Session One: Designing a Strategic Forecasting Universe: A Data-Informed Path to Actionable Insight
In today’s increasingly complex and uncertain landscape, forecasting is no longer just about projecting numbers. It’s about building a holistic strategy that integrates data, context, and institutional priorities. This session will explore why forecasting matters in advancement: how it empowers leaders to make proactive, data-informed decisions, and serve as a strategic asset that strengthens institutional alignment and supports long-term success.
We’ll also dive into what makes an effective forecasting framework. By integrating historical performance, predictive analytics, and qualitative insights, forecasting moves beyond simple projections. It becomes a tool for strategic conversations, scenario planning, and sustained institutional planning.
Attendees will learn how to move beyond static forecasts and adopt a dynamic, iterative approach, one that reflects real-world complexity, evolves with institutional goals, and supports decision-making at every level.
In this session, we’ll explore how to:
- Understand the strategic value of forecasting in advancement
- Align forecasting goals with broader institutional strategy
- Design a structured yet flexible forecasting framework
- Leverage historical and real-time data for informed planning
- Incorporate uncertainty, scenario planning, and external factors
- Translate data into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders
- Use data infrastructure and storytelling to build confidence and engagement
Whether you're refining an existing process or building a new forecasting model from the ground up, this session will equip you with tools and a strategic lens to elevate your advancement forecasting efforts.
Session Two: The Art and Science of Forecasting: Connecting Strategy, Data, and Action
This session will bring the forecasting framework to life by focusing on practical tools, implementation strategies, and real-world examples. Shifting from the "why" and "what" to the "how," we’ll explore the dashboards, technologies, and collaborative approaches that make forecasting actionable. Through applied case studies, you’ll learn how to build dynamic, iterative forecasting models that are grounded in context, responsive to change, and designed to drive alignment and action across teams.
Attendees will gain hands-on insights into:
- Selecting the right tools and platforms to support your forecasting model
- Structuring and preparing data for scalability and flexibility
- Visualizing forecasts through dynamic dashboards tailored to stakeholder needs
- Engaging stakeholders with compelling data storytelling
- Managing feedback loops and iteration in real time
- Troubleshoot common implementation pitfalls and how to address them effectively
This session is designed for professionals ready to translate forecasting strategy into daily practice. Whether you’re looking to operationalize your framework, improve stakeholder engagement, or enhance your use of data, Part Two will provide actionable takeaways and examples to help you turn insights into institutional impact.