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• Apra Carolinas 2026 Virtual Fall Conference

  • Start
    10/26/2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    10/30/2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Registered
    47 registrants

  Register

  
  APRA CAROLINAS 2026

  VIRTUAL FALL CONFERENCE

  Please join us for our 2026 Virtual Fall Conference with sessions offered daily from October 26-30, 2026!

  We'll also be hosting a virtual networking session as part of the conference. All events are included in your conference registration.

  Registration Rates:

  Apra Carolinas Member Registration: FREE
  MARC Member Registration: $25 (with discount code)
  Non-Member Registration: $45

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  Sessions & Speakers:

  Monday, October 26 | 1:00-2:00 pm EST

  5 Ways to Use RFM Scores in Fundraising
  

  During this virtual book tour stop and hear directly from Marianne — a globally recognized leader in donor modeling and data mining — as she breaks down how RFM scoring can illuminate your most promising prospects across Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Annual Giving, Engagement, and Membership.

  This book is a must‑read for anyone working in fundraising strategy or operations!

  With 35+ years of experience at Harvard, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, and more, Marianne has shaped the field of prospect research and continues to push it forward.

  Marianne Pelletier has over 35 years of experience in fundraising, with the majority in prospect research and prospecting. She is one of the first adopters of donor modeling and data mining techniques, and is now a world-renown leader on this segment of the research profession. Her prospect research positions include analyst and department head for Harvard University, Lesley University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Cornell University.

  Pelletier’s career also includes running an annual giving program with average increased revenues of 27% per year and providing software consulting through the Datatel Corporation, teaching clients both how to use their new software and assisting them with better analysis and more efficient processing.

  A recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the New England Development Research Association and a Woman of the Year designation by the National Association of Professional Women, Pelletier has served as a volunteer for both election campaigns and social service agencies. She most recently served on her local chapter of Habitat for Humanity and ended her board membership with the Finger Lakes chapter of AFP as president.

  Pelletier is a graduate of Rockford University, and earned her MBA at Southern New Hampshire University. Her recent workbook, Building Your Analytics Shop: A Workbook for Nonprofits, is available both on Amazon.com and on this website.

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  Tuesday, October 27 | 1:00-2:00 pm EST

  Database Conversions
  

  Database conversions can be a game-changer, offering the chance to streamline systems, improve data integrity, and align organizational processes. But they also come with hurdles: messy data, vendor negotiations, system reconfigurations, and change management.

  Join Chris Mildner as she shares insights from six successful database conversions. Learn practical strategies to manage challenges, seize opportunities, and keep your team—and your sanity—intact.

  Learning objectives

  • Learn the factors to take into consideration when planning a database conversion
  • Understand the timing, timeline, and planning and staffing challenges of conversion planning
  • Be able to apply tools for conversion management

  Chris Mildner, CFRE, supports prospect development and strategy for The Nature Conservancy in Alaska, Oregon, and Idaho. With a background also spanning higher education, healthcare, and consulting, she brings deep experience in research, database management, and donor relations. A frequent presenter and a contributor to Apra Connections, Chris has led six major database conversions and remains an active voice in the advancement community.

  
  

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  Wednesday, October 28 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST

  Picture This: Data Visualization 101

  Want your data to speak volumes instead of sitting silently in spreadsheets? This beginner-friendly session will introduce you to the fundamentals of data visualization, with a focus on practical tools and design that drive impact. Learn key principles, essential techniques, and common pitfalls to avoid—all tailored for non-profit professionals. You'll also explore free, accessible tools so you can start creating clear, compelling visuals that tell your story and inspire action—right away.
  

  

  Lindsay Rogillio Tiradeau is a strategic fundraising and analytics leader who thrives at the intersection of data, donor strategy, and fundraising operations. As Director of Prospect Development and Analytics at the The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, she leads prospect management, research, and analytics efforts that help drive fundraising strategy, strengthen donor pipelines, and support executive decision-making. Before joining Colonial Williamsburg, Lindsay spent nearly a decade in higher education advancement at the University of South Carolina and Virginia Commonwealth University, building a reputation for translating complex data into actionable fundraising insight.

  A passionate advocate for the prospect development profession, Lindsay is an active volunteer, educator, and speaker within the industry. She has served on multiple aasp committees, including Membership Engagement and Best Practices in Prospect Development, and co-chaired the MARC 2026 conference. She currently serves as faculty and chair of APRA’s Fundamentals Committee and frequently presents at regional and national conferences on prospect development, analytics, and fundraising strategy.

  Lindsay holds a master’s degree in Decision Analytics from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina. Outside of work, she’s usually planning her next food festival adventure or continuing her journey toward becoming a sommelier.

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  Wednesday, October 28 | 1:00-2:00 pm EST

  Human Work Wins: Finding Your Value in the AI Era

  Nonprofit leaders are being urged to “adopt AI,” and the quickest response often looks like buying a tool. But a tool does not guarantee adoption or impact. Even for-profit organizations with larger budgets and clearer incentives struggle to move from experimentation to consistent, measurable results. The real work is changing how fundraising gets done: shared standards, manager expectations, and human oversight so outputs remain accurate, appropriate, and trustworthy.

  In philanthropy, the stakes are higher because trust is the asset. Donors will not tolerate interactions that feel automated, insensitive, or misaligned with the mission. This session shows leaders how to improve the probability of successful adoption by strengthening what is uniquely human. The focus is keeping the human core in control while using AI to support, not replace, the relationship work that drives major and principal gifts.

  Scott Rosenkrans is Head of AI Growth at EverTrue, where he helps nonprofits apply AI and analytics to strengthen donor engagement and drive mission impact. With nearly a decade of experience designing predictive and generative AI products for the nonprofit sector, Scott specializes in translating complex technology into strategy, training, and services that deepen—not replace—human relationships. He’s a Certified AI Governance Professional (AIGP), co-host of the Fundraising.AI Podcast, and co-author of Nonprofit AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Artificial Intelligence for Social Good.

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  Thursday, October 29 | 1:00-2:00 pm EST

  Beyond the Data: Analytics, AI and the Changing Landscape of Prospect Development

  Prospect development is changing quickly. In this conversation, we’ll look at what’s shaping the industry from analytics and AI to ethical decision-making. We’ll talk about what these trends mean in practice, where they may be taking us, and how we can use new tools and insights thoughtfully while keeping people and relationships at the center of our work.

  
  

  

  Sharise Harrison (she/her) is the Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services and Prospect Development at Sacramento State University and a Senior Consultant at The Inclusion Firm. She also serves as Immediate Past President of Apra International and has been a member of the Apra Board since 2022.

  Previously, Sharise spent nearly four years as Senior Director of Prospect Management and Analytics at Santa Clara University, where she developed data-centered DEI prospect development programming that was featured in The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Her work sits at the intersection of advancement operations, prospect development, analytics, and inclusive fundraising practice.

  Sharise holds an MA from Georgetown University, a BA from La Salle University, and a Fundraising Operations Certificate from Rice University.

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  Friday, October 30 | 9:00-10:00 am EST

  Coffee Chat - Virtual Networking

  Wrap up the week with a casual session together! We're eager to hear about the sessions you loved, the ideas that were sparked, and what you might like to see for future sessions. Bring your own cup or carafe of your favorite morning beverage!

  
  

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