Have you ever wanted to go deeper and learn more about the field you work in? Are there holes and cracks in your prospect development expertise that make your job a little harder than you thought it would be? How can you learn more if your calendar doesn’t allow you enough time to sit down and attend a webinar every day for an hour? 

The pre-conference offerings at Apra International’s Prospect Development 2026 in Chicago answer all these questions and more! 

Apra Fundamentals: Prospect Research is a foundational program that helps new professionals build core skills in capacity ratings, prospect identification and research profiles. Through practical in-person training and pre-event online modules, you will explore techniques for analyzing biographical and financial information to build profiles that translate research insights into actionable fundraising strategies. The program also covers ethical considerations, effective practices for managing and reporting data and the creation of quality research products. You will gain actionable knowledge and a strong foundation to support effective fundraising operations. 

Apra Fundamentals: Relationship Management is a foundational program designed for professionals new to the industry or those seeking to refresh their skills. Since its launch at PD 2025, the program has focused on four key areas: portfolio optimization, projections, soft skills, and visualization. You will also explore guiding principles for data management and governance, including navigating ethical considerations within the CRM and handling complex datasets. 

Data Science Now is a one-day, hands-on event designed to help fundraising professionals at all levels turn data into actionable insights. Through practical sessions led by analytics experts, you will explore foundational strategies and advanced techniques, including AI and machine learning. You will gain applicable skills, new perspectives and a network of peers dedicated to driving fundraising success through data-driven methodology. 

The Executive Leadership Cohort is designed for senior leaders shaping strategy, mentoring others and advancing the field of prospect development. Through interactive, peer-driven discussions, you will explore leadership challenges, industry trends and strategies for leading effectively within your organizations. This experience offers ongoing connection through a dedicated alumni network, supporting continued growth beyond the event. 

The Emerging Leaders Cohort is designed for professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership skills and expand their organizational impact. Through interactive, discussion-based sessions and peer engagement, you will explore key leadership concepts, industry challenges and practical strategies for professional growth. This collaborative experience helps emerging leaders build confidence, develop strategic thinking and prepare for the next step in their careers. 

Whether you are a seasoned professional looking to refine your managerial skills or a new data analyst looking to learn from the best, I encourage you to add one of these programs this year to your PD registration and see the insights and fresh ideas you’ll bring back to your organization! 

Rachel Hammond
Prospect Research Specialist, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago

Rachel Hammond is the prospect research specialist for the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. Starting her career in advancement services at her alma mater, Rachel learned the importance of donor cultivation, retention, and engagement as a student caller, call center manager, and advancement intern. As a student caller, she raised funds for scholarships by establishing relationships with alumni and friends of the college, instilling in her a passion for cultivation. After one year of being a student caller and securing the largest gift during the spring giving season, she was promoted to be the student call center manager, where she assigned calling pools, trained students in the calling program, and mentored them as they finished out their college careers. Learning the value of retention in this role, Rachel strived to see her college colleagues succeed just as she did and continue the legacy of the student calling program.  

As the advancement intern, Rachel harnessed her passion for engagement and development as she built the in-house calling program, implemented the student philanthropy association, and learned about each role in advancement services. This experience led her to the position she holds today at Moody, where she harnesses all the skills she learned at her alma mater, as well as the ability to uncover key wealth indicators and harness her research skills to find hidden gems in the CRM.  

Rachel also has a passion for serving the APRA community! She is the secretary and Communications Chair for the APRA Indiana Board of Directors, as well as the chair Apra International's Plug in to Pipelines. You can often find Rachel speaking on the topic of genealogy and prospect research on the national and international stage. She loves giving back to the APRA community as they have poured into her for the past four years!