In just two weeks, hundreds of prospect development professionals will gather at the Hilton Chicago for Prospect Development 2026 (PD26), taking place August 11–14. Apra’s premier annual conference brings together colleagues across prospect research, relationship management, data science and leadership to exchange ideas, expand their professional networks and gain practical perspectives they can bring back to their organizations. 

With more than 60 sessions across four learning tracks, PD26 offers fresh ideas for professionals at every career stage. Data science attendees can build foundational skills through Tushar Sharma and Catie Wram’s “Plotting Prospects: A Geographic View of Donor Potential,” while more experienced practitioners can explore Liam Sexton and Melanie Pozsol’s “Alumni Engagement Model Scores.” Those new to prospect research can begin with Apra Fundamentals, and seasoned researchers can deepen their expertise through Lindsey Nadeau’s presentation on due diligence. Relationship Management professionals can also take advantage of a Fundamentals course, while experienced practitioners can explore topics such as breaking down organizational silos with Hannah Avdoulos. The leadership track spans the management journey, from Ashley Mick’s “The Power of Perspective: Guiding Prospect Development Teams Through Leadership Transitions” to Martha Rowe and Rachel Pike-Norton’s “Iterative Evolution” for leaders focused on strengthening their programs. 

The learning extends well beyond the breakout rooms. With more than 650 in-person and 150 virtual attendees expected, PD26 offers abundant opportunities to exchange ideas and build meaningful connections. In Chicago, attendees can reconnect at Tuesday’s welcome reception, during meal and beverage breaks in the exhibit hall and at Wednesday’s post-lunch networking roundtables. Virtual participants can use the conference app’s chat feature to discuss sessions, compare shared challenges and contribute perspectives from wherever they are joining. If networking feels intimidating, start Wednesday with Stephanie Willis’ presentation on five ways to master it, then put those strategies into practice throughout the conference. 

If this is your first PD conference, you will not have to navigate it alone. The First-Time Attendees community group on the Apra Exchange/PRSPCT-L, Wednesday evening’s in-person meetup and a dedicated breakfast table offer welcoming ways to meet fellow newcomers and seasoned conference attendees. Look for first-time attendee badge ribbons throughout the week and do not hesitate to ask questions. As a long-time conference attendee, I can promise that you will be hard-pressed to find a friendlier community. Whether someone is wearing a ribbon or not, they will be glad you chose to join us and ready to help you feel at home. And to those returning for another PD, welcome back; I cannot wait to celebrate this homecoming with you! 

Whether you join us in Chicago or online, PD26 promises an energizing mix of education, connection and community. Come ready to learn, share and be inspired, and leave with ideas and relationships that will continue making an impact long after the conference ends. 

Cal Sturgeon
Associate Director, Relationship Management, City of Hope

Cal Sturgeon is a prospect development leader with nearly 15 years of experience in advancement analytics, prospect research, relationship management and fundraising strategy. As an associate director of relationship management at City of Hope and an advancement consultant, Cal helps organizations build data-informed systems that strengthen major-gift fundraising and campaign readiness. Their expertise includes prospect identification, portfolio optimization, assignment management and executive reporting. Cal actively contributes to the profession as a volunteer for Apra International and is dedicated to promoting equitable, strategic and scalable approaches to prospect development across the nonprofit sector.