Campbell University to new heights of success. Learn how both schools create unforgettable campus experiences through events and opportunities, and leave the session feeling inspired to take your Day-of-Giving to the next level!
Independent Schools Forum 2
Jessica Burns Fugate, Academy at the Lakes and Brandy Miller, Pine Crest School
Breakout 4
A continuation of the morning independent school session, join Jessica and Brandy for an open Q&A session about all things independent schools. Parent (and grandparent!) fundraising, special events, project-based fundraising, giving days and more. Attendees from any type of institution are welcome!
2:15-2:30 p.m. – Break
2:30-3:45 – Breakout Sessions
Writing for Annual Giving
Shannon Dale, Grand Valley State University
Promenade Ballroom
Our popular and veteran SEAGC wordsmith will lead a forum discussion on the annual giving writing process. What themes resonate? What voices do you use – including the voice of your institution’s leadership? What considerations do you make for different audiences? How do you use humor? Urgency? Guilt? Peer pressure? When do you write with brevity, when do you write an extended proposal, and when do you write for “however long it takes to tell the story?” Join us for some direction and some discussion on ways to approach your annual giving writing objectives.
Doing More With Less in a Small Shop
Shelby Orlando, University of Mary Washington and Tyler Davidson, Stillman College
Point Ballroom
What’s the Big Deal? Key Differences Between a Call Center & an Engagement Center
Jeff Pacini, David Wishart and Kindra Samons, Legends
Breakout 3
The future of the student call center continues to be a hot topic across the industry. The term “Engagement Center” has become a buzz word, but what does that really mean? How is it different from the traditional call center? During this session we dispel the myths, share insights, explore data and inspire your institution to evolve your call center from a “channel” to a coordinated “strategy.”
An Interactive DXO Forum – Practical Tips for Everyday Work!
Gloria Goosby, The Obama Foundation and Raphael Walters, University of Miami
Breakout 4
Whatever your alphabet, join Gloria and Raphael for a discussion forum on digital/philanthropy engagement officers. Who’s in your portfolio? How big is your portfolio? How do you measure success? And what digital/online tools are valuable in your work? Bring your questions and answers to this chat with two practitioners.
3:45-4 p.m. – Break
4-5:00 p.m. – Plenary Panel Discussion
What Next For Alumni Participation? A Panel Discussion
Panel TBA
Promenade Ballroom
Join friends from a range of institutions to hear about the implications (if any) for their annual giving goals and strategies in the wake of the U.S. News decision to drop alumni giving participation from its rankings model.