CARA Conference 2008 and 15th Anniversary Celebration

Travel along the knowledge highway as we journey
from research fundamentals to best practices.

Do you have your passport?

Passport to Success Conference Brochure (PDF)
Celebrating 15 Years of Advancement Research Conference Registration
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Irvine Crowne Plaza Hotel Website
Thursday-Friday, October 23-24, 2008 Speaker Bios (coming soon)
   
  PRO/iWave logo

Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsor

Keynote Speaker Announced!

Elizabeth Crabtree, President of APRA and Director of Prospect Development at Brown University, will speak on the topic of Partners in Fundraising: The Evolving Role of the Research Profession.

In today's fast-paced and goal-oriented fundraising environments, the roles of researchers, data analysts and relationship management professionals are evolving from back-office support services to strategic, frontline-focused and integrated partnerships.

Join us for an enlightening conversation about how the growing philanthropic needs of nonprofit organizations around the world and modern development practices and techniques are reshaping the fundraising research profession.

 

Conference Tracks

This year's conference will include four tracks:

  • Boot Camp - Prospect research fundamentals presented as a "boot camp" format to those new in the profession or those eager to polish their knowledge of basic research topics.
     
  • Best Practices - A broad array of "best practices" in a multitude of areas from estimating gift capacity to campaigns to new tools such as "social networking."
     
  • Specialized - Sessions include topics outside the usual research spectrum such as generational differences, stewardship, and winning grant proposals.
     
  • Tools of the Trade - Conference sponsors are invited to showcase their "tools of the trade." Learn what "tools" are available to make research more efficient and effective.

     

    Registration Rates

    For registrations received or postmarked on or before October 4, 2008:

  • $265 CARA member
  • $340 Registration and CARA membership*
  • $365 Non-member

    For registrations received or postmarked after October 4, 2008:

  • $365 CARA member
  • $440 Registration and CARA membership*
  • $465 Non-member

    *Join CARA for $75 when you register, and you'll pay the member rate. As an added bonus, we will extend your annual membership through December 2009. For more information about the benefits of CARA membership, click here.

     

    Monte Carlo Night!

    Join us for a special CARA 15th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday evening, October 23, 2008.
    The fee for this special event is only $15 if paid with your Conference registration; $25 at the door.
    More details to follow.

     

    Hotel Accommodations

    Crowne Plaza Hotel
    17941 Von Karman
    Irvine, CA 92614
    Hotel: 949-863-1999
    Reservations: 800-496-7621

    Conference Special Rate - $159/night, Wednesday/Thursday (single or double)
    Weekend Special Rate of $99/night, Friday/Saturday, if you wish to extend your stay
    http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/LAXIV
    Use Reservation/Block Code 'DOR' or 'CARA' to get the conference rate

     

    Volunteers

    The conference is staffed entirely by volunteers. Please contact Sandra Campero if you would like to volunteer – it’s a great way to get involved and meet people!

     

    Sponsors

    Warm thanks to our sponsors for their generous support:

    PRO/iWave logo  Conference Platinum Sponsor
     

     
    Lexis-Nexis logo  Conference Gold Sponsor
     

     
    WealthEngine logo  Conference Silver Sponsor
     

     
    TargetAnalytics logo  Conference Bronze Sponsor
     

     
    NOZA logo  Membership Sponsor

     

    Exhibitors

  • Fitzgerald Information Services
  • Lexis-Nexis
  • NOZA
  • P!N
  • PRO/iWave Prospect Research Online
  • Target Analytics, a Blackbaud Company
  • WealthEngine
  •  

    Attire

    Business casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.