LGen Roméo Dallaire (Ret), Commander of UN Forces in Rwanda

A decorated Lieutenant General, Dallaire served 35 years with the Canadian Armed Forces. His best-selling book, Shake Hands With the Devil, is a stirring account of his experience as the Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Rwanda, which exposes the failures of the international community to stop the worst genocide in the 20th century. The book was released as a full-length feature film Shake Hands With the Devil – The Journey of Roméo Dallaire and won the Emmy Award for Best Documentary in 2007.

Dallaire's story shares the most extreme results of being given responsibility without authority. He was limited by immovable parameters, overseen by an organization that didn't fully support the mission, and put into situations that forced him to question ethics every step of the way. Dallaire's presentation will discuss leadership and conflict resolution, illustrated with stories of his own experiences. He inspires listeners to address the ethical and moral issues in conflicts and insists that governments put humanity above political and economic interests.

6:00 - 9:00 pm

Opening Reception and Welcome Dinner

Sponsored by:

Ross W. Marsh & Associates

8:30 - 10:00 am

Monday Plenary: Finding and Keeping a High Performance Team

Sponsored by:

Nine Lions Development Consulting

Penelope Burk, President, Cygnus Applied Research, Inc.

In 2000, Penelope introduced the fundraising industry to the concept of donor-centered fundraising, marking a moment of change for fundraising and the beginning of the donor- centered revolution. She is now the industry’s foremost authority on fundraising research, training and strategic planning based on donor-centered principles. Penelope is a fundraising futurist and iconoclast, advocating innovative approaches to raising money while challenging long-standing but ineffective beliefs that limit success.

The author of two best-selling books, and more than fifty articles, plays and seminars on fundraising, marketing, stewardship and not for profit management, Penelope is also a compelling and entertaining speaker.

Abstract

When a key staff person leaves, it can take up to two years to find and train a suitable replacement and rebuild meaningful relationships with donors.  So every manager wants to hire the right staff to begin with and then keep good people for as long as possible.  And every fundraising professional wants to make the best possible decision when considering a major career move.

In this keynote address, Penelope Burk offers a first look at her company's intriguing research study in which 1200 American and Canadian fundraisers and managers talked about why they change jobs and what would inspire them to stay in their current positions longer.

10:00 - 10:30 am

Nutrition Break

Sponsored by:

eTapestry

10:30 - 12:00 pm

Concurrent Session: From Data to Strategy: The Impact of the Economy on Fundraising

Janet Gadeski, Canadian Fundraiser
Jason Lockhart, Innovative Research Group

Calgary-born Janet Gadeski began her career in nonprofit fundraising and management as an announcer with a U.S. public radio station.  As Founding President and CEO of the United Church of Canada Foundation, she created a low-cost, socially responsible investment program for its congregations.  She began writing for Canadian FundRaiser in 2003, specializing in endowment development, investment and marketing, assuming the editor's position in 2008.

Jason Lockhart is a Senior Consultant at Innovative Research Group's Toronto office.  He has had extensive experience in designing research programs that respond to a wide range of challenges in the not-for-profit sector.  Mr. Lockhart is guest lecturer on Canadian philanthropic trends at Humber College’s Fundraising and Volunteer Management Program.  He has worked for not-for profit clients in both Canada and the U.S. including the Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Abstract

How hard is the economy really hitting charities? Are the effects the same for food banks and health research, for seven-figure gifts and entry-level direct mail? Is it worth reprinting that major gifts brochure or starting that capital campaign? While U.S. data and local anecdotes abound, you want up-to-date Canadian facts and trends before you plan your campaign. This session will explore the results of a national survey of Canadian charities examining changes in 2008 giving patterns attributable to economic conditions, and the results of early strategies to adapt to those new conditions. Understanding giving trends by region, type and size of charity and sources of revenue will help equip participants to plan effective fundraising for a flagging economy.

Penelope Burk, President, Cygnus Applied Research, Inc.

President of Cygnus Applied Research, Inc., Penelope Burk has over thirty years of experience in not-for-profit management, fundraising, and research. A native of Montreal, Canada, she began her professional career in marketing and fundraising in the arts, quickly rising to the ranks of senior management and broadening the scope of her accomplishments to include social service and sport and recreation organizations. She became known as a "turn around specialist" advocating innovative solutions to improve revenue and institutional performance. Ms. Burk is the author of two books and more than fifty seminars, training programs, articles and dramatic plays, all written specifically for not-for-profit organizations.

Abstract

As it gets harder to acquire more donors the sustained loyalty of your existing supporters becomes increasingly important. Intriguingly, donors themselves say that their decisions to give again and give more generously are influenced more by what not for profits tell them when they are not asking for money, than by solicitations. But, in a world where your donors are bombarded with everyone else's information, how can you grab their attention and be confident that they are hearing your message?

COMUNICATION IS THE ASK offers practical advice on how to connect more effectively with donors in an age of information overload. Developed from Penelope Burk's groundbreaking research on the causes of and remedies for high donor attrition, COMMUNICATION IS THE ASK explains what donors need to know and explores how not for profits can become masters of their own messages.

12:00 - 1:30 pm

Lunch

Sponsored by:

Method Works Consulting

1:30 - 3:00 pm

Concurrent Session: It's Not Just About Philanthropy:
Getting Creative to Reach an 'Impossible' Goal

Donna Finley, Framework Parners Inc.

Donna Finley is co-founder and Principal with Framework Partners Inc. Ms. Finley has a solid reputation for strategic leadership and creating new solutions; with over 25 years of business experience, her passion and ability to quickly synthesize information and create integrated strategies has earned her high praise from boards and senior management teams struggling with new competitive realities. She has held transitional leadership positions, led consulting engagements in multiple sectors, and has been the driving force behind several large-scale organizational transformations. Currently a doctoral student in Interdisciplinary Studies, she is a noted motivational speaker, author of multiple academic articles and co-author of a textbook on strategic planning.

Abstract

It's not just about philanthropy. This session will showcase an innovative model for successful capital campaign fundraising in a challenging and dynamic environment. In less than five years, an inexperienced team creatively raised $20 million and built a new school campus. Perseverance, innovation and leadership delivered results, previously thought to be 'impossible'. Donna served as Chair of the School's Board, as well as President & CEO, during this transformation. She led the organization in visioning, strategic planning, fundraising, reorganization, recruiting senior administrative staff, and ultimately orchestrating her departure and replacement. The project was delivered on time and on budget, with a high degree of parent satisfaction and community collaboration. The school continues to be a benchmark used by the City of Calgary and the provincial Government as a successful P3 (Public, Private partnership). All of this was done without compromising the core values that make the school so successful.

Emmy Stuebing, Alberta Emerald Foundation

Emmy Stuebing has worked in the nonprofit sector for her entire career. She began her career with the Fort Edmonton Foundation. Upon receiving her first grant of $125,000 three months into her tenure at Fort Edmonton, she was hooked! Ms. Stuebing has worked as senior development and nonprofit management staff for organizations ranging from the Valley Zoo Development Society to the University of Alberta, where she led the fund development and communications for an institute within the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. She has a particular interest in leading smaller organizations. Ms. Stuebing is Executive Director of the Alberta Emerald Foundation.

Abstract

This session provides a discussion about leading an organization as the lone fund development staff member. Many fund development and nonprofit management professionals work as the sole employee of their organization. How do you lead and support your volunteers, while adhering to your plans and goals? How do you avoid getting caught up in the daily "chores" and instead, focus on the bigger picture? How do you avoid feeling isolated and overwhelmed? This presentation will provide tips for managing your program, information about trends and opportunities and allow for conversations with professionals who are in the same boat as you - serving as captain, cook, and chief dishwasher for their organization.

Michael Johnston, HJC - Hewitt and Johnston Consultants

Michael Johnston is the President and founder of the global fundraising consultancy Hewitt and Johnston Consultants and the co-founder of two New York based companies. A fundraiser for 21 years, he has worked with 100's of nonprofit organizations in Canada, the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Mike is an expert in direct response fundraising innovation and integrated campaigning - especially in the use of new media technologies like the web and other new technologies, and their integration with traditional direct response methods. He is the author of The Fund Raiser's Guide to the Internet, The Nonprofit Guide to the Internet.

Abstract

This session will explore the many innovative ways to attract and retain supporters exposing you to multi-channel fundraising - like you've never seen before. What are the different media channels available for fundraising? How hard is it? In the ever-changing demographics of our world, today's fundraisers need to be on top-of-their-game and embrace new techniques to find supporters and keep the ones you have! We guarantee that you will have fun as you witness the endless ways others have jumped into the age of Google and started to combine direct mail, social network sites, personal pages, digital photos, blogs, video, widgets, audio podcasts and mobile phones to raise money and build relationships with their supporters. This fast-paced session with tons of real examples, will help you better understand the multi-channel environment along with 25 ways to make it work for you!

3:00 - 3:30 pm

Nutrition Break

Sponsored by:

TECHWEBdirect

3:30 - 5:00 pm

Concurrent Session: Sponsorship – An Annual Giving Program and Major Gift Dollars – How Sponsorship Can Put More Dollars to Your Bottom Line Outside of the 80/20 Rule

Brent Barootes, The Partnership Group

Brent Barootes is President and senior consultant of the Partnership Group - Sponsorship Specialists. He has worked directly or indirectly with many Canadian charities and nonprofit organizations and major corporations to develop, design, and build effective sponsorship programs. Mr. Barootes’ expertise includes sponsorship valuations and audits, inventory/benefit development, package development, and mentoring of staff and volunteers for engaging in sponsorship. He is also known for delivering workshops, keynote addresses and training sessions across Canada.

Abstract

This session will illustrate how charitable and nonprofit organizations can add a substantial revenue channel (in addition to present philanthropic income) to their bottom line that falls outside of the Canada Revenue Agency 80/20 rule. This session has been developed to demonstrate the need for diversification in revenue sources and particularly from one that so many organizations do not leverage to the limits and leave too many sponsorship and as a result often philanthropic dollars on the table. The session will produce tools, knowledge and on site feedback and interaction to deliver results that can be transferred to organizations immediately. Leaders in the industry will understand the research and will be the ones engaging opportunities that will set their organizations apart from the competition through the knowledge, tools and learning delivered in this workshop.

Kathy Bhana, University of Calgary

At her first fundraising position, as a Student Caller for the University of Alberta, Kathy Bhana gained national recognition by raising $164,000 in a single shift! After moving to Australia she began focusing on direct mail and tele-fundraising for a series of colleges and universities. On returning to Canada, Ms. Bhana realized she had a passion for Annual Giving. She began working with SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology), setting up their Student Calling Program and managing the Annual Giving initiatives. Ms. Bhana is currently Director of Annual Giving at the University of Calgary.

Abstract

This session will focus on challenging preconceived notions of what constitutes an Annual Giving Donor. What determines your annual giving threshold? Is it a dollar value, is it the method in which a donor chooses to give or is it what campaign designation they choose to support? Are you listening to your annual giving donors, or are you sticking to what has always been done within your organization? During the current economic climate it has become increasingly clear that it is important for charitable organizations to help their donors by taking the time to learn what their philanthropic goals are, and work with them to make those goals a reality. This also means a blurring of the traditional “giving” boundaries as annual giving donors are viewed as planned giving donors, and for some – major giving donors.

Dan VanKeeken, Marcomm Works

Dan VanKeeken is a senior, accredited and award-winning corporate communications, public affairs, media and community relations leader and educator with 30 years experience in a variety of settings in two provinces.

He is currently a senior consultant with Marcomm Works in Edmonton, and was previously Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing for the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He has also held senior communications roles with Dell Canada, the Alberta Motor Association, Nova Gas Transmission, the Alberta School Boards Association and Alberta Power Limited.

Abstract

No matter what the size and scope of your organization and staff, the news media are a critical conduit to audiences important to your cause and mission. This session will explore ways to become a more effective media spokesperson by building effective relationships with journalists, crafting effective key messages and being on the lookout for great story ideas. It will also touch on how the online world is transforming both the media themselves and the practice of media relations.

Jocelyne Daw, Imagine Canada

Jocelyne Daw has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors working for heritage, arts and health organizations with a focus on corporate-cause partnerships, marketing, social enterprise and fund development. She has a certificate in fundraising management and is a graduate of the Getty Museum Executive Leadership Institute. Ms. Daw has been recognized by the American Marketing Association for her work creating community and business partnerships and social ventures for nonprofit organizations and is the author of the book Cause Marketing for Nonprofits: Partner for Purpose, Passion and Profits (AFP/John Wiley, 2006)

Abstract

The Canadian Survey of Business Contributions to Community conducted by Imagine Canada reflects data from over 2200 Canadian corporations and provides the clearest picture ever of the nature, extent and processes of Canadian business giving. Session participants will learn how to maximize their efforts and return to learning who to approach, how, and for what. Understand the drivers of corporate philanthropy, the role of cause marketing, sponsorships, employee involvement and the value of long term engagement and partnership development. Hear about best practice case studies and the top 5 trends in business-community relationships.

8:30 - 10:00 am

Tuesday Plenary: Generation Digital

Sponsored by:

Duckworth & Associates

Jason Jones, Jonesfoto

Jason Jones is a freelance commercial photographer specializing in college recruitment campaigns. His work has won dozens of ADDY awards in several markets, and he has contributed to more than thirty CASE Gold Award-winning projects. Mr. Jones is a frequent faculty member and speaker for regional and national CASE, CCAE and UCDA conferences. Originally from New Orleans, he moved to Toronto following what all New Orleanians refer to simply as: The Storm.

Abstract

A couple of college-age high school kids: She's created an award-winning MySpace site. The four-minute film he and a girlfriend shot this summer for YouTube has just passed the thirty-five-hundred-hit mark. What makes you think your web site, with it's quaint references to "Making a Gift" is going to get their attention, for even a nanosecond? Today teens and college students are not just sophisticated when it comes to web and print-based communications - they are defining the genre. Put something in front of them that you think your board will find pretty acceptable and they are likely to have some real fun at your expense. And nowhere is this more true than in the photographic images these bright, innovative kids deal with every day.

In this highly energized, fast-moving presentation, Jason Jones will use music, humor and over five-hundred photos to emphasize the importance of edgy, relevant photographic material in anything you send to Generation Digital.

10:00 - 10:30 am

Nutrition Break

Sponsored by:

TECHWEBdirect

10:30 - 12:00 pm

Concurrent Session: Legacy Marketing - A How To Guide for Any Organization

Michael Johnston, HJC - Hewitt and Johnston Consultants

Michael Johnston is the President and founder of the global fundraising consultancy Hewitt and Johnston Consultants and the co-founder of two New York based companies. A fundraiser for 21 years, he has worked with 100's of nonprofit organizations in Canada, the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Mike is an expert in direct response fundraising innovation and integrated campaigning - especially in the use of new media technologies like the web and other new technologies, and their integration with traditional direct response methods. He is the author of The Fund Raiser's Guide to the Internet, The Nonprofit Guide to the Internet.

Abstract

This up-to-date session will set the stage on the intergenerational transfer of wealth by explaining how a number of nonprofits, including case studies from health charities, hospitals, and universities in North America and Europe are testing, and analyzing how high tech (online) and high touch (innovative direct response combinations) can work hand in hand at making planned giving programs more effective in finding legacy gifts. This session will keep participants engaged through the combination of video testimonials, dynamic case studies from Canada, the U.S., Spain, France, UK and the Netherlands, and fun group discussion.

Tony Myers, Myers & Associates

Tony Myers is the principal and senior counsel with Myers & Associates, an international fundraising consultancy based in Calgary. He advises organizations on matters and strategies surrounding major donor fundraising, major campaigns, organizational review and strategic planning, and development, but his real passion is in helping organizations access significant gifts from high net worth individuals. Known for his experience in setting up three charitable foundations and his work in major donor fundraising, Mr. Myers has been sought after as a speaker on numerous topics at national and international conferences over the past 20 years.

Abstract

Is it about relationships? Well, yes! Is it about values? Yes! Is it about a combination of relationships, values and asking? Yes it is! But most of all it is about the Power of Yes and the attitude that gets you to the YES you are looking for. All of us involved in fundraising find ourselves in pursuit of the sweetest sound on earth... the sound that echoes in the affirmation of a gift made possible by a three letter word Y-E-S!! It is the word that makes possible all that we do. This session will provide stories and examples from Tony Myers that have shaped his life and his life's work in pursuit of the Power of Yes!

12:00 - 1:30 pm

Lunch

Sponsored by:

Black Fund Development, Inc.

1:30 - 3:00 pm

Concurrent Session: Logic: Who Would've Thought?

Tony Myers, Myers & Associates

Tony Myers is the principal and senior counsel with Myers & Associates, an international fundraising consultancy based in Calgary. He advises organizations on matters and strategies surrounding major donor fundraising, major campaigns, organizational review and strategic planning, and development, but his real passion is in helping organizations access significant gifts from high net worth individuals. Known for his experience in setting up three charitable foundations and his work in major donor fundraising, Mr. Myers has been sought after as a speaker on numerous topics at national and international conferences over the past 20 years.

Abstract

Thinking, deciding and giving - almost anyone you talk to has an opinion on how it works and what influences major donor giving. But who knows for sure? Maybe no one knows for sure? Tony Myers has just completed more than two years of research and in depth interviews with major donors and high net worth individuals in Canada, the U.S. and India. As we enter into the golden era in Philanthropy, there has never been a better time to understand what influences major donors to give. Join Tony Myers, armed with the findings from his groundbreaking research and be among the first in the world to hear his results and learn how those results can apply to your work with major donors and high net worth individuals.

Shannon Zwicker, KCI - Ketchum Canada

Shannon Zwicker of KCI has more than 16 years of fund raising and nonprofit management experience in strategic planning, major gift training, feasibility studies, case writing, and review assignments for clients across Canada. She has a proven track record in campaign fundraising, serving as campaign director and developing campaign plans for 6 Edmonton-based campaigns with goals ranging from $4 to $25 million. Ms. Zwicker holds a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from The Fund Raising School affiliated with Indiana University's Centre on Philanthropy and is an active community volunteer.

Abstract

In fundraising, success sometimes happens on its own through unexpected gifts. But sustainable success on a yearly basis requires carefully planning. At its finest, planning is “purposeful leadership”. It is determining where you want to go, evaluating your options for getting there and then choosing the road you want to be on and getting ready for the journey. This session is a hands-on experience in purposeful leadership with exercises designed to activate participants’ thinking skills, and practical tips on developing and evaluating written plans. Drawing from her background in strategic planning and planning studies, Ms. Zwicker demonstrates that planning skills are not something leaders are born with, but something that the best leaders develop.

Brian E. Duclos, CFRE, The Calgary Zoo

Brian Duclos is the Calgary Zoo’s Senior Manager, Government Relations. He has worked as a fundraising professional since 1974. He is experienced in directing and executing all aspects of fundraising programs. During his career he has been on staff with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, Bishop’s College School and the Canadian Association of Youth Orchestras/Banff Centre. Brian is a founding board member of the AFP Calgary Chapter and is a past president. He was also a founder of the AFP Canadian Council and is past chair of its Canadian Government Relations Committee. He currently sits on the board of the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations as Public Policy and Government Relations Chair. He has taught the Career Management, Ethics and Professionalism, and Individual Giving courses at Mount Royal College.

Abstract

Government is an essential source of funds for your organization…or is it? Whether it’s a major part of your revenue or merely a source to secure grants and/or a casino license, where might your relationship start and where could it go? Engage in an overview of government funding to “the sector”. Learn about the various levels of government and where funding may be found. Come away with insights and resources to further this essential partnership. Do you see “government relations” the same way that you do “donor relations”? Do you have a plan to develop your relationship with governments and to grow your funding base? Perhaps you should. In doing so, you need to know what government thinks of “the sector” and some of the rules and regulations that have been, or are being, put in place that have a direct impact on you and this essential relationship.

Judith Haber, Performance Sponsorship Group, Inc.

Judith Haber specializes in working with publicly funded institutions and organizations that include multi-use sport and entertainment destinations, performing art centres, foundations and academic institutions. As a principal in Performance Sponsorship Group, she has worked with organizations in helping them identify what commercial inventory they own, and how best to price, package and sell that inventory to the corporate sponsor. In addition to her experience working with nonprofit institutions, Ms. Haber has priced, packaged and sold national nonprofit events that include the Shoppers Drug Mart Marathon, The Bay Street Rat Race, World Gymnastics Challenge and Racism Stop It.

Abstract

This session will use case studies to describe how not for profits of any size should go about being in the business of corporate sponsorship. This session will identify typical assets and describe how those assets should be bundled into the sales package. The case studies will describe the approval process required from boards in order for not for profits to be successful selling corporate sponsorship packages.

3:00 - 3:30 pm

Nutrition Break

Sponsored by:

eTapestry

3:30 - 5:00 pm

Concurrent Session: Facility Naming Policies & Procedures

Vincent Duckworth, Duckworth & Associates

Vincent Duckworth, principal and senior consultant at Duckworth & Associates, has over 15 years experience as a fundraising professional. Prior to moving to Calgary in 2005, he worked as a senior fundraiser with both the University of Alberta and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. Mr. Duckworth holds the CFRE credential and has a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta. He is an accomplished triathlete and marathon runner.

Abstract

Donors are increasingly interested in finding philanthropic projects representative of their values to bear their names. Concurrent with this, boards are increasingly tasked with reviewing and approving named spaces associated with their facilities. This session will discuss how to capitalize on and be responsive to this trend. Nonprofits must develop procedures, policies and practices for establishing, managing, and marketing naming opportunities.

Concurrent Session: What's Going on in the Backroom?
An Insiders's View of Advancement Services

Tania Brandstrom, SAIT Polytechnic

Tania Brandstrom is the Associate Director of Development and Advancement Services with SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary. During her 7 years in Advancement Services, Tania has established a commitment to partnership-based service that reflects her strong commitment to team engagement. Tania came to the profession with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Calgary and experience with tax receipting and compliance filings developed during time as an officer with a publicly traded mining company. Since joining the profession, Tania has completed her Masters in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Abstract

Advancement Services (prospect research, gift receipting, donor records) staff are often in the background in our organizations, tracking, recording, and reporting key information that supports decision-making critical to our success. Because of this behind-the-scenes role, it is not always easy to see the changes that are underway and impacting the functions at the core of Advancement Services.

This session provides an opportunity to take a closer look at what’s going on in Advancement Services, including the newly created Association of Advancement Services Professionals, the legal and regulatory framework surrounding endowments, and Advancement’s role in performance measure reporting for major gifts. The session will provide attendees with an opportunity to share their experiences and engage in conversation on the topics presented.

Gary Durbeniuk, Catherine Harder, Julia Sutherland, University of Calgary

Gary Durbeniuk has worked as a professional in the development (fundraising) field since 1986.

Since returning to the University of Calgary as Executive Director of Development in 2002, fundraising has grown from $18 Million per annum to a record year in 2006/07 of $101 Million. Recently appointed to a second five year term as Vice President (Development) Gary is also Executive Director of a $300 Million joint campaign between the University of Calgary and the Calgary Health Region.

As the first Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Health Trust, Mr. Durbeniuk was responsible for merging the activities of five health care related foundations in Calgary into one foundation. In its first three years of operations the Calgary Health Trust increased net donations by 70% from $6.5 million to $11 million.

Catherine Harder is the Executive Director of the University of Calgary’s Central Development Team. She oversees a diverse portfolio including Development Finance, Information & Technology Services, Donor Services (Gift Processing & Tax Receipting, Stewardship, Donor Relations, Student Award Administration), Prospect Research & Pipeline, Prospect Management, Annual Giving and Planned Giving.

As a U of C alum herself (BEd 1991), Catherine has the privilege of serving her alma mater in their Development efforts. Catherine’s experience in fundraising operations began with managing the Raiser’s Edge databases for Bethany Care Society and then YMCA Calgary. She joined the U of C fundraising team in 2003 to lead their transition from a legacy database system to Raiser’s Edge. On the heels of a successful implementation, she led the team in the continued evolution of systems and processes as her role transitioned to head up the new Development Services portfolio, which has expanded to the Central Development portfolio as part of a recent restructuring.

Julia Sutherland is the Director of Prospect Research and Pipeline at the University of Calgary, currently supporting a team of nine research professionals in providing targeted research to twenty fundraising directors.

Her background is in theatre, and she worked in annual giving and donor stewardship at Alberta Theatre Projects prior to joining the University team as a Researcher in 2005. In 2007, she moved into the Director position for the Research team and led the unit through a strategic review. The outcome was a two-year operational framework that evolved the service approach from a reactive, back-office based unit, towards engaging with the fundraising directors in pipeline development and prospect strategy. There have been many lessons learned along the way. In addition to her role with the University, Julia is on the board of directors for the Canadian chapter of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).

Abstract

Over the past seven years, the University of Calgary Development shop has undergone a significant transformation. As annual fundraising revenues have increased from $18 million to $100 million, the team has also undergone tremendous growth, both in numbers and capacity. This period of rapid transition has been marked by both successes and growing pains which they have used as opportunities to learn, unlearn and relearn what it takes to be effective as a team. During this interactive session you will learn more about their journey towards defining a set of core elements that they believe are foundational to building a high performance team. You will leave the session with new ideas that you can use to build your team’s capacity and commitment to continuous evolution.

9:00 - 10:30 am

Closing Plenary: Humanitarian Efforts - Shared Experiences

Sponsored by:

KCI - Ketchum Canada Inc.

Dr Richard Heinzl, Founder, Doctors Without Borders Canada

In 1988, just out of medical school, Richard Heinzl founded Doctors Without Borders Canada, the Nobel Prize-winning humanitarian organization. Shortly thereafter he became its first field volunteer, spending an extraordinary year in remote Cambodia. (These experiences are movingly captured in his new memoir, Cambodia Calling.) Hundreds of volunteers have since followed in his footsteps, bringing their healing skills to help many of the world's most vulnerable people. For his work, Heinz has been named one of the "Hundred People Who Make a Difference in Canada," and was included on Report on Business' Top 40 Under 40 list. He is also a renowned speaker, sharing his stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the midst of war and other challenges.

Heinzl takes us past the expected sphere of humanitarian aid stories to reveal a remarkable world with universal lessons and incredible human stories (beginning with the story of how his experiences changed his life.) Zooming out, he points to the exponential change in our borderless world. Why, for instance, it is more important than ever for individuals and organizations to have a non-conventional approach to problem solving. We need to embrace this change, he says, and to see what is truly valuable in our world--and how we are all connected in it.