The Power of Advancement:
Advancing Minnesota
Join us for an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn and innovate with advancement professionals from across the 54 communities of Minnesota State! This conference is open to all staff from related foundations and advancement shops.
The conference will delve into the latest trends, strategies and best practices in higher education advancement. You will have the chance to:
Network: Connect with peers and build lasting relationships with colleagues.
Learn: Gain valuable insights from industry experts and thought leaders through engaging sessions.
Collaborate: Work together to develop innovative solutions to common challenges.
Grow: Enhance your skills and knowledge to advance your career and elevate your institution.
By attending this conference, you will contribute to a stronger, more effective and more impactful community of advancement professionals across Minnesota State. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the future of higher education advancement!
For lodging, session details and other logistics, click the button below. You will need your StarID to access the site, which provides detailed conference information.
What to Know
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Minnesota State 2025 Development Conference
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June 3-4, 2025
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Minnesota State System Office
Located in Wells Fargo Place
30 7th Street E., Ste. 340, St. Paul, MN 55101 -
Register by May 7
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Use your StarID to sign up below
Schedule at a Glance
Tuesday, June 3
12:30 p.m. — Conference check-in opens
1 p.m. — Conference begins
2 p.m. — Keynote presentation by Nancy Lyons
5-7 p.m. — Networking reception
Wednesday, June 4
8 a.m. — Breakout sessions begin
3 p.m. — Conference concludes
Conference Highlights
Keynote presentation
Work Like a Boss: Courage, Clarity, and Showing Up with Purpose
The work of philanthropy in higher education is deeply human. You carry the weight of funding futures, fueling community growth and bridging gaps in access and equity. It’s important work — but also exhausting. In the face of limited resources, growing needs and constant change, fear and burnout can creep in. In this keynote, Nancy Lyons offers a refreshing call to action: don’t wait for change—be the change. With humor, heart and straight talk, she’ll share how to move through fear, take ownership of your energy and reconnect with purpose. Because no matter your title, when you lead with intention, you unlock potential — in yourself and in everyone around you.
Session by Nancy Lyons
AI and Fundraising session
Hey Alexa, Raise Us Some More Money: Fundraising That Stays Human In the AI Era
In a world increasingly dominated by AI and automation, how do we keep fundraising grounded in genuine human connection? Dive into how to leverage AI as a powerful tool to save time and increase efficiency, freeing you up to do what you do best: build relationships and secure major gifts. Whether you’re part of a small rural foundation or a large university advancement team, this session will leave you equipped with tactical, hands-on approaches to balance high-tech tools with high-touch fundraising. Walk away with practical examples and step-by-step methods to make the most of AI without losing your authentic voice.
Session by Patrick Kirby
Platinum Sponsor session
Planned Giving and Beyond: Uplevel Your Fundraising Plan with Noncash Donor Strategies
This session will dive into crucial trends and actionable opportunities in noncash giving strategies. Participants will learn key insights on how donors are giving through blended giving strategies and how to grow a planned giving program. You will walk away with various templates and actionable plans to deepen relationships with existing and new donors within your communities.
Session by Marisa Swystun
Plus many more sessions!
- Major Gifts
- Annual Giving
- Scholarship Management
- Everyday Practical Strategies for Extraordinary Impact
- Meaningful Donor Relationships
- Alumni Relations
- System Office Updates and General Counsel
- Affinity Group/Specific Roles Roundtables
- And others! Visit the conference registration website for up-to-date session information.
Special Thanks
MSUM Foundation is the conference fiscal agent.
Bernstein Private Wealth Management, in partnership with MSUM Foundation, is the Platinum conference sponsor.
Minnesota State was awarded a Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) grant to support this conference.
Thanks to our steering committee:
- Jon Aga — Central Lakes College Foundation
- Beth Chapman — Vermillion Campus Foundation
- Jen Dobossy — Minnesota State
- Allyssa “AJ” Joseph — BSU Alumni & Foundation and Northwest Technical College
- Melissa Musliner — Metro State University Foundation