8:30-9 a.m. – Pre-Conference Registration
9-11:30 a.m. – Pre-Conference Workshop: An Introduction to Annual Giving
Ossabaw Room
This pre-conference workshop is free with your conference registration, but registration is required. More information is here.
11:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. – Lunch Break (On Your Own)
Noon – Conference Registration and Sponsor Foyer Open
1-2:00 p.m. – Opening Welcome and Conference Preview
With Bob Burdenski and the Conference Committee, Sponsors and Presenters
Cumberland/Sapelo Rooms
We will launch the 2024 Southeast Annual Giving Conference with a festive welcome and a rapid-fire rundown of the great annual giving conference sessions and speakers to follow. We will also highlight our sponsors and even some of our attendees – so be prepared!
2-2:15 p.m. – Break
2:15-3:15 p.m. – Plenary Session: An Annual Giving Directors’ Forum
Cameron J. Hall, CFRE, University of South Carolina, (Moderator) with Shayna Long, UNC Charlotte, Gloria Goosby, The Obama Foundation, Ric Stewart, Georgia Southern University
Cumberland/Sapelo Rooms
Join a boisterous panel of annual giving professionals for a discussion of this year’s hot topics in advancement that impact us all, including:
✔ The Continuing Use of Alumni Giving Participation as a Metric?!?
✔ The Unrestricted Giving Unicorn
✔ Once Again, AI
✔ Florida A&M’s Generous Commencement Speaker
✔ A CASE Alumni Engagement Metrics Check-In
✔ The Princetonian’s Senior Gift Analysis
…and Many More.
3:15-3:45 p.m. – Break
Refreshments in the sponsor foyer
3:45-5 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
The Donor Experience Academy
Elizabeth Chapman, Emory University
Cumberland Room
Four years ago, Emory University established the Donor Experience Academy, leveraging digital gift officers to address two pressing challenges in higher-ed advancement: expanding our donor pipeline amidst shifting trends and cultivating our internal talent at Emory. Join Elizabeth Chapman as she shares key lessons learned and emerging strategies that empower her team and deepen donor relationships. From prospect segmentation to training delivery to engaging a multi-generational alumni base, trial and error have guided each new chapter of this program. If you are curious about using digital gift officers in your shop or learning potential insights you can leverage, please join in! Together, we can share our successes (and failures) to elevate annual giving and relationship-building in this digital age.
Growing and Managing in the Annual Giving Space
Krystal Oliveira and Michael Richmond, Tulane University Health
Sapelo Room
This session explores the dual aspects of growing and managing an annual giving program and advancing one’s career in this dynamic field. Based on their extensive experience, Krystal Oliveira Springgate and Michael Richmond will provide insights into building sustainable programs supporting major gifts and overall fundraising efforts. Attendees will learn strategies for program development, career growth, and effective management practices, focusing on creating a robust annual giving foundation that ensures long-term success.
Data-Driven Annual Giving A/B Testing
Megan Poole, University of Virginia
Ossabaw Room
Have you tried A/B tests yet? By testing different elements — envelopes, signatories, subject lines, artwork, and more — you can gather valuable data that reveals what resonates with your constituents. This session will cover the basics of A/B tests and provide some practical examples of how you can start implementing tests in your program.
Why is AI All Up in Your Business?
Felicity Meu, GiveCampus
Pulaski Room
The ability to cultivate a personal relationship is the key to getting someone to give—and it’s something artificial intelligence (AI) knows NOTHING about. So why is AI all up in your business? The short answer is that AI is everywhere, in every industry, including the most human of endeavors—fundraising. Join Felicity Meu from GiveCampus as she discussed how to leverage this emerging technology while preserving and enhancing the most important aspect of the work you do—meaningful human-to-human engagement. Session includes an interactive design thinking workshop.
5-5:30 p.m. – Break
Refreshments in the sponsor foyer
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Special Event – Drinks by the Pool
Join your conference attendees for complimentary cocktails and nibbles at the Pool Bar on the 2nd floor at the DeSoto, under the Spanish moss and overlooking Madison Square. Sponsored by MCR.
