2026 Advancement Retreat: The Arc of Advancement
What the past 5 years reveal—and where the data points next
The Inn at Villanova
601 County Line RoadWayne, PA 19087-4523
United States
Interpreting what the last five years have taught us—and where the data says we’re going.
In the wake of disruption and rapid change, advancement professionals are being called to think more strategically—and collaboratively—than ever before. This retreat invites Admissions & Enrollment, Advancement, Communications & Marketing, and Development Leaders to explore the evolving landscape of independent school advancement through a data-informed lens. Together, we’ll examine
- key trends
- unpack what the numbers reveal about family engagement and donor behavior
- reflect on how our practices have shifted since 2020, pre-, during and post-pandemic.
Leave with new tools, insights, and frameworks to guide your work in a mission-aligned and future-focused direction.
Keynote Speaker: ANN SNYDER
Building Generational Trust in the Era of Wealth Transfer: What You Need to Know and Do in FY 2026
As one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in history accelerates, schools and revenue-generating teams must adapt to the unique preferences, motivations, and communication styles of different generations. This session provides an overview of giving and messaging trends across generations— with an emphasis on GenX and Millennials—and offers actionable strategies to craft compelling messages that resonate with diverse prospective parent and donor groups in FY 2025.
Ann Snyder is a school strategy consultant, working with boards and senior leadership to help schools achieve their advancement, enrollment, and marketing goals. Prior to launching this role, Ann was the Senior Director of Engagement at CASE, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, where she served as the industry insider, expert, and thought-leader for schools globally.
Prior to joining CASE, Ann was Director of External Affairs at Stuart Hall School in Virginia. With nearly 20 years of experience in student and family marketing, advancement, enrollment, financial aid, and external affairs, Ann is a seasoned school leader and industry expert. Working with hundreds of schools over the past decade, Ann has a proven track record of coaching schools to meet ambitious goals. In her time at Stuart Hall, she brought a corporate sensibility and entrepreneurial mindset to increase revenue by nearly 20% in her first three years, further the school’s mission, streamline the school’s external offices, manage and direct international enrollment and fundraising strategy, and develop strategy for the school’s first significant marketing and campaign efforts.
Ann’s professional speaking and facilitation engagements in addition to CASE have included events for the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), National Business Officers Association (NBOA), the Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), Institute of Development Professionals in Education (IDPE), the Association of American Schools in South America (AMISA), and regional associations throughout the United States.
Ann is currently a member of the board of the Small Boarding Schools Association.
Learn more at www.annsnyderconsulting.org
We are pleased to offer convenient hotel accommodations for event participants at
The Inn at Villanova.
To reserve, call the Inn directly at 1-610-450-4953 and request a room from
the ADVIS Advancement Retreat block.
PROGRAM FEES
If you need to purchase 20 or more tickets,
please contact us about group pricing.
Act 48 Credits Available
• You may request credit up to 7 days after the event.
• Per the PA Department of Education,
ADVIS is required to report your successful completion of Act 48 evaluation within 30 days of the event.
• Contact Candyce Wilson for more information.
ACCESSIBILITY
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please feel free to request an accommodation on the registration form.
For inquiries about accessibility, please contact Membership and Outreach Manager Candyce Wilson. At least two weeks' advance notice will help us to provide seamless access.
EVENT CONTACT
Dena Torino, Director of Programming