All times are Central Time.
Wednesday morning sessions will be at the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium directly across State Street (400 S. State) from the DePaul Conference Center building on the lower level of the Harold Washington Chicago Library building. (Enter on State St.) There will be a conference registration table in the main library lobby.
9:30-10:45 a.m. – Opening Plenary Session
Opening Plenary Session:
Be Mindful: All The Sessions You Don’t Want To Miss…
Welcome, Introductions and Conference Highlights
Bob Burdenski and John Taylor, Conference co-Chairs
Once-well-known Crystal Apple teachers, CASE authors, listserv moderators, and fundraising curmudgeons Bob Burdenski and John Taylor will launch the 2025 Midwest “Meeting of the Minds” Conference with a festive welcome from our sponsors and highlighting some of our super speakers. Often in sync, lovingly in conflict, and always working in support of philanthropic goals, annual giving and advancement services offices play a critical role in advancement success. Join Bob and John as they launch the conference and provide a preview of the great sessions to come.
10:45-11:00 a.m. – Break
11:00-12:15 p.m. – Conference Plenary Forum
Plenary Session:
When Minds Meet – An Annual Giving and Advancement Services Forum:
AI and the Artist Formerly Known As (Your Job Here)
Bob Burdenski and John Taylor, with Christina Pulawski, Zuri Group, Andrew Gutierrez, Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Important Crowdsourced Insights From You
We’re involving the whole room in a discussion about quickly-advancing AI and what it means for all of us in advancement, including virtual fundraisers, cut-and-paste coding, AI-drafted appeals and automated stewardship. Even an AI-engineered fundraising plan.
We’ll learn from the room about:
✔ Your First “Gateway” Use of AI in Your Personal and Professional Life
✔ Crowdsourcing Your Favorite AI Solutions
✔ What AI-Infused Roles May Shape Your Institution’s Org Chart Soon
✔ …and Many More.
12:15 – 2:00 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
You’re surrounded by good dining options.
See our page about neighborhood restaurants.
(NOTE: All other conference sessions will be across the street at the DePaul University 8th floor Conference Center – 1 East Jackson St.)