Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

About the Conference

When: Day 1 – May 28, 2026 – 8:30 AM – 3:15 PM

            Day 2 – May 29, 2026 – 8:30 AM – 12 PM Team Work Time and 1:1 Meetings

Where: Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park, KS

Who: All individuals interested in advancing Catholic schools

Why: Join us for an energizing in-person conference designed to equip Catholic school leaders, staff, and volunteers with proven tools and fresh strategies to elevate their school’s advancement efforts.

Through an inspiring keynote and hands-on breakout sessions, you’ll gain practical insights in critical areas such as development, enrollment management, donor engagement, marketing, alumni relations, strategic planning and more—leaving with actionable plans to grow your school’s mission, impact, and long-term sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Advancement is the umbrella term for all things having to do with the promotion, continuation, and enhancement of an organization. For Catholic schools, advancement plays and essential role in ensuring the vitality and sustainability of a Catholic school. 

The following are included in advancement:

  • Alumni development
  • Board development
  • Budgets and financials
  • Communications
  • Enrollment management
  • Donor engagement
  • Fundraising and special events
  • Marketing 
  • Planned giving
  • Strategic planning 
  • Volunteer management

Anyone involved in the advancement of schools may attend. This may include, but is not limited to:

  1. principals and vice principals
  2. pastors
  3. admissions and enrollment staff
  4. development directors
  5. marketing personnel
  6. accountants
  7. parish staff
  8. board members
  9. committee members
  10. teachers pursuing / interested in pursuing a career as a principal

Yes! We welcome anyone involved in the advancement of Catholic schools. We truly believe we are better together and can learn from one another. 

Registration will open in February. Early bird registration discounts will be available. More information coming soon.

It is highly recommended to send a team of AT LEAST two (2) people to the conference to support implementation after the conference. 

As in previous years, we anticipate 25-30 different breakout session topics. Details are presently being finalized.

Topics will cover all aspects of advancement, to include: 

  1. Marketing
  2. Enrollment Management
  3. Fundraising
  4. Donor Engagement
  5. Alumni Engagement
  6. Budgets and Financials
  7. Strategic Planning 
  8. Board and Business Team Development 

The cost will be announced in February. 

Yes, registration is required. 

The 2026 conference will be held at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kansas.

A continental breakfast, full lunch, and light snacks and drinks will be available throughout the conference. The exact menu will be shared at a later date. Alternative options will be provided for those with dietary restrictions. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle to help us reduce waste.

Speakers and attendees are asked to dress business casual. We encourage layers as temperatures can vary in buildings during the summer months!

Previous Conferences