CONFERENCE SESSIONS
Session Themes
Explore practical sessions and key themes at the ANZAAN Conference, focused on stronger engagement, member value, governance and sustainable futures for alumni associations.
SESSION 1
How to Ensure the Alumni Association Is Valued by the School
Jason Speedy: Head of School - St. Peter's Cambridge
When an alumni association is trusted and valued by the school, great things can happen. When it is not, progress becomes difficult. This session will explore what school leaders most value from an alumni body: strong governance, positive representation, meaningful engagement, support for admissions, community connection, fundraising support, and a spirit of partnership. Hear directly from a leading headmaster on what makes an association indispensable, and what behaviours can weaken the relationship. Essential learning for any committee wanting stronger influence and better outcomes.
SESSION 2
Results of the New Zealand-Wide Benchmarking Survey
David Wybourne: Founder of ANZAAN and Founder of Wycane
During May we will be carrying out a survey of alumni associations and school-connected organisations across New Zealand, capturing how they operate, where they succeed, and what challenges they face. Practical questions include membership fees, benefits provided to members, fundraising approaches, governance structures, data ownership, school relationships, volunteer capacity, and communication strategies. This session will reveal the key findings, common trends, standout ideas, and areas where many organisations are underperforming. Delegates will leave with a clear picture of where they sit compared with others and what improvements could make the biggest difference.
SESSION 3
Events That Strengthen Connection and Loyalty
Howard Baker: Head of Education Engagement & Events - Wycane
Events remain one of the most powerful ways to build relationships, reconnect people, and strengthen school pride - but only if done well. This session will explore what kinds of events deliver the best return: golf days, dinners, quiz nights, reunions, business networking events, alumni weekends, regional drinks, and more. Learn how to choose the right format, increase attendance, create memorable experiences, and ensure events lead to deeper engagement afterwards. Practical insights from an experienced events specialist.
SESSION 4
Data Sharing, Privacy Law and Member Communications
Joanne Jogia: Partner - Lewis Lawyers
Few areas create more confusion and missed opportunity than privacy law and communications. Many organisations wrongly believe they cannot contact members, share data, or market events -when in fact the law is often more workable than assumed. This session will break down what the legislation actually says regarding privacy, legislation, databases, consent, and electronic communications. Delegates will learn what they can do, what they should avoid, and how poor interpretation of the law can damage engagement and income. A must-attend practical guide for committees and administrators.
SESSION 5
Building and Growing Endowment Funds
A strong endowment fund can transform the long-term future of a school and its community. This session will explore how successful organisations start, structure, grow, and promote endowment funds over time. Learn how to position an endowment as a legacy opportunity, how to attract major gifts and bequests, how to communicate impact, and how to create momentum even when starting from a small base. Delegates will also hear common mistakes to avoid and the habits that help funds grow steadily over decades.
SESSION 6
Technology – Finding Alumni and Bringing Them Together
Modern technology is changing what alumni organisations can achieve. This session will cover practical tools for locating lost alumni, cleaning databases, improving communications, automating administration, using AI to create content, and identifying likely supporters. Learn how algorithms, search tools, digital platforms, and smart automation can save time while dramatically improving results. Delegates will leave with realistic ideas they can implement regardless of budget size.
SESSION 7
How to Make Membership of the Organisation Valued by Alumni
Lizzie Dyer: Alumni Manager - Christ's College
Why should someone join, renew, donate, attend, or stay connected? This session examines how alumni organisations can create genuine member value rather than simply maintaining a list of former students. Learn how to develop benefits, experiences, networks, communications, recognition, nostalgia, and practical support that members appreciate. Delegates will hear examples of what works, what no longer works, and how to build a membership offer people are proud to support.
SESSION 8
Building Loyalty and Belonging
Craig Grimshaw: CEO - The Loyalty Collective
Strong communities are built on emotional connection, not just databases and newsletters. In this session, leading loyalty expert Craig Grimshaw will explain how some of the world’s best organisations create belonging, repeat engagement, advocacy, and long-term loyalty. Delegates will learn how these principles can be applied to schools and alumni associations—turning passive contacts into active supporters. A highly practical session blending global best practice with community relevance.
SESSION 9
Governance Models and Committee Effectiveness
Many alumni associations rely on goodwill, but goodwill alone is not enough. High-performing organisations have clarity of purpose, capable governance, trusted leadership, and people who execute. This session will examine committee structures, role clarity, succession planning, meeting effectiveness, accountability, strategic planning, and how to balance volunteer governance with operational delivery. Delegates will learn how to move from busy committees to effective organisations.
SESSION 10
Commercial Partnerships and Sponsorship Opportunities
Every alumni organisation has assets of value—networks, audiences, brand goodwill, events, communications channels, and community trust. This session explores how to identify those assets and turn them into sustainable revenue through sponsorships, partnerships, advertising, directories, and business alliances. Learn what sponsors actually want, how to package opportunities professionally, and how to avoid common mistakes that weaken credibility. Ideal for organisations wanting income beyond memberships and donations.
SESSION 11
Accessing International Donations
John Godfrey PhD, FEdPlus - Chapel & York Ltd
Many schools have alumni and supporters living overseas, yet few organisations maximise this opportunity. This session explores how to receive donations from international supporters efficiently and compliantly, including structures that may enable tax effectiveness in key markets. Learn how to run global giving campaigns, reconnect offshore alumni and approach major donors overseas - including emerging areas such as digital assets and cryptocurrency philanthropy.
SESSION 12
Problem Solving Workshop
Creating Value for Members
One of the most valuable parts of the conference will be hearing directly from fellow alumni leaders who deal with the same issues you face. In this interactive panel session, delegates can ask questions and discuss real-world challenges such as increasing membership numbers, attracting younger alumni, encouraging volunteers, improving communications, and building stronger school relationships. The focus will be on practical solutions that create real value for members. Expect honest conversations, shared experiences, and ideas you can take home and apply immediately.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Be part of a stronger alumni future
Attend the inaugural conference on 5 June 2026 and be first in line when the Member Hub opens its doors.
