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
Priority Audiences – An Update on IU’s Leadership and Loyalty Giving Program
Joanna Landrum, Indiana University Foundation
Room 8005
How are portfolio management and audience segmentation business objectives the same, and how are they different and how can we begin thinking about annual giving audience segments differently? How can we achieve that elusive annual giving “personalization” at scale for our prospects and donors, allowing us to deepen our relationship with them without meeting 1:1 with donors? Which are the most valuable pieces of data that help prioritize and curate effective journeys for our donors and prospective donors? And how do you know if it’s working? This session will highlight what have traditionally been major giving strategies for prospect management and how IU has spent the past year applying those to content, recognition, and multi-channel solicitation campaigns at scale, and how we identify what we call Priority Audiences and scaled Loyalty and Leadership Annual Giving.
Writing for Annual Giving
Jordan Revenaugh, Albion College
Room 8012
Join us for 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?” And what about AI tools? Join Shannon and Jordan for some direction and some discussion on ways to approach your annual giving writing objectives.
The Athletics Giving Day
Paige Gustafson, Albion College
Room 8204
Athletics giving days have become engines for engagement, pride, and philanthropic growth—but what makes them successful? This session will explore strategies for designing and executing athletics-focused giving days. We’ll discuss how to harness team rivalries, student-athlete storytelling, volunteer ambassadors, and multi-channel marketing to drive participation and dollars. From setting goals and structuring challenges to leveraging coaches and alumni networks, this conversation will highlight practical ideas and real-world lessons learned. Come prepared to share your own experiences and leave with fresh insights to elevate your next athletics giving day.
Pipeline… What Now?!!
Rachel Spencer, Vanillasoft
Room 8002
If you’ve ever nodded along in a meeting about pipeline “development”, “sustainability”, or “vitality”, secretly wondering what on earth it means and what exactly it’s got to do with you — this is a must-attend session. We’ll peel back the jargon and get to the heart of what keeps “The Pipe” flowing. From first-gifts to major-gifts, Engagement Centers to Leadership Giving, we’ll unpack how you can make a positive impact on donor pipeline (without a PhD in ‘Buzzword Studies’).
3:45-4:45 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
AI for AG, AS and You: An Update on Who’s Using AI To Do What – Right Now
Bob Burdenski with Co-Moderator Audience!
Room 8005
It’s a “meeting of the minds” AI-style, as we’ll create an inventory on who’s implemented what uses of AI to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their work in annual giving, advancement services and any other AI-enhanced corner of the office. Be one of the contributors for discussion about who’s using AI for exactly what at the moment. The topics will include:
– Using AI To Write “First Drafts” of Content or Messages?
– Using AI As a Search Engine to Find Answers to Questions?
– Using AI To Create Graphics, Video or Designs?
– Using AI To Review Your Work For Clarity, Voice, Biases, Etc.?
– Using AI For Summarizing Content or Notes – Meeting Recording Minutes, or Groups of Messages?
– Using AI For Data Analysis?
– AI for Automation/Coding/Programming?
– Other Ways You Use AI?
– What Specific AI Tools Are You Talking About – and For What?
While acknowledging all the AI concerns, join us for a look at who’s currently incorporating AI into their work – and how.
Care & Communication in Times of Change: Practical Strategies and Discussion
Garrett Allen and Hayden Bader, Ohio Northern University
Room 8012
Change is constant within higher education – whether navigating leadership transitions, staffing changes, campaign pressures, budget uncertainty, restructures, evolving donor expectations, or shifting institutional priorities. During these moments, communication and care become essential leadership practices at every level of an organization. This interactive discussion-based session explores practical strategies for supporting teams, maintaining trust, and communicating effectively during periods of change. Through facilitated conversation, case studies, and reflection, participants will examine approaches that foster transparency and continuity.
The Project Manager – An Appreciation
Staci Hundt, Loyola University Chicago
Room 8204
Strong project management can make the difference between a successful initiative and one that struggles to gain traction. This conference session will explore how effective project management practices help teams stay organized, aligned, and focused while navigating competing priorities, tight timelines, and limited resources. We’ll examine strategies for setting clear goals, building accountability, improving communication, and managing stakeholders across departments.
Direct Mail Still Delivers
Matt Sulzer and Sara Pond, MCR
Room 8002
Direct mail remains the primary driver of donors and dollars for most annual giving programs. Join MCR for an interactive session that explores classic best direct mail performers, as well as cutting-edge ideas to get your mail opened, read and churning results. Together we’ll dive into:
▪️Audience Styling – unique campaign packaging, creative marketing, as well as eye-popping designs and copy for your core segments
– Leadership
– Renewal/Retention
– Acquisition
▪️Priming & Timing – connect your message with other channel
– Giving Days
– Donor Journeys
▪️Ask Strategies – when, where and how much to ask
5:00-6:30 p.m. – Drinks Reception
Conference Opening Reception at Brando’s Speakeasy Sponsored By MCR.
Shhhh! We’re going back to the time of the prohibition era and Al Capone for a special, secret opening reception for the Meeting of the Minds Conference.
Brando’s Speakeasy is located at 383 S. Dearborn St, just a block west of the DePaul Conference Center. Please wear your conference badge to the reception to receive a free drinks and nibbles.
More details and directions are here.
