ON-DEMAND CANSIDA CONTINUING EDUCATION WEBINAR PRENTED BY CAPITAL ONE Engaging Alumni Audiences Original Date: Thursday, January 21, 2021

Having no varsity events shouldn't prevent us from finding new and unique ways to engage with our wide audience range.    How can athletic communications professionals continue to engage with our alumni, supporters and donors during this down season?    Our first Canadian Sports Information Directors (CANSIDA) professional development session was an open discussion, exploring ideas for creating content for every varsity team's audience while also broadening the SID value to each athletic department and conference. 

The presenter and moderator also took questions from the attendees.

Topics discussed: Email marketing and branding and athletic newsletters and philosophies on content and design, use of simple graphics, targeted audiences and a focus on analytics and engagement numbers What’s working? Online team fundraising campaigns (online silent auctions via Bid Beacon software; doing team experiences in your silent auctions) – live webcasts and pre-recorded segments Facebook Live video interviews with alumni “Friend-raising” vs. fundraising concepts Partnering with campus communications/alumni offices   Host Connor Hood – University of Alberta, Sports Information & Communications Coordinator

Moderators Jill Clark – University of Toronto, Coordinator - Athletic Communications Ben Matchett – University of Calgary, Assistant Athletic Director, Operations & Communications