Presenter: David Robertson, Syracuse University
Track/Level: Data Analytics/Prospect Identification, Fundamental/Intermediate/Advanced
Year: 2010

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.

Presenter: Lawrence C. Henze, J.D., Target Analytics, a Blackbaud Company
Track/Level: Data Analytics, Fundamental/Intermediate/Advanced
Year: 2011

In a March 2011 cover article, Time Magazine explored the collection and sale of personal data in the U.S.  This brand new presentation provides an in-depth look at the sources and details of data available to non-profit organizations and vendors in the U.S. and Canada. We will also discuss how the data can be applied for planned giving purposes in particular. Topical areas that will be addressed:

• Who and what are data mining companies?
• Is data mining new?
• How is data collected and distributed?
• What data is useful for planned giving programs?
• How can that data be collected?
• Giving profiles for U.S. and Canadian donors.
• Creating your own profiles.
• What the data doesn’t tell you.
• How you can use data to raise more.

Three (3) learning objectives and/or products for this presentation:

• Understand the role and purpose of data-mining companies
• Learn what information and data points are most useful 
• Use data profiling to target your best prospects

Presenter: Brian Gonzales, Wealth-X
Track/Level: Advanced Research/Data Analytics/Prospect ID/Research Fundamentals, Fundamental/Intermediate/Advanced
Year: 2012

Whether you are a small shop or a large one, often times the research demands can be overwhelming.  Wealth-X employs nearly 200 full time researchers that cover 157 countries and 30+ languages.  Having been spun out of Forbes, we not only have expertise in researching international individuals but individuals that come from private companies as well.  This demo will cover our service offering and how Wealth-X is like adding an army of researchers to your team at a fraction of the cost.

Presenters: Mary Gatlin, University of Oregon, Karen Prater, University of Oregon
Track/Level: Data Analytics or Prospect Identification, Advanced
Year: 2012

Join members of the University of Oregon’s Prospect Management and Analytics team as they discuss their electronic screening experience. Hear how UO determined the need for an electronic wealth screening and the steps they took to bring it to their shop. Analysts will outline their process from start to finish including pre-proposal actions through their vendor selection process, data selection, verification and results implementation.

Presenters: Gregory Duke, Niagara University, Rachel Link, Buffalo State College
Track/Level: Data Analytics or Prospect Identification, Intermediate
Year: 2012

The house always wins but how do they do it? Casinos, sports teams and business analysts among many others win when they successfully apply a combination of principles of probability and human psychology to their work. In this session, presenters will demonstrate how they have successfully used these techniques, collectively known as game theory, to improve their work as researchers and enhance their interactions with gift officers and other development staff. This session will teach you to play the game and win.

Presenter: Tanya Ford, Taylor University
Track/Level: Data Analytics or Prospect Identification, Intermediate
Year: 2012

Your database is your best friend for identifying prospects and understanding donors. It is the repository of your organization’s knowledge that helps build a clear picture of each individual. Exploration of this information is an integral part of a successful fundraising program. Knowing what information to consider and how to use it allows researchers to provide fundraising staff with the knowledge needed to create, maintain, and prioritize portfolios for major gifts and campaigns. Let go of the notion that you need to spend thousands of dollars to determine who is hiding in your database. Learn how to easily and inexpensively investigate a new program that will empower your organization.

Presenters: Emily Walsh, University of Arizona Foundation and Kimberly Priebe, University of Chicago
Track/Level: Data Analytics, Prospect Identification, All levels
Year: 2012

Data visualization: It’s a term you have probably been hearing about on an increasingly regular basis in our industry over the past several years. What does this emerging trend in visual reporting mean for us as a profession? Is data visualization or visual reporting something I should be doing in my own office? How can I apply it to my job? How can I do it effectively? Are my peers doing it? If so, has it been effective? This webinar will provide participants with an overview of two recent articles published in APRA Connections, “Data Visualization in Support of Fundraising” and “APRA Membership Survey Results: Data Visualization in Support of Fundraising”. The webinar will provide: a brief overview of some techniques that we have found useful for producing impactful and meaningful data visualizations, an analysis and discussion of the industry survey results and possibilities for future benchmarking, and time for Q & A and open discussion.