2025 Pre-Conference Workshops

Pre-Conference sessions are held concurrently on Monday, November 17, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The registration fee is $130.00 per person per pre-conference session as an add-on to your conference registration. Lunch is included for all registered conference attendees. Registration is required; register by Friday, October 25 to secure your spot. 


 Pre-Conference Option #1: Laying the Foundation: Family Engagement for Student Success

A pre-conference opportunity designed for new professionals to the family engagement space.

Learning outcomes:

  • Understand the role and impact of family engagement on student success.

  • Navigate the nuances of family communication, including FERPA and promoting student agency.

  • Identify communication strategies based on student year and milestones.

  • Begin building a professional network in the parent and family engagement field.

  • Discover key tools, resources, and communities available to support their work.

Registration is required, this workshop is limited to 45 attendees.

 Pre-Conference Option #2: Financial Support Beyond Tuition: Family Fundraising and Philanthropy

A pre-conference opportunity designed to be an introduction or refresher for family engagement professionals working in or adjacent to family fundraising.

Learning outcomes:

  • Review strategies for encouraging family participation in university advancement efforts.

  • Analyze common obstacles in family-focused fundraising efforts and consider practical alternatives.

  • Develop messaging and campaign strategies that connect with varied family structures, traditions, and giving preferences.

  • Learn about starting relationships (cultivation), asking for support (solicitation), and saying thank you and staying in touch (stewardship).

  • Understand how to adapt fundraising efforts across multiple platforms and languages to ensure all families can participate.

Registration is required, this workshop is limited to 45 attendees.