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Thursday,
May 13th and Friday, May 14th Sponsored
by: Featuring Keynote Presentation by Helen Brown and Thursday's Workshop on Prospect Identification presented by Cecilia Hogan. $90 for 1 day &
$125 for 2 days for OPRN members |
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Conference Agenda
Conference Speakers
Conference Accommodations
and Directions
CFRE Credit
Conference
Scholarship (download scholarship
application)
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.
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Thursday, May 13th
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12:30-1:00 p.m. |
Registration |
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1:00-2:30 p.m. |
Workshop - Cecilia Hogan: Breadcrumb Navigation: Finding Prospects the Research Way |
|
Just
like the best pathfinders, agile researchers leave a trail of
breadcrumbs in
order to find their way to prospects. Prospects waiting to be found
leave a
trail of breadcrumbs, too! Join in a lively workshop focusing on how to
identify, qualify, and assign prospective major gift donors. The
workshop will
cover:
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|
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2:30-2:45 p.m. |
Break (snack provided) |
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2:45-4:00 p.m. |
Workshop continues |
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4:00 p.m. |
Adjourn for the day |
| Note: OPRN Board Members will be arranging dinners at restaurants at nearby Easton Town Center (transportation provided). | |
Friday, May 14th
|
8:00-8:30 a.m. |
Registration & Continental Breakfast |
|
8:30-8:45 a.m. |
Welcome/Announcements |
|
9:00-10:30 a.m. |
Concurrent Session A (Attend one of the following:) |
| Around the World
in 90 Minutes w/ Helen Brown
Having
trouble finding sources for information on prospects living on the
other side of the world? You’re not alone – information can
be
hard to come by and tricky to decipher once you do find it.
Take
a tour of sources from around the world with Helen as your travel guide. Data Mining - Your Data Gold Mine w/ Page Bullington Grab that canary - your current database may be a gold mine. In the current economy, many organizations are prospecting within their own databases rather than seeking new names. This strategy makes sense, assuming those on your database have given in the past or expressed an interest in your mission. How do you determine who can increase their giving, and who simply should be maintained at their current giving level? How do you know you’ve captured the best data on these prospects? |
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10:30-10:45 a.m. |
Break |
|
10:45-12:15 |
Concurrent Session B (Attend one of the following:) |
| The Missing Link:
The Search for Transitional Giving Prospects w/ Lawrence
Henze Data analysis suggests that many organizations have difficulty in identifying transitional giving prospects: individuals emerging from the annual fund process who demonstrate potential to become mid-to-high level donor prospects in the years to come. This session will:
moderated by OPRN Board Member Stacy Wheeler Consistently, one of the greatest challenges faced by fundraising operations is how to hold effective prospect management meetings. During this interactive session, panelists will discuss what has worked for their institutions, as well as what hasn't. Specific topics will include prospect management meeting objectives, reports to support successful meetings, meeting content and structure, pitfalls to avoid, and more. Attendees will be encouraged to share their own experiences and to ask questions. |
|
|
12:15-1:30 p.m. |
Lunch (provided) |
|
1:30-2:30 p.m. |
Helen Brown’s Keynote Address: The Secret to Great Research |
| Great research goes beyond the facts on the page, beyond your knowledge and skill and beyond the formats and templates that we use. What is the X factor to great research, and have you already got it? Helen shares what she’s learned in her 20-year journey to discover the secret to great research. | |
|
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 |
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KEYNOTE
SPEAKER: Helen Brown
has been a development professional since 1987 and is president of The
Helen Brown Group LLC (HBG), a full-service prospect research
consulting firm working with clients around the world. She is
also president of ShareTraining, a web-based training company
specializing in prospect research and fundraising, and a partner of
BFTConnect ContactReporter. Prior to founding HBG in 2002,
Helen
directed advancement research departments at Northeastern University
and the Harvard School of Public Health.
As well, her previous experience includes The University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Albert Einstein Institution, Boston
College, the Harvard School of Public Health, and Northeastern
University. Under her eight-year leadership as director of
research at the Harvard School of Public Health, Helen's
innovative prospecting strategies enabled the School to reach
a $125 million goal with two years left in its capital campaign.
Helen
is a
board member of the Association of Professional Researchers for
Advancement (APRA) and is past president of the New England Development
Research Association (NEDRA). She is the 2006 recipient of
the
NEDRA Ann Castle Award for service to the prospect research
community. Helen is Special Advisor on Fundraising to the
board
of the North American Foundation for the University of Manchester, and
is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts. She is also a
non-executive director of Factary Ltd (UK).
Page Bullington,
MPA, joined Target Analytics in 2007. She has more than
seven years of experience working in the nonprofit industry with a
focus on healthcare and political organizations. Prior to joining
Blackbaud in 2007, Page was responsible for successfully securing over
$2 million in grant funding for Roper St. Francis Healthcare
Foundation. As part of the Target Analytics team, Page has worked to
offer professional development seminars for healthcare organizations,
focusing on both major and annual gift strategies. She has developed a
unique consulting offering centered on assisting healthcare
organizations in using their patient data to enhance fundraising. Page
works with Target Analytics clients across sectors and enjoys getting
to coach clients within the K–12, higher education, and cultural areas.
She is an active member of the Junior League of Charleston and is a
member of the Winthrop Fund annual giving team for her alma mater. Page
has a BA in English from Winthrop University and a MPA with a
concentration in nonprofit management from the College of Charleston.
You can contact Page at Page.Bullington@blackbaud.com.
Lawrence Henze
joined Blackbaud in 2001 as the managing director of Target Analytics
when Blackbaud acquired Core Data Services, where he was the founder
since 1998. Before Core Data Services, Lawrence was vice president of
predictive modeling services at USA Group Noel Levitz, with
responsibilities for product development, as well as marketing and
sales, of predictive modeling services in the areas of higher education
(student admissions and retention), fundraising (prospect
identification and qualification), and commercial corporations. Prior
to joining USA Group Noel Levitz, He was the president of the
Philanthropic Division of Econometrics, Inc., a marketing research and
analysis firm based in Chicago, Illinois. In this position, he was
responsible for developing state-of-the-art donor and prospect research
methodologies for use by nonprofit organizations. From his tenure with
Econometrics through his current work, Lawrence has worked with more
than 600 clients and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge on the
financial, demographic, and attitudinal characteristics of
philanthropic donors in the United States. He has spent more than 28
years in the nonprofit world, including 14 years in development and
marketing positions for nonprofit organizations, primarily in higher
education. Lawrence earned his BA degree from Carroll College (WI) in
political science, an MA in public policy and administration, and a JD
from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While at the University of
Wisconsin, he lectured in sports law and was the first director of the
Institute of Sports Representation. You can contact Lawrence at Lawrence.Henze@blackbaud.com.
Cecilia Hogan
has been leading the prospect research effort at the University of
Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington for 17 years. She served on the
Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA)
International board of directors from 1999-2002 and is a former
president of APRA-NW. She was a volunteer for Internet Prospector, an
e-newsletter and Web site reviewing Internet resources, from 1995 until
that project ended in 2008. Cecilia is the author of Prospect Research: A Primer for
Growing Nonprofits (2008: Jones & Bartlett, second
edition).
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Conference Accommodations and Directions
Accommodations
OPRN has reserved a block of rooms at the Embassy Suites Columbus for $129 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 (614) 890-8600 by Monday, April 12, 2010, 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.
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| Full participation in the OPRN Spring Conference is
applicable for 7.75 points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE
International application for initial certification and/or
recertification. 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. |
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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. Download the application form and submit it today!
Send questions or comments to the Scholarship/Awards Chairperson.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:
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