Fundamental

Unleash the Data Mining and Predictive Modeling Geek Hidden Within

David Robertson, Syracuse University
No matter your interests, data and relationships — especially those that don’t make sense — are fascinating. When the two are combined, you have the powerful prospect identification tool called predictive modeling. With helpful hints and suggestions, this session brings to light the data junkie inside you and learn how addictive it can be to find relationships in the data. Order now >>

302: Zen and the HeART of Data Mining

Friday, July 23
David E. Robertson, Jr., Syracuse University
The world is not perfect, and neither is our data. When analyzing data, it is critical to acknowledge error and discover the tools that highlight those levels of correlations interacting among the variables. The first step in data mining and predictive modeling is doing everything possible to create models that minimize this error. This session will use Microsoft Excel as analytical engine — a powerful tool available to all. Learn more about Conference sessions >> 

402: Regression for Beginners

Saturday, July 24
Kevin MacDonell, Prospect Research Coordinator, St. Francis Xavier University Advancement
Aimed at researchers familiar with the simple scoring method for predictive models, this session looks at some of the limitations of the simple-score method and suggests the use of multiple linear regression. Intended only as an introduction to more advanced techniques, this session will cover topics such as data preparation, correlation and computing predictive scores. Examples will use Data Desk stats software but concepts are not software-specific. Minimal knowledge of statistics required. Learn more about Conference sessions >> 

Intermediate

Under the Microscope: Prospect Identification and Screening

Suzanne Roberson, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Tim Gergich, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Database screening is an effective way to expand your donor base, if you manage the process wisely. This session aims to guide prospect researchers and advancement professionals through the process from organizational needs assessment to optimization of their screened data. It also covers how to avoid the pitfalls that may occur without proper training. Order now >>

Finding the Time and the People: How to Include Proactive Research in Your Workload

Sarah Cadbury, La Salle University
NEW RELEASE There is great value in proactive research; actually executing proactive research can be a challenge. This Webcast will discuss how to implement and build a comprehensive proactive research program. Learn various methods for identifying prospects to research, including techniques that can be used by organizations with or without an alumni base. Also included will be ways to make time for proactive research. Order now >>

302: Zen and the HeART of Data Mining

Friday, July 23
David E. Robertson, Jr., Syracuse University
The world is not perfect, and neither is our data. When analyzing data, it is critical to acknowledge error and discover the tools that highlight those levels of correlations interacting among the variables. The first step in data mining and predictive modeling is doing everything possible to create models that minimize this error. This session will use Microsoft Excel as analytical engine — a powerful tool available to all. Learn more about Conference sessions >> 

312: Data Modeling: Art or Science?

Friday, July 23
Natalie Spring, Duke University
Marnie Steeves, Duke University
Gift officers develop an experiential knowledge-base of your donor pool. Often referred to as a “gut feeling,” their experience can provide the theoretical underpinning needed to build powerful donor behavior models. Learn how to quantify “gut feelings” in order to build powerful custom models of your donor pool. Using the inclination rating development process at Duke University as a guide, understand how to combine the art and science of fundraising into tangible result-based products. Learn more about Conference sessions >> 

Advanced

Managing Prospect Pipelines and Forecasting Fundraising Returns, In and Out of Campaigns

Sylvia Rogers Galen, The Nature Conservancy
Jon Thorsen, The Nature Conservancy
Effective prospect management programs use metrics to drive data-based decision making. This Webcast will review ways to forecast revenue at various stages of the donor pipeline, both during and between campaigns, and processes and reports that utilize forecast data. Order now >>

302: Zen and the HeART of Data Mining

Friday, July 23
David E. Robertson, Jr., Syracuse University
The world is not perfect, and neither is our data. When analyzing data, it is critical to acknowledge error and discover the tools that highlight those levels of correlations interacting among the variables. The first step in data mining and predictive modeling is doing everything possible to create models that minimize this error. This session will use Microsoft Excel as analytical engine — a powerful tool available to all. Learn more about Conference sessions >> 

312: Still Data Mining without a Data Warehouse?

Friday, July 23
John Blackwell, Partner and Co-Founder, Gordian Analytics
Tracy DeCanio, Partner and Co-Founder, Gordian Analytics
Few organizations are fully capitalizing on their most valuable asset — their data. Most fundraising databases are designed for ease of the front-end use; however, ease of use has to match the value of the data being captured. A data warehouse can facilitate reporting and analysis, and prevent losing valuable historical information. When done correctly it can provide true insights into your data that would not be possible in most marketing databases. The presenters will share a case study of successful data warehouse implementation at a large non-profit. Learn more about Conference sessions >>