The Yankee Conference is a day long professional development and networking program that strives to bring together the flagship institutions of New England. Our goal is to foster roundtable discussions on best practices, collaboration, and possible partnerships that can enhance our respective alumni relations' efforts.
Coffee and Conversations| 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (Continental Breakfast Provided) Arrive at your leisure and meet fellow colleagues over a cup of coffee before the day starts.
Session 1: Conference Welcome, Introductions & Boast & Brag | 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Welcoming remarks and an overview of Yankee Conference and it's purpose. This session will include introductions of all participants with a "boast and brag" section to highlight your favorite programs, initiatives, or events of the past year (or two) and why.
Session 2: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion - What's working at your institution & what's the plan moving forward? | 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. As we continue to grow and evolve our efforts in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space, let's talk about what has worked for us and what our opportunities for programmatic success look like. The panel will also discuss how we are currently, or intending to grow our identity based groups and engagement through proactive approaches.
Lunch Roundtables: 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (Lunch Provided) Choose from 5 roundtable discussions or find a new colleague and make some friends. - Supervisors and Managers - Keys and Tips for Success - Reunions & Homecoming - Campus Collaborations - From Career to Admissions, to Athletics and more. - Student engagement/philanthropy - TBD - Decided morning of
Session 3: Virtual/Digital Engagement & The Future of How We Do Business | 1 p.m.– 2 p.m. In this session, we will cover everything from virtual programs, live streaming, texting campaigns, using ThankView, and more. Come with what's worked for you, and what you would like to see as our panelists share what they have been working on, what's in the pipeline, and how we can be pioneers in moving our work forward to keep with the times.
Session 4: What Role should Alumni Relations play in a Campaign? | 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. From campaign events, to constituent qualifications, metrics, and student pipeline. Where do we fit and how can we ensure we are telling our story, showing our value, and adding to the growth and impact of our respective campaigns?
Session 5: Alumni Volunteer Management - The 3 R's of Volunteerism - Recruitment, Retention and Reward | 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. "No Involvement... No Investment" is the philosophy behind a successful volunteer strategy. Throughout the pandemic, Alumni Relations was forced to evaluate how we recruit, retain, and rewards our volunteers. Our panel will examine unique opportunities and perspectives to create, enhance, and grow our volunteer engagement and stewardship efforts based on experiences from these Yankee Conference Schools.
Wrap Up: Final Thoughts | 4:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. A guided final thoughts discussion.
***After the conference, there will be a Post-Conference Happy Hour (Location/Time TBD). Stay tuned for more information
Conference Details
Dress: We are going with 'University smart casual.' Wear your school colors/brand and show your pride.
Places to Stay: Room Blocks/Discounted hotel rooms have been secured at the following hotels:
Individual reservations must be cancelled by 4 PM, 48 hours prior of arrival.
Check-in time is 3pm, check-out is 11am.
Available: Wednesday, June 22 thorugh Friday, June 24
To Book: Please call the hotel directly: 603-868-1234
Individual Call-In Reference Yankee Conference
The cutoff date for reservations is June 12, 2022
Where to Park:
Please park in D Lot, located outside of the Elliott Center. For more information on where to park at the UNH Alumni Center, please click here for a map of the area.
Swag and Collateral:
Don't forget to bring some collateral that you don't mind sharing to give each other ideas. We also encourage you to bring some swag if you wanted to exchange with anyone.
Questions & More Information
For more information or questions, please feel free to contact a member of the Yankee Conference planning committee below.
Kelly Calhoun, Managing Director, Alumni Engagement - University of New Hampshire
Mary Cairns, Assistant Director, Alumni Relations - University of Rhode Island
Jessica Dudley, Associate Director of Alumni and Donor Relations - University of Vermont Alumni Association
Megan Hoyo, Director, Alumni & University Programs, UMass Amherst
Jodi Kaplan, Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations - UConn Foundation - Conference Chair
Joshua Proulx, Senior Director of Alumni Relations, Regional Engagement - UConn Foundation - Program Committee Chair (860.336.6065)
Unfortunately, online registration for this event is currently closed. For additional information, please contact Josh Proulx viaemailor call the Office of Alumni Relations toll-free at(888) 822-5861.