As we approach the 5th Annual Higher Ed Summit in Austin, Texas, we thought it would be a great opportunity to share just a few of the reasons we can’t wait for April 27th to come around.
1) 100% Higher Ed, 100% Salesforce
It’s the dream combo. I remember attending my first World Tour in 2013, just after my university had implemented Salesforce for advancement and communications. As I wandered around the massive Javits Center in New York City, it was hard to imagine how I could possibly connect with any other folks from higher ed at such a large gathering. Yes, there were nonprofit presentations and panels, but programming for higher ed was limited.
The ecosystem has grown considerably since then, and the success stories for Salesforce in the space are growing by the day. Whether you are just exploring options for your campus, or already harnessing the power of the platform, you don’t want to miss the Higher Ed Summit.
2) A solutions architect, a corporate executive and a fundraiser walk into a bar…
The Higher Ed Summit is exciting because it brings together all of the different players in the Salesforce/Higher Ed ecosystem. Where else will you get VP’s mixing with end-users, university presidents, database managers and university staff members? At the end of the day, we all go to learn about best practices, interesting use cases, and how Salesforce can help us achieve our goals!
Not sure about the differences between Pardot and Marketing Cloud, and how, for instance, each can help you better engage your students from applicant to alumnus? What is the Higher Education Data Architecture (HEDA), and should your campus or department think about adopting or implementing it? Is there a fundraising solution that can be used with HEDA?
After attending the Higher Ed Summit, I can assure you that you’ll either have all the answers you need, or you will be pleasantly surprised at the growing number of questions you have as you begin to envision how you can transform your university into a Connected Campus.
3) Learning from the best
It’s always nice to hear those success stories featured on websites, but wouldn’t it be great to dig in a bit deeper? To ask questions of those who have been in your shoes, struggled with the questions you struggle with, and emerged with key insights they are ready to share?
At the Summit some of the top universities in the world will be showcasing how they use Salesforce every day. Whether you are thinking about using the platform for fundraising, marketing, or student engagement, there are bound to be more sessions than you can attend. These sessions will be packed with exciting topics presented by thought leaders in your field.
4) (Real) Professional Development
Curious how one university is using all of the Salesforce products under the sun? Wondering how she became a Salesforce MVP? Thinking about a career change, or trying to figure out how to break into the partner ecosystem?
I can personally attest to the power of Salesforce events in this regard. Just four months ago I was an Associate Director of Annual Giving and knew that I wanted to make the jump to an account executive role to help other universities utilize the platform. Thanks to the Salesforce World Tour, I was able to introduce myself to Cloud for Good’s CEO (and Salesforce MVP) Tal Frankfurt and learn more about the company’s incredible team and work. This opportunity gave me the push I needed to shift careers and join the #BestTeamEver!
5) A great way to meet your future partner!
Well, that could happen too, but I’m actually referring to Salesforce partners, like Cloud for Good. Gone are the days of having to hire a consultant who doesn’t understand your needs or is unfamiliar with the unique use cases in higher ed. There is an incredible ecosystem of Salesforce partners out there who specialize in the field, and this is a great chance to meet one of us. Cloud for Good works exclusively with higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations.
We have staff with certifications across all of the Salesforce products, and along with having five Salesforce MVPs on staff, each one of us has experience working in the nonprofit or higher ed fields prior to coming to Cloud for Good. Fill out our form below or send me an email, if you’d like to meet at the Summit and discuss how we can bring transformational value to your institution.
6) ATX!
Austin may be the self-proclaimed Live Music Capital of the World, but there’s also a vibrant culinary scene brimming with delicious offerings year round. You’ll probably want to extend your stay through the weekend. I highly recommend checking out:
- Torchy’s Tacos – you can find Torchy’s locations all over Austin, but their tacos are truly one-of-a-kind. Don’t forget the queso!
- Salt Lick BBQ – don’t settle for the airport branch – get outside of the city and head to Driftwood, TX, where the original location is based. You’ll never look at brisket the same.
- Launderette – this culinary hotspot on the east side of town has delicious dishes to pass. Surprisingly, they have one of the best cheeseburgers in town.
- Bonus: Barton Springs – Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and head to the refreshing spring-fed pool at Barton Springs in Downtown Austin. This year-round swimming hole is a favorite with Austinites and can’t be beat on a hot day. If you’re looking for a quick bite before or after your swim, stop by P. Terry’s for a delicious (and affordable) burger with fries and a shake.
Let us know you’ll be at the Higher Ed Summit. We’d love to meet with you in Austin.
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