Which came first? It’s an age old question. Every few years there is report of a study that, according to the researchers involved, definitively provides an answer. While the Feats world typically does not involve farm animals (although, there have been times), we do experience our own types of which-comes-first conundrums – including the struggle … More of The Chicken or the Egg

I just can’t help myself. I love commencements! The pomp, the circumstance, the excitement, the potential weather-related drama of an outside ceremony, the annual amnesia as to whether the tassel goes on the right or the left. All of it feels great to me.
A commencement ceremony is almost oxymoronic in its embrasure of future-tense anticipation … More of It’s Time!

Earlier this spring, CASE published the results of the Inaugural CASE Advancement Investment Metrics Study (AIMS). The study was conducted in 2011 and included 120 participating U.S. institutions reporting on data from the 2009–2010 academic year.
The resulting white paper reports on topics such as the median overall investment in advancement (approximately 2.6 percent of an … More of AIM High

Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to partner closely with corporate executives, world-renowned musicians, star faculty and gifted physicians to craft compelling messages to advance their mission and goals. While the industries have been very different (think shipping and logistics, consulting, arts, healthcare and higher education), the strategic use of live events was a notable … More of We’re the Same… Only Different!

My colleagues and I are collectors of quotes and quips and fully acknowledge that some of the best come from meetings with co-workers and clients alike. I was perusing my notes recently and wound up spending a chunk of time revisiting some of the more memorable contributions. Thought I’d share some of my favorites. Each … More of Bon Mots

In my personal experience as a fundraiser this was the number one cry of philanthropists. Rare was the person I met who wanted to make a donation out of a sense of duty and walk away. Sophisticated donors want to understand their investment and participate in the process of making an impact.
The same is true … More of Involve me!

Earlier this year, over 200 artists, entrepreneurs, techies and others turned out at the University of Baltimore’s Thumel Center on a cold and slushy Saturday for CreateBaltimore, the second annual “unconference” on arts and technology, cosponsored by Feats. Billed as a “participant-created conference” for people dedicated to “building creative community,” the event featured breakout sessions … More of The Art of the Unconference: Four Tips for Successful Participant-Led Events

When we posted our latest trends report earlier this year we neglected to mention one trend in particular that seems now to need a bit of time in the spotlight. What’s surfaced recently is the shared desire to elicit certain emotions at important events. To be specific, I’m talking about tears, as in, “We want … More of Boo Who?

If my voicemail and inbox are any indication, much of higher education is in the process of evaluating, planning or executing a regional tour. Fondly referred to by many as a “road show,” the regional tour provides a wonderful opportunity for an institution to visit with important constituent groups, bringing the flavor and fundamentals of … More of Hail to the Chief

Those of you who know me understand that I already live in a world where content IS king. For the uninitiated, let me explain that my belief stems from the notion that content encompasses so much more than words. Text – absolutely. Images – content for sure. Video – yep, still content. Music – mais … More of What if Content were King?