CEAC Spotlight Series (Full Series)
Looking for individual days of the CEAC Spotlight Series? Find them here.
5 March 2026
Series One: Strategy, Measurement & Impact
Growing reputation and revenue: strategy and tactics
10:30 – 11:30 - Maximising Impact: Strategic Insights to Elevate Academic Engagement and
Global Reputation Through Smarter Campaigns
Universities face increasing pressure to stand out and strengthen their academic reputation on the global stage, including through league table performance. This campfire session will explore practical strategies for designing campaigns that drive engagement with academic audiences and elevate institutional reputation. Participants will share experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange insights from successful multi-channel campaigns, focusing on how data-driven planning, creative storytelling, and cross-team collaboration can deliver measurable impact.
Tomas Badger, Marketing Manager, University of Birmingham
12:30 – 13:30 - ROI: In For a Penny, in for a Pound…Or Are You?
Does ROI really show success? Your Director of Finance or External Advisory Board might be fixated on Return on Investment, but is it the true measure of your office's success? In a time of financial strain, justifying your work has become more critical than ever. Fundraising often requires a long-term approach how does that align with institutions needing immediate results? Join us for three perspectives from diverse institutions and office sizes, sharing real experiences navigating internal and external ROI discussions and the complex connection between fundraising success, and impact and ROI.
Gordon Cox, Director, Academic & Education, Philanthropy Company
Robin Leonard, Director of Development, Birmingham City University
Francesca Hewitt, Senior Campaign Advisor, Courtauld Institute of Art
14:00 – 15:00 - Brand Resilience & the Trust Dividend: Building Future-Proof Reputation Through Credibility, Culture & Insight
In an era of volatility and declining public trust, resilient brands in higher education are those that combine credibility, culture, and insight to create a sustainable “trust dividend.” This practical, hands-on workshop will help participants diagnose their institution’s current brand resilience, identify risks and quick wins, and explore how lived values and data-informed decision-making can strengthen long-term reputation. Through interactive tools and peer discussion, delegates will leave with a clear framework and actionable steps to build credibility, align culture, and embed insight into their brand strategy.
Alicia O'Grady, Executive Divisional Director of External Engagement and Global, University of Exeter
10 March 2026
Series Two: Alumni & Student Engagement
Connected Communities: Alumni, Students, and Global Reach
10:30 – 11:30 - Accelerators of Engagement: Energising Alumni Networks Digitally
Discover how digital tools can accelerate alumni engagement by building communities, fostering collaboration, and sustaining momentum
Rachel Bray, Head of CERN Alumni Relations, CERN
12:30 – 13:30 - The Role of University as Home to International Students-Alumni
14:00 – 15:00 - From Idea to Impact: Championing Alumni Founders Through Innovation and Investment
Joanne Gardner, Head of Alumni Relations. Imperial College London
Sarah T Ranchev-Hale, Head of Imperial Enterprise Lab, Imperial College London
Ella Niamh Jolly, Head of Alumni Content Strategy, University of Cambridge
19 March 2026
Series Three: Leadership, Teams & Innovation
Advancement Unlocked: Lessons, Leadership, and the AI Edge
10:30 – 11:30 - All I Know So Far - top tips and best bits from my 20 years in HE Fundraising
A whistle stop tour of the training and experience I’ve gathered over the years in one quickfire session, fuelled by my own belief in the value of education. Early career fundraisers and those new to HE will benefit from this can-do and morale boosting session, covering tips for meetings and making the ask, as well as confessing some mistakes, navigating the weird and wonderful world of academics, steps for career progression, tackling imposter syndrome and sharing some “made it!” moments. This will be an inspiring talk with practical and easily applicable advice for attendees to take back to their institutions and forge ahead with real belief in their potential, their careers and our sector.
Hannah Johnston, Head of Philanthropy, University of Strathclyde
12:30 – 13:30 - Unlocking High-Performance in Teams: Building a Collaborative and Open Culture
14:00 – 15:00 - Artificial Intelligence and Philanthropy Specific Application: Case Study from the Royal College of Music London
Lilly Harris, Director of Development, Royal College of Music London
Eleanor McKenna, Development Manager (Philanthropy), Royal College of Music London