Mastering the Art and Science of Discovery Visits

Denver, CO | January 30, 2025 8:30 am MT - January 31, 2025 11:30 am MT

Registrant Access Only

This training will not be available asynchronously.

Mastering the Art and Science of Discovery Visits

Denver, CO | January 30, 2025 8:30 am MT - January 31, 2025 11:30 am MT


Build a discovery toolkit that helps you deepen engagement with donors and move relationships forward.

Event Information

Authentically navigating the discovery and qualification process is an essential skillset that gift officers need to sustain their donor base. Knowing how to ask questions, listen with curiosity, and unlock meaningful conversations with prospective donors can be the starting point for a principal or transformational gift in the future. 

Join us for this in-person conference where you will build your unique discovery work toolkit. Whether you’re new to fundraising work, want to refresh your perspective on discovery visits, or looking to strengthen the way your team engages with new donors, you’ll benefit from this conference as you: 

  • Explore different strategies for starting the relationship with and engaging prospective donors. 
  • Learn how to secure meetings with your best prospects and what questions to ask them. 
  • Test your approach and receive valuable feedback from peers and our speakers through an interactive workshop session. 

Who should attend?

This conference will be beneficial for new and aspiring development officers, donor experience officers, and leadership annual giving officers who are looking to develop or strengthen their approach to discovery visits. Advancement professionals who supervise these roles or are looking to expand their shop’s discovery work initiatives may also benefit from this conference.

Register 3 or more people and get a team discount! Discounts will be automatically applied at check out.

What makes our events different?

Academic Impressions conferences provide the opportunity for quality conversations and relationship building through both formal and informal networking opportunities in an intimate setting. Our in-depth and hands-on approach to learning provides you with actionable takeaways.

Agenda

Start & end times:

Day 1: Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. MT (approximate)

  • Registration and breakfast begin at: 8:30 a.m. MT
  • Sessions begin at: 9:00 a.m. MT
  • Day 1 ends at: 5:30 p.m. MT

Day 2: Friday, January 31, 2025 | 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. MT (approximate)

  • Breakfast begins at: 8:30 a.m. MT
  • Sessions begin at: 9:00 a.m. MT
  • Conference ends at: 11:30 a.m. MT

Meals included in registration price:

  • Day 1: Breakfast, lunch, and networking reception
  • Day 2: Breakfast

Sessions include:

  • Opening Activity and Group Discussion
  • Initiating Prospect Conversations: Traditional and Digital Methods
  • Preparing and Structuring Your Meeting
  • Thoughtful Questions and What to Listen for in Your Donor Conversations
  • Practicing the Art of Discovery Work and Discussion
  • Solutions Clinic: Getting Advice from Peers to Advance Donor Conversations

Location

 A photo of the Denver Skyline at sunrise

The Grand Hyatt Denver

1750 Welton Street

Denver, CO 80202

A discounted room rate of $209/night is available – book your room here!

Reviews

“You walk away from this training with the tactical tools to step into planning and preparing for discovery visits with confidence. Between the guest lecturer, the AI learning manager and the participants, you gain such a great diversity of experiences, advice and suggestions to help you move the needle on your discovery and cultivation visit opportunities.” – Skylar Pritchard, Associate Director of Development, Annual Giving, William & Mary – Raymond A. Mason School of Business

 

“This was my first AI training and I’m sold! I look forward to attending more of these as the cohort model and time to meet/share with professionals from across the country was well-suited to my learning style.” – Rebecca Burkeen, Director of Alumni Engagement, UNCSA

 

As someone who is in the early stages of their development career and new to being a frontline fundraiser, I appreciated the content and format of the conference. I found the information very helpful and was able to apply what I learned in my donor outreach and visits. I feel much more confident in my role as a gift officer. – Dashae Clifford, Assistant Director of Leadership Annual Giving and College Young Alumni, University of Chicago