2:00-4:00 p.m. | Exhibitor Setup | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
4:30 p.m. | Shuttle Service Begins - Hotels to The McKnight Center
5:00-7:00 p.m. | Conference Registration Open | The McKnight Center
5:00-7:00 p.m. | Cocktail Reception & Building Tours | The McKnight Center
5:30 p.m. | Welcome Remarks | The McKnight Center
7:30 p.m. | Off-Campus Team Dinners | Stillwater Restaurants
7:30 p.m. | Shuttle Service Concludes
7:30 a.m. | Shuttle Service Begins - Hotels to Student Union
7:15-8:15 a.m. | Presidents/CEOs Breakfast | The Ranchers Club at the Atherton Hotel
8:00-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast Buffet | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
8:30-9:45 a.m. | Opening Remarks & Keynote Speaker Courtland Warren | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
9:45-10:00 a.m. | Break & Exhibitor Visits | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
10:00-10:45 a.m. | Breakout Sessions | Student Union, 2nd & 4th Floors
10:45-11:00 a.m. | Break & Exhibitor Visits | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
11:00-12:00 p.m. | Group Roundtables | Student Union, TBD
12:00-1:00 p.m. | Lunch Buffet | Student Union, 1st Floor Food Court
1:00-1:30 p.m. | Donor Panel | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
1:30-1:45 p.m. | Break & Exhibitor Visits | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
1:45-2:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions | Student Union, 2nd & 4th Floors
2:30-3:30 p.m. | Group Roundtables | Student Union, TBD
3:30-5:00 p.m. | Exhibitor Visits & Free Time | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
5:00 p.m. | Shuttles Begin to Dinner at Gallagher-Iba Arena
5:30-8:00 p.m. | Dinner Activities | Gallagher-Iba Arena
8:00-10:00 p.m. | After Party | Outlaws
10:30 p.m. | Shuttle Service Concludes
7:30 a.m. | Shuttle Service Begins - Hotels to Student Union
8:00-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast Buffet | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
8:30-10:30 a.m. | Closing Remarks & Keynote Speaker | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
10:30-10:45 a.m. | Break & Exhibitor Visits | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
10:45-11:30 a.m. | Breakout Sessions | Student Union, 2nd & 4th Floors
11:30-11:45 a.m. | Break & Exhibitor Visits | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
11:45-12:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions | Student Union, 2nd & 4th Floors
12:30 p.m. | Boxed Lunch Pickup | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
1:30 p.m. | Shuttle Service Concludes
2:00-4:00 p.m. | Exhibitor Setup | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
4:30 p.m. | Shuttle Service Begins - Hotels to The McKnight Center
5:00-7:00 p.m. | Conference Registration Open | The McKnight Center
5:00-7:00 p.m. | Cocktail Reception & Building Tours | The McKnight Center
5:30 p.m. | Welcome Remarks | The McKnight Center
7:30 p.m. | Off-Campus Team Dinners | Stillwater Restaurants
7:30 p.m. | Shuttle Service Concludes
7:30 a.m. | Shuttle Service Begins - Hotels to Student Union
7:15-8:15 a.m. | Presidents/CEOs Breakfast | The Ranchers Club at the Atherton Hotel
8:00-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast Buffet | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
8:30-9:45 a.m. | Opening Remarks & Keynote Speaker Courtland Warren | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
9:45-10:00 a.m. | Break & Exhibitor Visits | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
10:00-10:45 a.m. | Breakout Sessions | Student Union, 2nd & 4th Floors
Hear More from Keynote Courtland Warren on Resilience | 265–Ballroom
Speaker: Courtland Warren - Keynote Speaker
The Further Evolution of Corporate Partnerships, Stewardship and Recognition | 408–Case Study 1
Speakers:
Rebecca Gentry - University of Houston
Greg Lee - University of Houston
As corporate philanthropy aims to be more strategic and impactful, donors want their entire organization to benefit "the whole." In turn, transformative gifts seek to tap into multiple department budgets such as research, marketing, recruiting and community relations. Managing the goals and objectives of multiple donor groups within an organization is complex and pushes universities to look at stewardship and recognition as a continual program rather than a finite list of deliverables. Learn about the University of Houston's matrixed approach — and lessons learned — for corporate investments in a dynamic organization, as well as the Gift Administrative Council stewardship team approach to donor relations and stewardship.
Crafting Culture: Developing Organizational Values through Employee Engagement | 417–Exhibit Room 2
Speaker: Courtney MacNelly – Oklahoma State University
In this session, you'll be guided through the process of creating values tailored to your unique organizational identity. Imagine the impact of involving your team members in a collaborative dialogue that shapes the culture you aspire to cultivate. Whether you're leading your organization, a team, or peer to peer, the principles shared will empower you to foster a culture that aligns with your mission and resonates with your team. Join for a thought-provoking exploration that equips you with the tools to embark on your own journey of shaping a collective vision. Leave this session feeling confident in how to leverage your team to lead intentional cultural change within your organization that is not only well received but is owned, embraced and lived out each day.
Unlocking Fundraising Success: Powering Discovery and Referrals with Goal Motivation | 416–Case Study 2
Speakers:
Kim Sargent – University of Central Florida
Josh Goodridge – University of Central Florida
Uncover how the University of Central Florida (UCF) has set discovery goals for Leadership Annual Giving and Major Giving Officers that are easy to track and work through and how we are tracking the impact of referrals of Alumni Engagement, Leadership Annual Giving and Major Giving through the pipeline that directly influence the work of fundraisers and dollars raised for the organization. Join us to hear how UCF Advancement and Partnerships prospect development team and leadership annual giving team has implemented best practices to transform proactive partnerships that directly impacts our fundraising efforts. You will receive reports and examples to take away that can be implemented in a small or large organization.
Student Success Philanthropy and the Evolving Structure of University Foundations | 413–Exhibit Room 1
Speaker: Chris Eden – University of Cincinnati
Donors are becoming more motivated by creating solutions to big problems through the power of philanthropy. As donor behaviors and the philanthropic landscape of higher education evolve rapidly, organizations and their leaders have a responsibility to adapt accordingly. This session highlights the UC Foundation's renewed vision for Student Success Philanthropy, which is the first in a series of enterprise-wide philanthropic visions born out of a shift in the way we approach our work, toward big ideas and institutional priorities. Student Success at UC accounts for the changing landscape of higher education, evolving student needs and a rapidly growing student body. Through this vision, each of our 50,000 students will have an opportunity, a community and a path to success, thanks in large part to our transformational work.
Empowering Philanthropy: The Impact and Engagement of Women in Fundraising | 465–Starlight Terrace
Speakers:
Jayme Ferrell – Oklahoma State University
Christina Walker – North Carolina State University
The Impact of Women in Philanthropy: Explore the profound influence women have in shaping the future of universities through philanthropy (local examples and through national trends). Showcase the role of OSU's Women for OSU and NC State's Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy in inspiring leadership and financial support by offering dual perspectives (one well established and one relatively new). Present an overview of both program structure, goals/metrics, and tactics to increase engagement and raise funds. Q&A and Interactive Discussion: Open the floor for questions and encourage attendees to share their experiences. Facilitation of an interactive discussion on best practices and lessons learned.
10:45-11:00 a.m. | Break & Exhibitor Visits | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
11:00-12:00 p.m. | Group Roundtables | Student Union, TBD
12:00-1:00 p.m. | Lunch Buffet | Student Union, 1st Floor Food Court
1:00-1:30 p.m. | Donor Panel | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
1:30-1:45 p.m. | Break & Exhibitor Visits | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
1:45-2:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions | Student Union, 2nd & 4th Floors
Building the Bench: Development Associates and Digital Experience Officers | 416–Case Study 2
Speakers:
Annie Wells – Oklahoma State University
Adrian Matthys – Oklahoma State University
Join us for a deep dive into the sea of possibilities as Oklahoma State University shares the "Power of the Pipeline" through the work of Development Associates and Digital Experience Officers. You will see a snapshot of the successes, learning opportunities and several suggested best practices to build your organization's pipeline so every donor and potential donor feels connected.
Combining Forces to Create Dynamic Unit Events in Territories | 417–Exhibit Room 2
Speakers:
Jana Duffy – Oklahoma State University
Tyler Hewitt – Oklahoma State University
Discover the power of collaboration between Unit Officers and Regional Officers in crafting extraordinary donor experiences. Uncover strategies to leverage these engagements for expeditious closure of major gifts. Imagine accelerating the seven-interaction process by fostering connections within your home college and region. Elevate your fundraising game with this insightful session on efficient donor relationship management.
Synergetic Success: Fundraising in Tandem with Deans | 408–Case Study 1
Speaker: Vince Martino – University of Houston
"Synergetic Success: Fundraising in Tandem with Deans" is an interactive and informative session designed to explore the dynamic collaboration between fundraisers and college deans. This session delves into the strategic partnership between development professionals and academic leaders to maximize fundraising efforts within an educational institution. Participants will gain insights into effective communication, shared goals, and collaborative approaches to secure philanthropic support for key initiatives.
Elevating Talent and Advancing the Organization through the Innovation Council | 413–Exhibit Room 1
Speakers:
Travis Egbert – Arizona State University
Michelle Govani – Arizona State University
Discover how the Arizona State University Foundation revolutionizes success with its groundbreaking Innovation Council. This internal program not only nurtures talent within the organization but also drives pioneering strategies and initiatives that propel the institution forward. Amidst a rapidly evolving landscape, the Innovation Council has cultivated a dynamic network of future leaders united by their shared experiences. This synergy has led to the inception of game-changing projects, from a cutting-edge online donor platform to enhancements in the onboarding process. Join us for a transformative session where you'll unlock the secrets behind the Innovation Council model. Learn to harness the power of creating an internal "innovation team" that not only fosters emerging leaders but also generates groundbreaking ideas crucial for organizational growth. Gain insights into the "Design Thinking" process leveraged by the ASUF Innovation Council. Get ready to empower yourself with the tools to drive innovation and leadership within your organization.
Unlocking Fundraising Potential in a Competitive Landscape | 465–Starlight Terrace
Speakers:
Olivia Thompson – University of Houston
Russell Dunlavy – University of Houston
In a large, metropolitan city, an individual donor or company has a multitude of options when it comes to making a philanthropic gift. What sets your institution apart to these well-versed donors? How do your university's priorities translate to the interests of "global citizens" or an international company? Houston is a rich philanthropic landscape, including individuals, large foundations and more Fortune 500 companies than any other market outside of New York City. The number of non-profits and philanthropic opportunities creates a highly competitive landscape as well as opportunities for collaboration and engagement. Experienced fundraisers from Houston will share their experiences fundraising in one of the country's most philanthropic cities and lead a discussion on what each institution has to gain from targeting their case to a city's own philanthropic identity.
When You Die, Can We Have Your Money? How to Incorporate Legacy Giving into your Fundraising Strategy and have Effective Legacy Gift Conversations with Every Prospect | 265–Ballroom
Speakers:
Jessica Nelson – University of Utah
Ann Morse – University of Utah
Legacy gifts generally are the largest and most personal gifts individuals will make during their lifetimes so why do some fundraisers fear or avoid having these conversations with their donors? Legacy gifts are too complex; it's uncomfortable to discuss death, a person's estate is private...we've heard it all before. But the key to having a successful legacy gift program is to reframe your perspective on what legacy giving is and how you approach the conversation with the donor...you're just planting the seed and providing helpful information! In this session, we'll discuss how you can incorporate legacy giving into your current fundraising strategy, identify good legacy giving prospects, and talk about legacy giving with every donor — whether they're 25 or 105!
2:30-3:30 p.m. | Group Roundtables | Student Union, TBD
3:30-5:00 p.m. | Break & Exhibitor Visits | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
5:00 p.m. | Shuttles Begin to Dinner at Gallagher-Iba Arena
5:30-8:00 p.m. | Dinner Activities | Gallagher-Iba Arena
8:00-10:00 p.m. | After Party | Outlaws
10:30 p.m. | Shuttle Service Concludes
7:30 a.m. | Shuttle Service Begins - Hotels to Student Union
8:00-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast Buffet | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
8:30-10:30 a.m. | Closing Remarks & Keynote Speaker | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
10:30-10:45 a.m. | Break & Exhibitor Visits | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
10:45-11:30 a.m. | Breakout Sessions | Student Union, 2nd & 4th Floors
Mentorship and its Impact on the Professional Experience of Advancement Employees at the University of Colorado Boulder | 465–Starlight Terrace
Speaker: Kevin Lobdell – University of Colorado Boulder
Have you ever participated in a formal mentorship program or developed informal mentorship relationships with your colleagues? Are you curious how mentorship can impact the professional experience of advancement employees? If so, this session is for you! The presenter will share the finding from their quality improvement project for the capstone of their educational doctorate (EdD) program where they evaluated the effectiveness of the advancement mentorship program at the University of Colorado Boulder related to the program's stated objectives of promoting professional development and career success; and improving employee retention. Attendees will learn about the value of mentorship within the advancement profession, its connection to employee retention, and best practices for the most effective program structure based on the experiences of participants in CU Boulder's mentorship program. Additionally, attendees will hear about the experience of completing a doctoral program while also working full-time.
Harmonizing Pipeline Propulsion Across Development Teams | 408–Case Study 1
Speakers:
Sara Prince – Kansas State University
Alyssa Keller – Kansas State University
Maria Kimzey – Kansas State University
Mike Porter – Kansas State University
Mitch Harris – Kansas State University
KSU Foundation accomplishes strategic pipeline development through a system of unique fundraising positions: the University Wide officer, the Digital Development Officer, and the Student Gift Officer. We will drill into the left side of the KSUF development spectrum to share with our peers how to excel in building a system of identifying and qualifying major gift donors, fostering successful partnerships amongst fundraising teams and building lifelong donor relationships.
Harnessing AI for Advancement: A University of Utah Perspective | 265–Ballroom
Speakers:
Daniel Hadley – University of Utah
Jerome Davies – University of Utah
Discover the transformative role of AI in university fundraising with "Harnessing AI for Advancement: A University of Utah Perspective." Explore real-world AI applications, strategies for enhanced donor engagement, and best practices for ethical AI use. Envision AI's future as a collaborative force in advancement and engage in meaningful discussions and inter-institutional collaboration. Amplify collective knowledge and practices in shaping the future of university fundraising and community engagement.
Connect, Achieve, Succeed! Working Together to Build Meaningful Relationships Amidst Significant Leadership Transitions | 416–Case Study 2
Speakers:
Laura Ketchum – Oklahoma State University
Dr. Bobby Kay Lewis – Oklahoma State University
Learn how OSU's College of Arts and Sciences thrived with fundraising and alumni engagement, amidst profound leadership changes both at the college and university levels. Development officers working collaboratively with campus marketing and dean's leadership team is always the goal - but often disconnects remain. In this session, you'll hear from both a campus partner and a senior development officer on how their two teams worked together to build a stronger pipeline for major gifts.
Visionary Philanthropy in Action | 413–Exhibit Room 1
Speakers:
Olivia Thompson – University of Houston
Hannah Barker – University of Houston
Transformational gifts are the kind of gifts fundraisers dream of! They are also complex and involve multiple teams across an institution to produce results and keep donors invested. Donors who make transformational gifts are drawn to enterprising, interdisciplinary teams who can inspire vision to tackle real, complex societal problems. Explore opportunities across your institution for interdisciplinary, transformational gifts and re-envision what's possible for your major and principal giving pipeline. We will discuss how you can create a case for support that speaks to a donor's vision while also addressing academic and research priorities at your institution.
A Legacy in Land: Facilitating Real Estate Gifts by Agricultural Landowners | 417–Exhibit Room 2
Speakers:
Derrick Davies – Oklahoma State University
Shannon Ferrell – Oklahoma State University
As America's farmers and ranchers mature and fewer and fewer farms have an heir returning to continue the operation, what is to become of the land? This session will present a deep-dive into one of the largest transfers of wealth in American history and how "land-rich, cash-poor" agricultural families can make a significant charitable impact on our universities.
11:30-11:45 a.m. | Break & Exhibitor Visits | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
11:45-12:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions | Student Union, 2nd & 4th Floors
Onboarding the K-State Way: The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful Lessons Learned through our Training Program | 408–Case Study 1
Speaker: Eric Holderness – Kansas State University
Effective training programs can enhance employee satisfaction and increase staff retention. At K-State, we implement a comprehensive training approach for new hires in the Development Team. This program connects leaders, experienced DOs, and new hires to explore strategies for success within the organization. Our multi-day training program provides clarity, ensures consistent focus, and helps to achieve fundraising success.
Fundraising for Strategic Initiatives: The First Steps | 265–Ballroom
Speakers:
Ty Ropp – Oklahoma State University
Blake MacNelly – Oklahoma State University
Join us for an engaging discussion around fundraising for strategic initiatives and how to collaborate with prospect development to cast the right net to catch the right donors! During this session we will explore how to create the right message to engage your donors with university leadership’s strategic initiatives, how to collaborate with your prospect development teams to identify and engage the best donors for the initiative, and how to create buy in with your organization’s development officers to move the needle forward. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, you will come away with actionable steps you can implement in your institution to successfully set off on your next fundraising effort.
5 Steps for Building Portfolios, Finding Filler Visits and Closing Transformational Gifts with EverTrue and Oklahoma State | 465–Starlight Terrace
Speaker: Eric Rapp, Evertrue
The presentation will guide advancement leaders through essential strategies for optimizing prospect research, trip planning, and donor engagement to drive fundraising success within their advancement shops.
Parent and Family Philanthropy From the Ground Up | 413–Exhibit Room 1
Speakers:
Annie Wells – Oklahoma State University
Molly Ferguson – Baylor University
This session offers a comprehensive overview of the key elements involved in launching, maintaining, and elevating Parent and Family Philanthropy programs, drawing on real-life examples from both a private institution like Baylor University who has a tenured and well-established program and a public, land-grant institution like Oklahoma State University, who is in the beginning stages of launching their program. Participants can expect to gain practical insights, best practices, and strategies to navigate the complexities of parent engagement and fundraising in the higher education context. This session will cover The Power of Campus Partners and Meaningful Data, A Multifaceted Approach to Fundraising from Parents, The Loopholes and Land Mines, and so much more.
Journey to Support: Strategic Trip Planning and Best Practices for Getting More Visits in Healthcare Development | 417–Exhibit Room 2
Speaker: Matt Rhea – University of Kansas
Journey to Support: Strategic Trip Planning and Best Practices for Getting More Visits in Healthcare Development" Join this insightful session that unravels the art of constructing consequential donor trips and reveals strategies for getting more visits. From destination selection to prospect outreach, learn the key elements that make your trips crazy good.
Managing Ethical Issues in Planned Giving | 416–Case Study 2
Speaker: Matthew Clark – West Virginia University
Planned giving is a vital source of revenue for many nonprofit organizations, but it also involves complex ethical and legal issues that can pose significant challenges for planned giving directors. In this session, you will learn about the common ethical and legal dilemmas that arise in planned giving, such as donor capacity, confidentiality, disclosure, donor intent, tax implications, conflicts of interest, and more. You will also discover some best practices and resources for managing these issues and ensuring compliance and accountability in your planned giving program.
12:30 p.m. | Boxed Lunch Pickup | Student Union, 265–Ballroom
1:30 p.m. | Shuttle Service Concludes
Abbey Davis
Abbey Davis, PhD currently serves as the Director of the Center for the Future of Work and is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice and Eastin fellow in the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University. At the Center for the Future of Work, Abbey and her team help companies embrace emerging technologies and enhance organizational development through programs and consulting offered by faculty and industry experts.
Before joining OSU, Abbey worked as a corporate HR professional in energy and manufacturing specializing in the areas of talent development, organizational development, performance management and compensation. She continues her industry involvement through executive coaching, training and consulting with organizations through the Center for the Future of Work.
In June 2024, Abbey will return to the private sector as an Executive Director for Human Resources and Change Management at AAON Inc., a commercial HVAC manufacturer headquartered in Tulsa, OK. Abbey will stay engaged with OSU as an adjunct faculty member and advisory board member at the Center for the Future of Work.
Abbey has a PhD in business with research interests in the areas of organizational behavior, attention and the changing landscape of work. When not in the classroom, Abbey and her husband Evan love to explore and hike with their two minions, Eli and Zoe.
Courtland Warren
Courtland Warren is an authentic and relevant thought leader and master facilitator in large group awareness training. On stage, he looms as an intriguing combination of power, humor and empathy. Courtland’s certitude stems from his stated purpose, “to make new the thoughts of people about what they are capable of being.”
Born and raised in Idabel, Oklahoma, he saw education as a path to experiencing more of the world. With this view, Courtland has blazed a trail from his neighborhood Main St., to Johannesburg, South Africa; London, U.K.; and across North America, leveraging intelligence, charisma and voice. No matter the size of the audience, Courtland knows each person listens and hears as an individual and has an uncanny ability to connect.
Courtland studied organizational behavior and graduated from Oklahoma State University. After a short stint in the oil and gas industry, he was inspired by the need for diversity and inclusion in corporate America. As a result, he has added value to titans such as Coca-Cola, UPS, GE, Williams, Kimberly Clark and Chick-fil-A. Almost 15 years ago, Courtland decided to “hang a shingle” as a transformational speaker and workshop facilitator and is today a pertinent contributor to empowering people to raise their resilience quotient to live a meaningful life.
If you have questions about the conference schedule or speakers, please contact us.