All sessions are Central Time.
All Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday sessions are at the DePaul Conference Center, 8th Floor, 1 E. Jackson Blvd.
2:00-3:15 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
The Commotion of a Campaign
Kelly Lawrie, Ed.D., and Rebecca Hibbard, Ohio Northern University
8005
Planning and implementing a comprehensive campaign is a significant undertaking for any organization – especially a smaller one with a limited budget and limited staff bandwidth. This interactive session will explore questions to consider before you even enter the campaign preparation phase and what your advancement team can be doing now to prepare. This session will also dedicate time to developing strategic relationships with colleagues who may be in the same stage of campaign planning, so that you have a network of individuals to contact during your campaign journey.
In this session, participants will:
Consider questions to explore before entering campaign; Understand the basic tenants of campaign preparation; Engage in discussion about timely campaign topics and challenges you’re facing in your role; Learn from peers and exchange ideas, strategies, and contact information;
Leveling Up Your Online Analytics
Joe Hallissey, Zuri Group
8204
Your fundraising is missing important data if you’re not collecting information online. Whether you’ve already set up Google Analytics 4 on your website or are just wondering what Google Analytics is, what do you do now? In this session, we’ll explore a variety of insights that can be gained from that platform and beyond, all in plain language! At the end of the day, you’ll get a better understanding of Google Analytics 4 concepts, how to find reports for key metrics, and learn ways to take your data to the next level. Come with questions an interactive discussion after the presentation.
Using Data to Create a Snazzy Acknowledgment Program
Mary Weingartner, UNICEF USA
8206
When we acknowledge gifts from our donors, we have a huge opportunity to make an enduring first impression — and a brief window of time. Data shows prompt and meaningful gift acknowledgement plays a significant role in donor retention, but it can be challenging to pull off. This session will explore case studies from a variety of organizations with innovative data-informed programs. Attendees should expect to leave with a set of best practices and tangible ideas to elevate their own approaches.
A Texting Forum
Rachel Cleary, GetThru
8002
Join Rachel Cleary from GetThru and some esteemed panelists for a discussion on all things texting. Rachel will kick things off with a quick overview of texting and a breakdown of what you need to know now about texting compliance. Then, the group will shift gears to have a wide-ranging conversation on what we’ve all learned since texting went from the hot new thing to a digital engagement must-have.
3:45-4:45 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
What’s In and What’s Out 2.0: Trend Forecasters Liz and Adam Return with More Annual Giving Trends
Adam Niermann, U. of Chicago Booth School and Liz Sullivan, Northwestern U.
8005
Our popular prognosticators from the 2022 MOTM conference return! With over 20+ years of experience between them Liz and Adam have seen many Annual Giving fads come and go. Hear their thoughts and see the data on what really works and why.
Direct Mail: Going Beyond the Envelope to Optimize Results
Sara Pond and Matt Sulzer, MCR
8204
Is it time to spice up your approach? Direct mail is fundamental to building the donor pipeline, but with new channels in the mix it may be time to revisit your mail strategy. Join this conversation to discuss printing hallmarks that target the right people, grab donor attention, calendar the project, and integrate storytelling to optimize results. Attendees will receive free samples from other institutions and gain insights on: Audiences – segmenting, engagement, personalization Calendaring – channel integration, production, timing Design – photos, layout, color Packaging – envelopes, paper stocks, inserts
Institutionalizing Data
John Taylor, John H. Taylor Consulting
8206
We would not have our jobs if it were not for data. However, collecting data is not even the hard part. Collecting the right data can be elusive, especially when those data are the responsibility of another department. The departments external to the Advancement program may not see the value in the data nor care about its condition. And even if you win those other departments over, there are data standards, maintenance, integrity, and protection details. In this session, we will emphasize the importance of data. More importantly, we will discuss what constitutes essential data and what advancement services can do independently to collect and maintain that data. However, we cannot succeed in capturing critical data alone; therefore, we will focus on fostering an institutional approach to data improvement, including the use of a Data Governance structure and the establishment of institutional data standards. Finally, we will look at key components of a viable Data Acquisition and Use Policy.
Evaluating Workplace Giving Practices to Grow Your Fundraising
Colleen Carroll, Double the Donation
8002
Are you fully leveraging the potential of workplace giving to enhance your fundraising efforts? Between matching gifts, volunteer grants, and payroll giving, there is a huge opportunity to drive donations through this channel. Whether it’s been a while since you’ve revisited your strategy or you’re seeking actionable steps after a recent evaluation, our upcoming workshop is designed for you. Join Colleen for an immersive session where we’ll delve into the myriad of workplace giving strategies available to grow your institution’s fundraising. This workshop will guide you through a comprehensive review of your current practices and help you address any gaps that might be hindering your success.
5:00-6:30 p.m.
Conference Opening Reception at the Palmer House
Sponsored by MCR
Please wear your conference badge to the reception.