Spring Conference 2008

Conference Agenda and Accommodations (download printable brochure)
Conference Speakers
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.

Conference Agenda and Accommodations

Thursday, May 29, 2008
1:00 p.m. - Introductions
1:15 p.m. - Peter Wylie Workshop begins
2:30 p.m. - Break
2:45 p.m. - Workshop continues
4:00 p.m. - Adjourn for the day

Baseball, Fundraising, and the 80/20 Rule: Studies in Data Mining
Peter well knows that the topic of data mining and predictive modeling can be a bit dry.  But this session won’t be dry.  It will be fun and informative.  Using some data from a member institution, Peter will cover some or all of these topics as time permits:  statistical modeling can help you find the right equation for fundraising success; fundraising databases are filled with gems if you know how to dig; where the alumni money is; a few data points from your own records can lead you to your best prospects; what’s different about donors who give via the Web?; understanding fraternity and sorority graduates…and other alumni groups; what proportion of donors is responsible for the most giving? A case for analyzing call-center data.

Friday, May 30, 2008
8:00-9:00 a.m. - Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00-9:30 a.m. - Welcome/Announcements
9:45 -10:45 a.m. - Breakout Session 1 (Please select 2 of 3 speakers)
11:00-12:00 noon - Breakout Session 2
12:15-1:30 p.m. - Lunch (provided)

1:30-3:00 p.m. - Keynote Address – Christina Pulawski

The Future of Research and How We’ll Get There:  “If you’re standing still, you’re moving backwards.”  This session will look at the effect that changes in the philanthropic environment will have on our work, and we’ll discuss positioning your shop, regardless of size, to meet that future.

3:15-3:45 p.m. - Door prizes/closing remarks
3:45 p.m. - Adjournment

Friday speakers sponsored by:

Accommodations

The Hilton Columbus at Easton is a AAA 4-Diamond, full-service, upscale hotel located within the Easton Town Center, one of Columbus's premier entertainment, dining, and shopping destinations. OPRN has reserved a block of 30 rooms for $169 per night, single or double occupancy.  Attendees must make their own reservations. 

Please call (614) 414-5000 by May 8, 2008 to make a reservation. Mention OPRN for your discount.  After this date, the prevailing rate will apply.  Check-in is after 4 p.m. Checkout is at 12 noon.  Payment is due upon arrival.  Baggage storage is available for early arrivals.

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Conference Speakers

Peter Wylie (Workshop):  Peter, of Margolis-Wylie Associates is an industrial psychologist/data analyst who teaches advancement professionals how to mine their own databases to find predictors of giving.  Wylie’s new book, Baseball, Fundraising, and the 80/20 Rule: Studies in Data Mining, will be the basis for this workshop.  Wylie’s other books are Problem Employees: How to Improve Their Performance (Upstart Publishing, 1991), Problem Bosses: Who They Are and How to Deal with Them (Fawcett paperback, 1987), Can This Partnership Be Saved? (Upstart Publishing, 1993), and Data Mining for Fund Raisers (CASE, 2004).

Christina Pulawski: An independent consultant, Christina specializes in development research, prospect management and information flow for fund raising.  Previously, she was Director of Development and Donor Services at Loyola University Chicago.  Prior to joining Loyola, she was Director of Development Research at Northwestern University from 1994-2003, which earned “top research shop” distinction under her direction. A Chicago native, Christina earned a BA in Political Science from Northwestern and a JD from the University of Illinois.  She is admitted to practice in Illinois and practiced in the fields of real estate and litigation before taking the opportunity to explore development in 1991.  Christina served on the board of APRA for six years and chaired APRA’s International Conferences in 1999, 2001 and 2002, developed APRA’s Boot Camp and other symposia, and received the organization’s Distinguished Service Award in 2005.

Lawrence Henze, managing director of Target Analytics, is a veteran speaker at nonprofit conferences and seminars on a variety of topics, including fundraising, market research, and the application of predictive modeling services to the nonprofit marketplace.  The founder of Core Data Services, which Blackbaud acquired in 2001, Mr. Henze has also served as vice president of predictive modeling services at USA Group Noel Levitz and president of The Philanthropic Division of Econometrics, Inc.  From his tenure with Econometrics through his current work, Mr. Henze has worked with more than 600 clients and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge on the financial, demographic, and attitudinal characteristics of philanthropic donors.  He holds a BA in Political Science from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, an MA in public policy and administration, and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

David Lamb is a 20-year prospect research professional and frequent speaker at professional conferences on subjects related to fundraising, prospect research, and data modeling.  Currently a prospect research consultant for Target Analytics, David is recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on prospect research, data modeling, and analytics.  His prospect research page is a popular and trusted list of Internet resources for prospect researchers.  He has served as director of prospect research at the University of Washington and Santa Clara University.  He holds a BA in sociology from Sterling College, an MA in sociology from Wichita State University, and a master’s degree in divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary.  He is a frequent speaker at professional conferences, including those sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).

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Eileen Fitzgerald OPRN Conference Scholarship

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.

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.

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!

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must have five years or less experience in the prospect research field.
• Candidates for each conference scholarship must submit a formal application at least six weeks prior to the OPRN conference date.
• Applicants are expected to conduct prospect research as part of their job duties.
• Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to the prospect research and fund raising fields.
• A demonstration of passion for the profession may be a consideration in the selection process.

Send questions or comments to the Scholarship/Awards Chairperson.

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Prior Conferences

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 Agen t - 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 CollegeBeck 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

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