Schedule of Events
August 1–4, 2026
Grand Geneva Resort and Spa
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
The Big Ten Fund Raisers Institute (BTFRI) is an intensive retreat where leading professionals gather to explore emerging challenges and trends in higher education philanthropy. At this conference, you will learn proficiencies for meeting common goals and share stories of successful practice.
Schedule of Events
(All sessions will take place in the Linwood Ballroom unless otherwise noted)
Saturday, August 1
| 4-5:30 p.m. | Conference Registration Location: Grand Geneva Resort and Spa Lobby |
| 6:30 p.m. | Opening Reception and Dinner Location: Links patio (if inclement weather, Linwood Ballroom) |
Sunday, August 2
| 9:00-10:30 a.m. | Changing Landscape of Higher Education Presenter: Penelepe Hunt |
| 10:30-10:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:45-11:45 a.m. | Fundraising from the Perspective of University Leadership Presenters: Jonathan Holloway and David Lively |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Break |
| 12:00-1:00 p.m. | Changing Landscape Break Out Lunch Discussions Led by BTFRI Faculty in breakout rooms |
| 1:00-1:15 p.m. | Break |
| 1:15-2:15 p.m. | Cultivating Campus Partnerships Moderator: Penelepe Hunt Panel: BTFRI Faculty |
| 2:15-2:30 p.m. | Break |
| 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Role of Philanthropy in Addressing the Changing Landscape Moderator: Penelepe Hunt Panel: BTFRI Faculty |
| 3:30-5:55 p.m. | Free Time |
| 5:55 p.m. | Meet in hotel lobby for a group photo |
| 6:10 p.m. | Depart Grand Geneva by bus |
| 6:30 p.m. | Lake Geneva Dinner Cruise |
Monday, August 3
| 8:00-9:00 a.m. | Informal Breakfast “Table Talks” with Conference Attendees An opportunity to meet with fellow attendees to discuss conference themes, issues at your university, or any other topics that arise. |
| 9:00-10:30 a.m. | Managing Fundraisers Using Data: Part 1 Presenter: David Lively |
| 10:30-10:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:45-11:45 a.m. | Managing Fundraisers Using Data: Part 2 Moderator: Lynette Marshall, Sheila Baldwin |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Break |
| 12:00-1:00 p.m. | Topic-Based Lunches led by Faculty Promoting Work/Life Balance: Lynette Marshall, Rhea Turteltaub Cultivating Campus Partnerships: Penelepe Hunt, Alisa Roberton Artificial Intelligence & Advancement: Jim Moore TBD Topic: Alison Traub Location: Breakout Rooms |
| 1:00-1:15 p.m. | Break |
| 1:15-2:15 p.m. | Managing Difficult Conversations during a Crisis Moderator: Penelepe Hunt Panel: BTFRI Faculty |
| 2:15-2:30 p.m. | Break |
| 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Managing Difficult Conversations Table Conversations Discussion Leader: Penelepe Hunt |
| 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Free Time |
| 5:30 p.m. | Depart Grand Geneva |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner with faculty at local restaurants |
Tuesday, August 4
| 8:00-9:00 a.m. | Informal Breakfast “Table Talks” with Conference Attendees An opportunity to meet with fellow attendees to discuss conference themes, issues at your university, or any other topics that arise. |
| 9:00-10:30 a.m. | Leadership Lessons Moderator: Rhea Turteltaub Panel: Penelepe Hunt, Lynette Marshall, Jim Moore, Alisa Robertson |
| 10:30-10:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:45-11:45 a.m. | Leadership Transitions Moderator: Lynette Marshall Panel: David Lively, Alisa Robertson, Rhea Turteltaub, Alison Traub |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Break |
| 12:00-1:00 p.m. | Faculty Hosted Lunch Location: Breakout Rooms |
| 1:00-1:15 p.m. | Break |
| 1:15-2:15 p.m. | Managing Your Career Moderator: Penelepe Hunt Panel: David Lively, Jim Moore, Alisa Robertson, Rhea Tureltaub, Alison Traub |
| 2:15-2:30 p.m. | Break |
| 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Conversation with Philanthropist Ann Drake Speakers: Ann Drake, Lynette Marshall |
| 3:30-5:55 p.m. | Free Time |
| 5:55 p.m. | Meet in lobby |
| 6:00 p.m. | Depart Grand Geneva by bus |
| 6:30 p.m. | Closing Dinner, Pier 290 |