VP Leadership Event
24 Hours of Clarity & Connection
Join a peers-only conversation among communications and marketing leaders around the big issues shaping our profession. This off-the-record, invite-only event brings select VPs from colleges, universities, and related associations together for 24 hours of candid dialogue and idea-sharing. It will feature an exclusive discussion with the president of the American University of Afghanistan. Here are the scheduling details:
When: Thursday-Friday, October 16-17, 2025
Where: The Notary Hotel, downtown Philadelphia
Cost: $1,000 per person (to cover lodging, meals, and meeting space)
Event Schedule
Day 1 — Thursday, Oct. 16
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: Educating Against the Odds
Dr. Ian Bickford, President, The American University of Afghanistan
Moderated by Dr. Pete Mackey, Founder & President, Mackey StrategiesDr. Ian Bickford will take us behind the scenes of the starkly challenging and inspiring story of America’s determination to provide a U.S.-style university education in Afghanistan and how war, terrorism, the pandemic, and dramatic changes in U.S. politics brought AUAF’s future to the brink—until innovation saved the day. In this timely and potent conversation, we will explore values-based leadership, resilience under pressure, and the imperative of purpose during severe crises.
8:30-9:30 PM | Conversation & Relaxation
We’ll enjoy a favorite beverage, get to know each other better, and unwind.
Day 2 — Friday, Oct. 17
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 #2
With these two panels featuring attendees, we will focus together on high-priority topics that panelists themselves select. Note: We ask that each attendee be open to serving if asked on a panel about some of the urgent issues facing our institutions. Panels and topics will be coordinated in advance with participants.
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
The transformative power and risks of artificial intelligence increasingly affect marketing and communications skills, not to mention with academia, admissions, advancement, reputation management, and more. Jeff Dillon will explore with us what the most critical technological developments mean for our work, with a focus on making AI our ally.3-4 PM | Closing Reception
Get some refreshment, reflect on all we’ve discussed, and then let’s hit the road back home.
Event Schedule
Day 1 — Thursday, Oct. 16
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: Educating Against the Odds
Dr. Ian Bickford, President, The American University of Afghanistan
Moderated by Dr. Pete Mackey, Founder & President, Mackey StrategiesDr. Ian Bickford will take us behind the scenes of the starkly challenging and inspiring story of America’s determination to provide a U.S.-style university education in Afghanistan and how war, terrorism, the pandemic, and dramatic changes in U.S. politics brought AUAF’s future to the brink—until innovation saved the day. In this timely and potent conversation, we will explore values-based leadership, resilience under pressure, and the imperative of purpose during severe crises.
8:30-9:30 PM | Conversation & Relaxation
We’ll enjoy a favorite beverage, get to know each other better, and unwind.
Day 2 — Friday, Oct. 17
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 #2
With these two panels featuring attendees, we will focus together on high-priority topics that panelists themselves select. Note: We ask that each attendee be open to serving if asked on a panel about some of the urgent issues facing our institutions. Panels and topics will be coordinated in advance with participants.
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
The transformative power and risks of artificial intelligence increasingly affect marketing and communications skills, not to mention with academia, admissions, advancement, reputation management, and more. Jeff Dillon will explore with us what the most critical technological developments mean for our work, with a focus on making AI our ally.3-4 PM | Closing Reception
Get some refreshment, reflect on all we’ve discussed, and then let’s hit the road back home.
24 Hours of Clarity & Connection
Join a peers-only conversation among communications and marketing leaders around the big issues shaping our profession. This off-the-record, invite-only event brings select VPs from colleges, universities, and related associations together for 24 hours of candid dialogue and idea-sharing. It will feature an exclusive discussion with the president of the American University of Afghanistan. Here are the scheduling details:
When:
Thursday-Friday, October 16-17, 2025Where:
The Notary Hotel, downtown PhiladelphiaCost:
$1,000 per person (to cover lodging, meals, and meeting space)
Event Schedule
Day 1 — Thursday, Oct. 16
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: Educating Against the Odds
Dr. Ian Bickford, President, The American University of Afghanistan
Moderated by Dr. Pete Mackey, Founder & President, Mackey StrategiesDr. Ian Bickford will take us behind the scenes of the starkly challenging and inspiring story of America’s determination to provide a U.S.-style university education in Afghanistan and how war, terrorism, the pandemic, and dramatic changes in U.S. politics brought AUAF’s future to the brink—until innovation saved the day. In this timely and potent conversation, we will explore values-based leadership, resilience under pressure, and the imperative of purpose during severe crises.
8:30-9:30 PM | Conversation & Relaxation
We’ll enjoy a favorite beverage, get to know each other better, and unwind.
Day 2 — Friday, Oct. 17
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 #2
With these two panels featuring attendees, we will focus together on high-priority topics that panelists themselves select. Note: We ask that each attendee be open to serving if asked on a panel about some of the urgent issues facing our institutions. Panels and topics will be coordinated in advance with participants.
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
The transformative power and risks of artificial intelligence increasingly affect marketing and communications skills, not to mention with academia, admissions, advancement, reputation management, and more. Jeff Dillon will explore with us what the most critical technological developments mean for our work, with a focus on making AI our ally.3-4 PM | Closing Reception
Get some refreshment, reflect on all we’ve discussed, and then let’s hit the road back home.
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.
A Historic Setting in the Heart of Philadelphia
The Notary Hotel offers an inspiring backdrop for meaningful conversation and connection. Located in downtown Philadelphia (approximately 20 minutes from the airport), the hotel features spacious, modern rooms set within a beautifully restored historic building with walkable access to the city’s dining and cultural landmarks.
The Notary Hotel in downtown Philadelphia
The Notary Hotel in downtown Philadelphia
Entrance
Lobby
Entrance
Lobby
Meeting space
Break space
Meeting space
Break space
King Guest Room (reserved for each guest)
Sabroso + Sorbo, onsite restaurant
King Guest Room (reserved for each guest)
Sabroso + Sorbo, onsite restaurant
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Ben Franklin Bridge
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Ben Franklin Bridge
The Notary Hotel in downtown Philadelphia
Entrance
Lobby
Meeting space
Break space
King Guest Room (reserved for each guest)
Sabroso + Sorbo, onsite restaurant
A Historic Setting in the Heart of Philadelphia
The Notary Hotel offers an inspiring backdrop for meaningful conversation and connection. Located in downtown Philadelphia (approximately 20 minutes from the airport), the hotel features spacious, modern rooms set within a beautifully restored historic building with walkable access to the city’s dining and cultural landmarks.
The Notary Hotel in downtown Philadelphia
Nearby attraction - Philadelphia Museum of Art
Nearby Attractionn - Ben Franklin Bridge
The Notary Hotel in downtown Philadelphia
A Historic Setting in the Heart of Philadelphia
The Notary Hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and character. Located in downtown Philadelphia—just 20 minutes from the airport with a free hotel shuttle—it features spacious, modern rooms set within a beautifully restored historic building. With stunning architectural details and walkable access to the city’s best dining and culture, it’s an inspiring backdrop for meaningful conversation and connection.
The Notary Hotel in downtown Philadelphia
Entrance
Lobby
Meeting space
Break space
King Guest Room (reserved for each guest)
Sabroso + Sorbo, onsite restaurant
Nearby attraction - Philadelphia Museum of Art
Nearby Attractionn - Ben Franklin Bridge
The Notary Hotel in downtown Philadelphia
The Notary Hotel in downtown Philadelphia
Entrance
Lobby
Entrance
Lobby
Meeting space
Break space
Meeting space
Break space
King Guest Room (reserved for each guest)
Sabroso + Sorbo, onsite restaurant
King Guest Room (reserved for each guest)
Sabroso + Sorbo, onsite restaurant
Nearby attraction - Philadelphia Museum of Art
Ben Franklin Bridge
Nearby attraction - Philadelphia Museum of Art
Ben Franklin Bridge
Register to confirm your participation and reserve your room at The Notary:
A Historic Setting in the Heart of Philadelphia
The Notary Hotel offers an inspiring backdrop for meaningful conversation and connection. Located in downtown Philadelphia (approximately 20 minutes from the airport), the hotel features spacious, modern rooms set within a beautifully restored historic building with walkable access to the city’s dining and cultural landmarks.
The Notary Hotel in downtown Philadelphia
The Notary Hotel in downtown Philadelphia
Entrance
Lobby
Entrance
Lobby
Meeting space
Break space
Meeting space
Break space
King Guest Room (reserved for each guest)
Sabroso + Sorbo, onsite restaurant
King Guest Room (reserved for each guest)
Sabroso + Sorbo, onsite restaurant
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Ben Franklin Bridge
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Ben Franklin Bridge
Register to confirm your participation and reserve your room at The Notary:
Register to confirm your participation and reserve your room at The Notary:
Register to confirm your participation and reserve your room at The Notary:
Register to confirm your participation and reserve your room at The Notary:
Register to confirm your participation and reserve your room at The Notary:
Fundraising Services
Inspiring vision, securing support.
We do more than help institutions raise funds—we also help empower their people to inspire supporters and secure major investments for a better future.
Through tailored counsel, comprehensive assessments, personalized coaching, and dynamic planning, we guide leaders and their teams in building strong and productive connections with constituents.