Fall Workshop 2009 - Program

Opening Plenary Speaker:
 
Lorna Somers
Campaign Director & Director of Development
Vice-President, McMaster University Foundation
McMaster University
Biography

Topic: Voyages of Discovery

Marcel Proust wrote: "The real voyage of discovery is not seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."

We each have within us, the ability to be pioneers and leaders within our organization and within our profession. It is no small feat, however, to be a catalyst for change and to map an ambitious course of action for our programmes when the environment around us is in a greater state of flux than ever before. It takes a new way of thinking about what we do, how we do it and how we can best serve our many constituencies.

Taking a page from the great explorers of past and future, join Lorna on a Voyage of Discovery that will encourage us to see the opportunities around us with new eyes and inspire us to position ourselves and our institutions for success!

Session Topics:

Donors in the Next Generation: Meet the Millennial Donors
Gen X? Gen Y? Millennial? Join Lisa and Lori as they explore: who they are, what they are into and what their characteristics are.  What attracts them? What pushes them away? Where are they spending their hard-earned dollars? Attend this session and walk away with a better understanding of new standards and tried and tested best practice examples; you'll be ready to start creating or improving your student and young alumni donor program.

Lisa Woodcock, Associate Director
Annual Fund
University of Guelph
biography

Lori Moulden, Alumni Officer
McMaster University
biography

Campaign Communications: “Navigating the uncertain waters of campaign communications at the college level...without a compass”
This presentation will discuss best practices and case studies in preparing and distributing communications material for first-time fundraising campaigns at the college level. Topics discussed will include: drafting correspondence; media use; coordinating design and mailing; volunteers participation; cost analysis; researching demographics; interdepartmental collaboration and evaluation procedures.

Corey Long, External Relations Officer
Seneca College
biography

Database Management
Keeping track of our alumni, donors and friends can be a constant struggle. How can our industry leverage databases to make the most of the resources we have? Who is coming out ahead in database systems management in the education sector?

Colleen Slater, Manager of Consulting Services
RESolutionsTECH Inc.
biography

Brian Soucie, Development Manager
Cambrian College Foundation
Cambrian College
biography

The Future of Alumni Publications
This presentation will focus on the Western Alumni Gazette's decision, in March 2009, to cut down the mailings significantly of two out of three issues of the magazine. Topics covered will include the planning, rollout and reaction of this decision, along with an overview of the introduction of an electronic version of the magazine available to alumni via email.

David Scott, Editor
Alumni Publications
University of Western Ontario
biography

Social Networking: Whither Web 2.0?
For years the Carleton Café provided a virtual place for Carleton University graduates to stay in touch. It was an early example of using online communities to keep alumni connected – social networking in its infancy. But today social networking has matured, and graduates of all ages are using Facebook, Twitter and other networking channels to find each other. Where does that leave the Café and other private networks that universities have invested in and depended on? Discuss the opportunities inherent in this challenge, and hear about the next steps for the Carleton Café.

Ryan Davies, Manager, Marketing and Communications
Carleton University
biography

Alumni Lifecycle
As our alumni travel through their own lifecycle, how can we as Advancement professionals remain topical and continue a lifelong relationship with them?

Ben Seewald, Alumni Officer, Students
Queen’s University
biography

Wrap-Up Session – Round-table Discussions
Join us for this end-of-day session featuring round-table discussions with advancement colleagues and presenters in the areas of: Advancement Services, Alumni Relations, Development, and Marketing and Communications. New professionals, bring your questions with you on how best to advance the programs and projects within your portfolio. Experienced professionals, bring your stories of success to share with the group. Everyone will learn something new at this interactive wrap-up session!

Program: