Pre-Conference Sessions

All pre-conference sessions will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Elevate

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

In this session, we will explore the impacts of the Digital Experience Officer (DXO) and Virtual Engagement Officer (VEO) on Development/Advancement Services. We will discuss what DXOs and VEOs are and the interplay between them, CRMS, and AI. Explore this use of AI on your data and the ethical implications of using AI in this way. Discuss some of the DXO/VEO tools on the market and how to implement them. This will include the impact on prospect development activities, prospect pools overall, the rules of the road for fundraisers, and, most importantly, the donor relationship.

Data Analytics

Data & Analytics: Practical Applications of Generative AI  |  2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

This interactive workshop introduces advancement services professionals to emerging practices and everyday applications of generative AI for working with data and analytics. Participants will begin by exploring foundational AI concepts, including prompt engineering, and learn how to use these tools to interact with and analyze advancement data more efficiently. The session will then dive deeper into how generative AI can support common coding and analytics tasks, from writing formulas to building visualizations. Ethical considerations and real-world scenarios will be woven throughout the day to ground the conversation in responsible, values-aligned practice. Whether you’re a beginner or already experimenting with AI, this session offers accessible insights and hands-on examples you can apply immediately. Bring your laptop, and get ready to try something new.  

Gift Agreements

Gift Agreements from A to Z  |  2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Gift agreements are essential for donor intent, compliance, and financial stewardship. This interactive preconference workshop offers an in-depth exploration of gift agreements, from drafting to execution and long-term management.

Key Topics:

  • Understanding UPMIFA, contingency language, and policy implications Drafting clear, enforceable, donor-focused agreements
  • Managing amendments, donor restrictions, and evolving needs
  • Addressing risks from major gifts and legal considerations
  • Analyzing case studies and real-world solutions Exploring automated agreement solutions
  • Best practices for routing, review, approvals, and record management
  • Ensuring fund compliance and administration Providing resources and strategies for development officers