APRA Canada Speaker Submission Guidelines
25 in ’26: A Celebration of Impact
How to use this guide
- Start with the Stream that best matches your topic and audience.
- Choose a Session Format that fits your learning goals (teach, share a case study, facilitate discussion, etc.).
- Submit your submission using the form link
Streams
| Stream | Focus |
| Prospect Research & Strategy | Best practices, methodologies, and ethical approaches in identifying and qualifying prospects |
| Relationship & Portfolio Management | The integration of data, systems, and human insight to optimize portfolios and strengthen collaboration between prospect development and fundraisers |
| Data Analytics & Insights | Using data to inform fundraising strategy, segmentation, and decision-making |
| Aspiring Leaders | The evolving role of prospect development within organizational strategy and governance |
Prospect Research & Strategy
This stream delves into the evolving art and science of prospect research — combining ethical intelligence gathering, wealth analysis, and strategic insight to drive organizational fundraising success.
Topic Ideas | Advanced wealth screening and capacity analysis |
| Due diligence and data privacy | |
| Integrating AI and automation in research workflows | |
| Innovative cross-departmental projects that drive success |
Relationship & Portfolio Management
This stream explores how effective relationship and portfolio management strategies drive fundraising performance.
Topic Ideas | Portfolio management and pipeline optimization |
| Donor journey mapping and engagement scoring | |
| Partnering with gift officers for strategic outreach |
Data Analytics & Insights
This stream focuses on how data analytics transforms fundraising strategy, prospect development, and organizational decision-making.
Topic Ideas | Predictive modelling |
| Data visualizations, storytelling and dashboards | |
| Key metrics and benchmarking | |
| AI, automation and machine learning in research | |
| Data tools and CRM integrations |
Aspiring Leaders
This pre-conference stream explores the strategic leadership and governance dimensions of prospect development. It focuses on how leaders can cultivate data-informed cultures, strengthen ethical decision-making, and align prospect development practices with institutional missions and long-term fundraising strategies.
Topic Ideas | Emerging trends and the future of philanthropy |
| Career pathways in prospect development | |
| Communicating value and impact | |
| Managing ethical dilemmas in research | |
| Diversity, equity and inclusion in fundraising |
Session Formats
| Session Types | Description | Duration |
| Keynote | A plenary-style talk that offers big-picture insight and inspiration | 45-60 mins |
| Breakout | Focused on specific topics with practical takeaways | 45-60 mins |
| Workshop | A hands-on, participatory session emphasizing skill-building, application, or practice | 45-75 mins |
| Panel Discussion | Multiple experts (typically 3–4) share perspectives on a single topic, facilitated by a moderator | 45-60 mins |
| Case Study Presentation | Deep dive into a real-world example, project, or institutional success | 45 mins |
| Round Table Discussion | Small-group, interactive conversations centered on a shared interest | 30-45 mins |
| Fireside Chat | A conversational, interview-style format between a moderator and one or two leaders | 30-45 mins |
| Lightning Talks | Series of short (10–15 minute) presentations by multiple speakers on related themes | 30-60 mins |
Session Framework
Navigate to this form and populate the required fields.
- Presentation Title: What is the session about in one line?
- Presentation Description: General overview of the session, including:
- Learning outcomes: after attending what will attendees be able to do
- Key takeaways: Practical tools, steps, templates, or decisions participants can use right away
- Interactive plan: How will you involve the room (polls, table prompts, short exercises, Q&A) given your chosen format?
- Presentation Stream: Which conference stream does the topic most closely align with?
- Presentation Format: How will you present/lead the session?
- Ideal Session Length: How much time is needed for your presentation?
- Ideal Industries: Which industries will benefit most from your presentation?