April 3–4, 2008
DoubleTree Nashville Downtown
315 4th Avenue North
Nashville, Tennessee
Don’t miss the first-ever APRA Summit on Prospect Data Mining and Modeling — the year's best opportunity to interact with prospect researchers and analysts engaged at the cutting edge of the advancement research field. This two-day symposium will be divided into two groups of sessions: a beginners/management track, and an intermediate/advanced track. The beginners/management track will provide a solid grounding in the goals of, methods for and approaches to data mining. The intermediate/advanced track will showcase new technologies and present case studies of effective applications of statistical methods to prospecting and prospect management.
Whether you’re a proficient data miner, or a researcher or manager contemplating a foray into data mining, this summit will provide you with fresh insights, understanding and tools to help you better understand your constituent base. If you are engaged in building your prospect pool, looking for ways to prioritize and bring focus to an unwieldy database, or seeking to discover diamonds hidden in the rough of a broad annual base of support, this event is for you.
In addition to learning from recognized experts in the field during in-depth, interactive educational sessions, attendees will participate in analysis software demos and informal networking opportunities.
Educational sessions will focus on:
Introductory/Management Track
- Opening the Door to Your Data
- Why Be Normal? Bell Curves and Relationships, the Basics of Statistics
- Walk the Line: Understanding Linear Regression
- Fancy Footwork: Regression Model and Score Transformation Methods
- Eeney Meeney Miney Mo: Logistic Regression
- How Did I Do…Wait, What Did I Do? Applying Scientific Inquiry to Development
Intermediate/Advanced Track
- Tools of the Trade: Advanced Techniques Overview, Part I
- The Magic Hat: Advanced Techniques Overview Part II
- Fortune Telling: Using Time Series Analysis
- Keeping it Fresh: Implementing Dynamic Models & Evaluating Models Over Time
- Wonderful Toys: Software Tools for Analysis and Presentation
Who Should Attend
- Everyone involved in data mining, from the proficient data miner to a researcher or manager who is entering into data mining
- Researchers looking for a solid grounding in the goals of, methods for, and approaches to data mining
- Data mining professionals interested in learning new technologies and reviewing case studies of effective applications of statistical methods to prospecting and prospect management
- Development professionals who want to interact, connect, and share with other research professionals
Introductory/Management Faculty and Sessions
Robert Scott, Executive Director of Development Services, MIT
Investigators and Evangelists: Conference Welcome and Overview
Audrey Geoffroy, Data Analyst, University of Florida Foundation
Opening the Door to Your Data
David Robertson, Director of Operations Research, Syracuse University
Why Be Normal? Bell Curves and Relationships - the Basics of Statistics
Walk the Line: Understanding Linear Regression
Marianne Pelletier, Director, Advancement Research and Data Support, Cornell University
Fancy Footwork: Regression Model and Score Transformation Methods
Joshua Birkholz, Director of DonorCast, Bentz Whaley Flessner
Eeney Meeney Miney Mo: Logistic Regression
James Cheng, Prospect Data Mining and Modeling Specialist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
How Did I Do...Wait, What Did I Do? Applying Scientific Inquiry to Development
Intermediate/Advanced Faculty and Sessions
Divah Yap, Development Research Analyst, University of Minnesota
Tools of the Trade: Advanced Techniques Overview, Part 1
James Cheng, Prospect Data Mining and Modeling Specialist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Magic Hat: Advanced Techniques Overview, Part II
Fortune Telling: Using Time Series Analysis
Joshua Birkholz, Director of DonorCast, Bentz Whaley Flessner
Keeping it Fresh: Implementing Dynamic Models and Evaluating Models Over Time
Diana Joyce, Director of Market and Institutional Research, University of Chicago
Using Analytics to Inform Survey Design: A University of Chicago Alumni Survey Case Study
Audrey Geoffroy, Data Analyst, University of Florida Foundation
Wonderful Toys: Software Tools for Analysis and Presentation
General Closing Session
Kate Chamberlin, Campaign Strategic Research Director, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Take It Away: Managing Data Mining Projects and Collaborating with IT, Fundraisers, Program Managers and Other Constituents