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Thursday,
May 5th and Friday, May 6th Sponsored
by: Featuring Thursday Workshop and Friday Keynote Presentation by Jay Frost! $90 for 1 day &
$125 for 2 days for OPRN members Now available... |
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Conference Agenda
Conference Speakers
Conference Accommodations
and Directions
CFRE Credit
Conference
Scholarship (download scholarship
application
*Deadline April 1st)
Conference Sponsorship
Conference
Photos
Prior
Conferences
OPRN currently offers a Spring Conference and Fall Regional Gatherings. All researchers and development professionals, whether members of OPRN or not, may attend. Contact the Conference Chair for more information.
Thursday, May 5th
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12:30-1:00 p.m. |
Registration |
|
1:00-2:30 p.m. |
Workshop - Jay Frost: Launching Positive Revolutions in your Fundraising Office |
| Do you ever feel disconnected from the work of the development office or the mission of institution? This workshop will bring your value to the institution into sharp relief and help make a case for increasing resources, gaining greater influence over strategy and setting and managing the efforts of the development team. We will go through exercises converting research quotas (number of prospects or profiles) into fund-raising parlance (feasibility, major gift goals), discuss written action plans with dollar targets and work together to convert research tools into resource investments. Join us for an aggressive and tough-minded exploration of how research is truly fund raising. | |
|
2:30-2:45 p.m. |
Break (snack provided) |
|
2:45-4:00 p.m. |
Workshop continues |
|
4:00 p.m. |
Adjourn for the day |
| Note: OPRN Board Members will be planning a social outing for Thursday night at a Columbus Clippers game. See conference brochure for more information! | |
Friday, May 6th
|
8:00-8:30 a.m. |
Registration & Continental Breakfast |
|
8:30-8:45 a.m. |
Welcome/Announcements |
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8:45-9:45 a.m. |
Jay Frost's Keynote Address |
|
9:45-10:00 a.m. |
Break |
|
10:00-11:30 a.m. |
Concurrent Session A (Attend one of the following:) |
|
The
Horse's Mouth: Social Media as a Window on the Prospects of the Future w/
Jay Frost Social media can seem so trivial. Until we realize that the majority of our current and future supporters are on these platforms, defining themselves, their interests and their communities every day. Fundraising and research veteran Jay Frost lifts the lid on social media in this session, exploring how we can use these networks to better identify, understand and engage prospects and donors. We will learn how to get started, to work efficiently, effectively and ethically, and how to avoid getting stuck in this new world of publically disclosed personal information. Digging Deeper: Uncovering the Wealth Hidden in your Electronic Screening Results w/ Melissa Bank Stepno After completing an electronic database screening, many organizations feel overwhelmed by the amount of data they receive. Prospecting by skimming off the top – or focusing on those with high scores and/or capacity - may be a great place to start. But, if that’s all you do, you are likely leaving a lot of valuable data behind. This session will focus on tips to systematically mine the data included in your electronic screening to help you uncover potential that is often hidden below the surface. With a little bit of extra sleuthing, you can take your screening to a deeper level and find the diamonds in the rough. |
|
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11:30-12:45 |
Lunch (provided) |
|
12:45-2:15 p.m. |
Concurrent Session B (Attend one of the following:) |
| Understanding the True Value of
Real Estate w/ Melissa Bank Stepno The real estate industry has been the talk of significant buzz over the last few of years. With all the conversation about the viability of the mortgage industry, the real estate bubble bursting, and the beginnings of a market correction, researchers have been left wondering what their real estate data is really saying. A simple property value alone isn’t always a good indicator of wealth. This session will review the real estate market’s history, today’s climate, how to use real estate information for prospecting and provide tips and tools to help best interpret and understand data. A Panel Discussion - Meet Excel, Your New Best Friend: Excel Tips and Tricks - moderated by OPRN Board Member Stacy Wheeler Increasingly, fundraising operations are becoming more sophisticated, relying on data analysis to set goals, analyze success, and plan for the future. During this interactive session, panelists will demonstrate tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Excel 2007 data. Be it cleaning up lists, summarizing data through pivot tables, or preparing reports for prospect management, a variety of topics will be discussed. Attendees will be encouraged to share their own experiences, to demonstrate their own methods, to participate, and to ask questions. |
|
|
2:15-2:30 p.m. |
Break |
|
2:30-3:30 p.m. |
Roundtables on various topics (Speakers to be announced) |
| **If you have a topic idea or are interested in leading a roundtable, please contact any member of the OPRN board. | |
|
3:30 p.m. |
Closing Remarks/Adjournment |
Melissa Bank Stepno serves as a consultant for Target Analytics. She consults with nonprofit organizations on implementation and strategy surrounding prospect modeling, screenings, research, and tracking. Previously, Melissa was a senior development researcher at Boston University, assistant registrar for Boston Ballet, and assisted with grant research and writing at the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras. Melissa received her BA from Brandeis University, where she is an active volunteer and is the recipient of the Alumni Association’s Young Leadership Award. She also has masters’ degrees in arts administration and higher education administration from Boston University. Melissa serves on the board of AFP’s Northern New England chapter, is a member of APRA, NEDRA, and WID, and has spoken at a number of industry conferences. You can contact her at Melissa.Stepno@blackbaud.com.
Conference Accommodations and Directions
Accommodations
OPRN has reserved a block of rooms at the Embassy Suites Columbus for $131 per night. The newly renovated Embassy Suites Columbus hotel offers attractive accommodations in a thriving area, ideal for anyone traveling to Columbus on business or for pleasure. The hotel is conveniently situated amongst some of the most exciting tourist attractions in the area and offers complimentary transportation to nearby Easton Town Center.
Attendees are responsible for their own reservations. Please refer to Ohio Prospect Research Network when making your reservations. Individuals are requested to call 1-800-EMBASSY (800-362-2779) or (614) 890-8600 by Wednesday, April 12, 2011, to reserve suites. Reservations received after this date will be honored on a space available basis at the prevailing corporate rate.
Check-in time is after 3:00 PM. If your schedule requires an early check-in time, please advise the hotel in advance. Payment for guest suite is due upon check-in, either by cash or credit card. Checkout is 12:00 Noon. Arrangements can be made for luggage storage beyond 12:00 noon.
NOTE: Please dress in layers. Heating and cooling may fluctuate in a room setting of this size.
Conference Directions
Embassy Suites Hotel
2700 Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus,
OH 43231
Phone: (614) 890-8600
FAX: (614) 890-6768
Located at I-270 and Cleveland Ave-on the north end of Columbus.
Parking is free.
From the North: Enter I-270 eastbound to the Cleveland Ave. Exit (Exit 27).
From the South: Follow I-71 to I-270, and enter I-270 east-bound to the Cleveland Ave. Exit (Exit 27).
From East or West: Follow I-70 to I-270, and enter I-270 Northbound toward Cleveland. Take the Cleveland Ave. Exit (Exit 27).
After exiting I-270: After exiting onto Cleveland Ave., immediately get into the far left hand lane. Turn left at the first traffic light onto Community Park Drive. Proceed one block to the first stop sign and turn left onto Corporate Exchange Drive. The hotel is one block ahead on the left side of the street.
| We
are currently in the process of applying for CFRE credit.
More
information will be posted soon. For those wishing to receive
CFRE credit, Continuing Education Points Trackers will be made
available at the conference registration table.
This credential is the only internationally recognized baseline professional credential for philanthropic fundraising executives. To learn more, visit the CRFE International Web site. |
|
Eileen Fitzgerald OPRN Conference Scholarship
OPRN will award up to two scholarships each year, each for up to $200, reimbursing, in this order, membership/conference registration, transportation, and lodging expenses. Scholarships will be announced a few weeks before the annual OPRN spring conference.
New for 2011... We will be awarding two scholarships:
- New Researcher Scholarship (less than 5 years research experience)
- Veteran Researcher Scholarship (current OPRN members only with 5+ years research experience)
Download the application form and submit it today!
Send questions or comments to the Scholarship/Awards Chairperson.Scholarship applications are due by Friday, April 1, 2011.
About the Scholarship
In 2008, the OPRN Conference Scholarship was named in honor of Eileen Fitzgerald, a long-time board member of OPRN who served as the organization's president, conference chair, and membership chair, as well as many other roles. Eileen is an exemplary member of our profession.
By providing this scholarship to the OPRN annual conference, or towards the attendance of an APRA conference, we hope to:
- Encourage participation by organizations and individuals whose resources for staff development are limited.
- Promote a baseline skill set in prospect research skills within the Ohio region nonprofit community regardless of the size or affluence of a participant's organization.
- Promote networking opportunities for new development professionals.
- Increase awareness of OPRN and build a more diverse membership base.
SPRING 2010 CONFERENCE: Our two-day conference was held on Thursday, May 13 and Friday, May 14 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. Our Thursday workshop on prospecting was presented by Cecilia Hogan. The speaker for our keynote, The Secret to Great Research, was Helen Brown, President of the Helen Group, who also presented a break-out session on international resarch. The keynote was followed by a panel discussion with a diverse group of Ohio fundraisers. Members of the OPRN board hosted a panel discussion on prospect management meetings, and Page Bullington and Lawrence Henze from Blackbaud's Target Analytics, presented break-sessions. Thanks to Blackbaud Analytics for serving once again as our title sponsor.
SPRING 2009 CONFERENCE: Our two-day conference was held on Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. Our Thursday workshop on Data Mining was presented by Marianne Pelletier and our New Researchers' Workshop by Kimberly Elahab and Craig Kahn. Our Keynote Speaker was Elizabeth Crabtree, president of APRA'; her first presentation was entitled "Guiding the Way: Rating Wealth, Capacity, and Potential for Philanthropic Giving" and her keynote presentatino was entitled "Partners in Fundraising: Creating Synergy Between Researchers and Fundraising.". The keynote was followed by a panel discussion with a diverse group of Ohio fundraisers. In addition, Katherine Swank, J.D., from Blackbaud's Target Analytics, served as a speaker. Thanks to Blackbaud Analytics for serving once again as our title sponsor.
SPRING 2008 CONFERENCE: Our first two-day conference held on Thursday, May 29 and Friday, May 30 at Hilton Columbus at Easton Town Center. Our Thursday workshop on Data Mining was presented by Peter Wylie of Margolis-Wylie Associates. Our Keynote Speaker was Christina Pulawski, an independent consultant and the winner of APRA's 2005 Distinguished Service Award; her presentation was entitled The Future of Prospect Research and How We'll Get There. In addition, David Lamb and Lawrence Henze, both from Blackbaud Analytics, served as speakers. Eileen Fitzgerald received this year's OPRN Distinguished Service Award, and the annual scholarship was named in Eileen's honor. Thanks to Blackbaud Analytics for serving once again as our title sponsor.
SPRING 2007 CONFERENCE: Held on Friday, March 30, 2007 at Marriott North in Columbus, Ohio. Our Keynote Speaker was Bobbie Strand, Consultant, Bentz Whaley Flessner, presenting Informatics and Prospecting: Metrics, Analysis, and Application. In addition, David Lamb from Blackbaud Analytics and Glenn Blair served as speakers. Anne Mayer received this year's OPRN Distinguished Service Award, which will now be named after her. Thanks to Blackbaud Analytics for serving once again as our title sponsor.
SPRING 2006 CONFERENCE: Held on Friday, April 21, 2006 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. Our Keynote Speaker was Joshua M. Birkholz, Bentz Whaley Flessner. Additional speakers were Lawrence Henze from Blackbaud Analytics, Mackensie Wittmer, and Georgie "Jo" Swanson. The OPRN Distinguished Service Award was presented to Bev Robertson. Thanks to Blackbaud Analytics for serving once again as our title sponsor.
SPRING 2005 CONFERENCE: Held on Friday, April 1, 2005 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. Our keynote speaker was Jon Thorsen, Senior Director of Development Resources at American Red Cross National Headquarters, presenting Games Without Frontiers. In addition, David Lamb from Blackbaud Analytics discussed privacy issues, and the OPRN board presented breakout sessions on several topics. OPRN Scholarship winners were Christie Weiner, Ohio Dominican, and John Selzer, Bowling Green University, and the OPRN Distinguished Service Award Winner was Jackie Robbins from Kenyon College! Thanks to Blackbaud Analytics for serving once again as our title sponsor.
SPRING 2004 CONFERENCE: Held on Friday, April 30, 2004 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbus, OH. Our Keynote Speaker was Cecilia Hogan, author of the new book Prospect Research: A Primer for Growing Non-Profits, presenting Around the Research Campfire: Stories of Dismal Failure, Near Misses, and Great Success. An additional presentation was made by Lawrence Henze, Managing Director of Blackbaud Analytics, entitled Applications of Market Research to Promote Fundraising Success. The conference concluded with afternoon Concurrent Multi-topic Sessions with the OPRN Board. Sponsored by Blackbaud Analytics
SPRING 2003 CONFERENCE: Featuring: Christina Pulawski, Director of Development Research, Northwestern University - Sessions on: Prospect Identification & Prospect Management - Friday, May 2, 2003 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbus, OH. Sponsored by Blackbaud Analytics
SPRING 2002 CONFERENCE: Friday, April 26, 2002 Ohio Historical Center Columbus, OH - The Role of The Internet In University Advancement & The Sticky Web Has a Hold of Prospect Research Presented By Carl Brown - The Prospect Researcher As Change Agent - Presented By Dr. Rick Dorman
Fall 2001, Regional Gatherings:
MIAMI VALLEY OHIO
October 22, 2001 Dayton Art Institute
- Free tour of famous glass artist Dale Chihuly's exhibit, "Form from
Fire" Contact:
Rob Boley or Mackensie Clark
NORTHEAST OHIO November 9, 2001 Oberlin University
Development Office Contact: Beverly Robertson
Spring 2001, Regional Gatherings:
NORTHWEST OHIO Friday, April 27 Mileti Alumni Center,
Bowling Green State University Contact: Gail Hanson
NORTHEAST OHIO
Friday, April 20th Student Center at Kent State University Contact:
Beverly Robertson
CENTRAL OHIO Friday, May 4 Fawcett Center on Ohio State's
campus. Contact: Lisa Miller
SOUTHWESTERN OHIO Thursday, May 10 610
University Hall, University of Cincinnati Contact: Craig Kahn
MIAMI VALLEY OHIO Tuesday, April 17th E157B
Student Union at Wright State University Contact: Rob Boley
November 3, 2000 "Advanced Research Methodologies" & "Strategic Prospecting" Diane R. Crane, Managing Associate, Bentz Whaley Flessner
April 28, 2000 "Research for Beginners" Jackie Robbins of Kenyon College and Lisa Hornick of Wright State University. "Planned Giving for Researchers" Robert F. Conrad and Kelli L. Bell, Director and Assistant Director of Development, respectively, in Planned Giving at The Ohio University Foundation.
October 26, 1999 "Privacy and the Right to Know." Neil Reisner, journalist for the Miami Herald
April 30, 1999 "Applying Technology in the Research Office" and "Internet Research 1-2-3" Joe Boeke, Director of Advancement & Information Services, Bucknell University
November 13, 1998 " Moves Management and Document Imaging" and " Prospect Research for Beginners" Kathleen Foley, Director of Development Services, Carleton College, Beck Sittason
May 1, 1998 "Information Overload: Death of the Research Profile." Jim Bennetts, Development Officer, Prospect Information & Management, Mayo Clinic
November 7, 1997 "Houston, we have a challenge!" Commanding the Development Research Module through the Information Explosion Jon Thorsen, Director of Development, Princeton University
May 8, 1997 "Targeting Donor Markets - 2000 and Beyond" Judith E. Nichols, PhD, CFRE
October 25, 1996 "Ethics in Fund Raising" Marilyn Fischer, PhD, Assistant Professor Philosophy, University of Dayton
April 26, 1996 "Finding that Magic Number" (A step-by-step discussion for estimating net worth and giving ability) Robert G. Millar, III, Director of Development Research Services, Boston College
October 6, 1995 "Prospecting" Debra Johnson, Bentz Whaley Flessner
April 28, 1995 "Planned Giving" Joseph O. Bull, Director of Planned Giving, OSU
October 14, 1994 "Understanding the Internet" Christopher D. Felker, Sr. Research Officer, Mass. Institute of Technology
June 17, 1994 "Researching Special Constituencies" Ann Castle, Director of Development Research, Harvard University
October 22, 1993 "Cen$us: Surveys Simplified" Gerlinda S. Melchiori, President, Melchiori Consulting
May 14, 1993 "The Paper Chase: Effective Records Management Techniques" Irene Szmania and Jill Tatem, Case Western Reserve University
October 23, 1992 "Bridging the Gap: From Research to Solicitation" Michael J. Ferin, V.P. Development, Wittenberg University & Joyce Dean Van Vactor, Director of Research, Wilmington College
