VP Leadership Event
Overview
An exclusive, invitation-only gathering for communications and marketing leaders in education to share challenges, learn from one another, and consider what it means to lead in a time of rapid change.
When: Thursday-Friday, August 7-8, 2025
Where: The Notary Hotel, downtown Philadelphia
Cost: $1,000 per person (includes lodging, meals, and meeting space)
Overview
An exclusive, invitation-only gathering for a select set of communications and marketing leaders in education to share challenges, learn from one another, and consider what it means to lead in a time of rapid change.
When: Thursday-Friday, August 7-8, 2025
Where: The Notary Hotel, downtown Philadelphia
Cost: $1,000 per person (includes lodging, meals, and meeting space)
Schedule
Day 1 — Thursday, Aug. 7
Arrival & Setting the Stage
3-5 PM | Arrival & Check-in
5-7 PM | Kickoff Dinner & Reception
Meet and connect with fellow attendees during an informal welcoming reception and meal.7-8:15 PM | Opening Keynote: Leading with Purpose
Dr. Ian Bickford, President of The American University of Afghanistan
Moderated by Pete Mackey, Founder & President, Mackey StrategiesIn this candid opening conversation, Dr. Ian Bickford will share the profoundly challenging and inspiring story of America’s determination to provide an American-style university education for young Afghans—and how history, war, the pandemic, and U.S. politics left AUAF’s future on a knife’s edge before dramatic innovation created a new path. Together with Dr. Bickford, we will explore values-based leadership, resilience under pressure, and the power of purpose to guide institutions through severe crisis. It promises to be a potent exclusive discussion.
8:30-9:30 PM | Conversation & Relaxation
Unwind with informal conversation.
Day 2 — Friday, Aug. 8
Connection & Reflection
8-9 AM | Breakfast
9:30 AM-12:30 PM | Peer Panels
9:30-10:30 AM | Peer Panel #1
10:30-11:30 AM | Break
11:30 AM-12:30 PM | Peer Panel #2Two consecutive panels featuring attendees, each focused on a timely, high-priority topic selected by the panelists themselves. These sessions offer a space for open dialogue, shared challenges, and practical insights from fellow leaders navigating similar complexities.
Note: We ask that each attendee be open to serving on a panel to ensure our conversations reflect the most urgent and relevant issues facing our institutions. Panel groups and topics will be coordinated in advance. Once you register, we’ll follow up by email to discuss your preferred topic or area of interest so we can match you thoughtfully.
12-1 PM | Lunch
1:30-2:45 PM | Featured Conversation: The State of AI for Higher Education
Jeff Dillon, Founder of EdTech Connect & Senior Counsel at Mackey Strategies
As we all face the transformative power and risk of artificial intelligence and its burgeoning intersection with education, marketing, communications, admissions, advancement, and our profession itself, Jeff Dillon will unpack the most critical technological developments and explore what they mean for communications leaders. With a focus on making AI our ally, we will draw on Jeff’s expertise to debate how to make informed decisions as leaders in an evolving digital environment.
3-4 PM | Closing Reception
Final reflections and goodbyes before departure.
Schedule
Day 1 — Thursday, Aug. 7
Arrival & Setting the Stage
3-5 PM | Arrival & Check-in
5-7 PM | Kickoff Dinner & Reception
Meet and connect with fellow attendees during an informal welcoming reception and meal.7-8:15 PM | Opening Keynote: Leading with Purpose
Dr. Ian Bickford, President of The American University of Afghanistan
Moderated by Pete Mackey, Founder & President, Mackey StrategiesIn this candid opening conversation, Dr. Ian Bickford shares what it means to lead with courage and clarity amid profound global uncertainty. Drawing from his experiences at the American University of Afghanistan, Dr. Bickford offers insight into values-based leadership, resilience under pressure, and the power of purpose to guide institutions through crisis. Moderated by Pete Mackey, this keynote sets the tone for a retreat centered on reflection, connection, and strategic growth—offering attendees a chance to consider their own leadership approach in challenging times.
8:30-9:30 PM | Conversation & Relaxation
Unwind with informal conversation by the fire or under the stars.
Day 1 — Thursday, Aug. 7
Arrival & Setting the Stage
3-5 PM | Arrival & Check-in
5-7 PM | Kickoff Dinner & Reception
Meet and connect with fellow attendees during an informal welcoming reception and meal.7-8:15 PM | Opening Keynote: Leading with Purpose
Dr. Ian Bickford, President of The American University of Afghanistan
Moderated by Pete Mackey, Founder & President, Mackey StrategiesIn this candid opening conversation, Dr. Ian Bickford will share the profoundly challenging and inspiring story of America’s determination to provide an American-style university education for young Afghans—and how history, war, the pandemic, and U.S. politics left AUAF’s future on a knife’s edge before dramatic innovation created a new path. Together with Dr. Bickford, we will explore values-based leadership, resilience under pressure, and the power of purpose to guide institutions through severe crisis. It promises to be a potent exclusive discussion.
8:30-9:30 PM | Conversation & Relaxation
Unwind with informal conversation.
Day 2 — Friday, Aug. 8
Connection & Reflection
8-9 AM | Breakfast
9:30 AM-12:30 PM | Peer Panels
9:30-10:30 AM | Peer Panel #1
10:30-11:30 AM | Break
11:30 AM-12:30 PM | Peer Panel #2Two consecutive panels featuring attendees, each focused on a timely, high-priority topic selected by the panelists themselves. These sessions offer a space for open dialogue, shared challenges, and practical insights from fellow leaders navigating similar complexities.
Note: We ask that each attendee be open to serving on a panel to ensure our conversations reflect the most urgent and relevant issues facing our institutions. Panel groups and topics will be coordinated in advance. Once you register, we’ll follow up by email to discuss your preferred topic or area of interest so we can match you thoughtfully.
12-1 PM | Lunch
1:30-2:45 PM | Featured Conversation: The State of AI for Higher Education
Jeff Dillon, Founder of EdTech Connect & Senior Counsel at Mackey Strategies
As we all face the transformative power and risk of artificial intelligence and its burgeoning intersection with education, marketing, communications, admissions, advancement, and our profession itself, Jeff Dillon will unpack the most critical technological developments and explore what they mean for communications leaders. With a focus on making AI our ally, we will draw on Jeff’s expertise to debate how to make informed decisions as leaders in an evolving digital environment.
3-4 PM | Closing Reception
Final reflections and goodbyes before departure.
Schedule
Schedule
Day 1 — Thursday, Aug. 7
Arrival & Setting the Stage
3-5 PM | Arrival & Check-in
5-7 PM | Kickoff Dinner & Reception
Meet and connect with fellow attendees during an informal welcoming reception and meal.7-8:15 PM | Opening Keynote: Leading with Purpose
Dr. Ian Bickford, President of The American University of Afghanistan
Moderated by Pete Mackey, Founder & President, Mackey StrategiesIn this candid opening conversation, Dr. Ian Bickford will share the profoundly challenging and inspiring story of America’s determination to provide an American-style university education for young Afghans—and how history, war, the pandemic, and U.S. politics left AUAF’s future on a knife’s edge before dramatic innovation created a new path. Together with Dr. Bickford, we will explore values-based leadership, resilience under pressure, and the power of purpose to guide institutions through severe crisis. It promises to be a potent exclusive discussion.
8:30-9:30 PM | Conversation & Relaxation
Unwind with informal conversation.
Day 2 — Friday, Aug. 8
Connection & Reflection
8-9 AM | Breakfast
9:30 AM-12:30 PM | Peer Panels
9:30-10:30 AM | Peer Panel #1
10:30-11:30 AM | Break
11:30 AM-12:30 PM | Peer Panel #2Two consecutive panels featuring attendees, each focused on a timely, high-priority topic selected by the panelists themselves. These sessions offer a space for open dialogue, shared challenges, and practical insights from fellow leaders navigating similar complexities.
Note: We ask that each attendee be open to serving on a panel to ensure our conversations reflect the most urgent and relevant issues facing our institutions. Panel groups and topics will be coordinated in advance. Once you register, we’ll follow up by email to discuss your preferred topic or area of interest so we can match you thoughtfully.
12-1 PM | Lunch
1:30-2:45 PM | Featured Conversation: The State of AI for Higher Education
Jeff Dillon, Founder of EdTech Connect & Senior Counsel at Mackey Strategies
As we all face the transformative power and risk of artificial intelligence and its burgeoning intersection with education, marketing, communications, admissions, advancement, and our profession itself, Jeff Dillon will unpack the most critical technological developments and explore what they mean for communications leaders. With a focus on making AI our ally, we will draw on Jeff’s expertise to debate how to make informed decisions as leaders in an evolving digital environment.
3-4 PM | Closing Reception
Final reflections and goodbyes before departure.
The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection
The Notary Hotel, downtown Philadelphia
The Notary Hotel, downtown Philadelphia
The Notary - Entrance
The Notary - Lobby
The Notary - Entrance
The Notary - Lobby
The Notary - Meeting space
The Notary - Meeting break space
The Notary - Meeting space
The Notary - Meeting break space
The Notary - King Guest Room
The Notary - Restaurant
The Notary - King Guest Room
The Notary - Restaurant
Nearby Attraction - Art Museum
Nearby Attraction - Ben Franklin Bridge
Nearby Attraction - Art Museum
Nearby Attraction - Ben Franklin Bridge
Facilitated by Pete Mackey
Pete Mackey, Ph.D., founder and president of Mackey Strategies, has developed his expertise in strategic thinking, team-building, planning, marketing, and communications across 30 years in leadership roles at private and public institutions in the U.S. and Europe. As the top communications executive at Amherst College, Bucknell University, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Science Foundation Ireland, and the University of South Carolina, he built transformative communications operations and re-shaped how these institutions connect with their audiences. As a consultant, he has worked with more than 50 colleges, universities, and nonprofits on communications and marketing challenges of every kind.
Facilitated by Pete Mackey
Pete Mackey, Ph.D., founder and president of Mackey Strategies, has developed his expertise in strategic thinking, team-building, planning, marketing, and communications across 30 years in leadership roles at private and public institutions in the U.S. and Europe. As the top communications executive at Amherst College, Bucknell University, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Science Foundation Ireland, and the University of South Carolina, he built transformative communications operations and re-shaped how these institutions connect with their audiences. As a consultant, he has worked with more than 50 colleges, universities, and nonprofits on communications and marketing challenges of every kind.
Facilitated by Pete Mackey
Pete Mackey, Ph.D., founder and president of Mackey Strategies, has developed his expertise in strategic thinking, team-building, planning, marketing, and communications across 30 years in leadership roles at private and public institutions in the U.S. and Europe. As the top communications executive at Amherst College, Bucknell University, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Science Foundation Ireland, and the University of South Carolina, he built transformative communications operations and re-shaped how these institutions connect with their audiences. As a consultant, he has worked with more than 50 colleges, universities, and nonprofits on communications and marketing challenges of every kind.
Facilitated by Pete Mackey
Pete Mackey, Ph.D., founder and president of Mackey Strategies, has developed his expertise in strategic thinking, team-building, planning, marketing, and communications across 30 years in leadership roles at private and public institutions in the U.S. and Europe. As the top communications executive at Amherst College, Bucknell University, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Science Foundation Ireland, and the University of South Carolina, he built transformative communications operations and re-shaped how these institutions connect with their audiences. As a consultant, he has worked with more than 50 colleges, universities, and nonprofits on communications and marketing challenges of every kind.
The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection
The Notary Hotel, downtown Philadelphia
The Notary Hotel, downtown Philadelphia
The Notary - Entrance
The Notary - Lobby
The Notary - Entrance
The Notary - Lobby
The Notary - Meeting space
The Notary - Meeting break room
The Notary - Meeting space
The Notary - Meeting break room
The Notary - King Guest Room
The Notary - Restaurant
The Notary - King Guest Room
The Notary - Restaurant
The Notary - King Guest Room
The Notary - Restaurant
The Notary - Meeting space
The Notary - Meeting breaks
The Notary - Meeting space
The Notary - Meeting breaks
Nearby Attraction - Art Museum
Nearby Attraction - Ben Franklin Bridge
Nearby Attraction - Art Museum
Nearby Attraction - Ben Franklin Bridge
The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection
The Notary Hotel, downtown Philadelphia
The Notary Hotel, downtown Philadelphia
The Notary - Entrance
The Notary - Lobby
The Notary - Entrance
The Notary - Lobby
The Notary - Meeting space
The Notary - Meeting break room
The Notary - Meeting space
The Notary - Meeting break room
The Notary - King Guest Room
The Notary - Restaurant
The Notary - King Guest Room
The Notary - Restaurant
Nearby Attraction - Art Museum
Nearby Attraction - Ben Franklin Bridge
Nearby Attraction - Art Museum
Nearby Attraction - Ben Franklin Bridge
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