2026 Roundtable for Senior Advancement and Fundraising Leaders
Join us in Cambridge, England
Partner Event
EAB invites you to an exclusive executive gathering on 18 May, co-hosted with the University of Cambridge, focused on the most pressing challenges facing advancement leaders today. Join peers for a full day of research insights and practical best-practice exchange designed to spark new thinking and strengthen leadership impact.
2025 attendees highlighted that these executive gatherings are a cornerstone of their EAB partnership—valued for the meaningful opportunities they provide to connect, share experiences, and reflect with fellow leaders.
- “A thought-provoking and incredibly useful experience. The opportunity to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and take meaningful ideas back to the office was invaluable.”
- “A wonderful opportunity to step back and connect with other leaders. The openness, shared experiences, and small-scale setting made it especially impactful.”
Event Details
Who should attend: This roundtable is best suited for senior leaders in advancement, including heads of advancement, fundraising, and alumni relations. Registration is limited to two attendees per institution.
Schedule at a glance: The event will begin at 10:00 and conclude at 17:00, including a reception. Additional logistical details are provided below to support your planning.
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Meeting Location
University of Cambridge
Selwyn College, Diamond Room
Grange Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DQ
Travel and Parking Information
Parking
Whilst general parking is not available at Selwyn, metered parking may be available on Sidgwick Avenue and West Road. Free parking is on Cranmer Road, Herschel Road or Adams Road a short walk away. The college postcode is CB3 9DQ.
Park & Ride
There are five Park & Rides in Cambridge. The most convenient one is at Madingley Road, accessible from the M1l northbound at junction 13. From there you can take the U1 (University) bus, and get off at the stop directly outside, or the U2 bus and get off at the University Library stop in West Road.
Rail
Cambridge Station is a 35 minute walk away. The U buses go directly from the railway station to the college stop. There is also an extensive taxi rank at the station.
Taxis
In the Porters’ Lodge there is a freephone for summoning local taxis.
View a list of suggested hotel accommodations here.
Agenda
May 18, 2026
10:00
Campus Snapshot and Fundraising Updates
Institutions will provide brief updates on campus priorities, fundraising performance, and emerging challenges to ground the day’s discussions in current realities.
11:00
Institutional Agility and Leadership
Explore how advancement leaders can navigate financial pressure, stakeholder expectations, and change fatigue while making strategic trade-offs that sustain momentum and trust.
12:00
Lunch and Networking
13:00
Transformational Giving: Building a Principal Gifts Engine
Discuss strategies for strengthening principal gifts programs, aligning leadership around top prospects, and creating the conditions for transformational commitments.
15:00
Pipeline and Engagement: Future-Proofing the Donor Base
Examine evolving pipeline strategy, portfolio focus, and generational engagement trends to drive long-term major gift growth.
16:00
Wrap-Up and Drinks
We’ll close with key takeaways and informal networking to continue peer exchange.
17:00
Adjournment