Time to Call the Lawyer: Real Cases Where Legal Representation Was Needed (and How They Turned Out)
Speaker: Aaron Levinson
This will be a candid, case-driven presentation that explores real-world situations where good intentions weren't enough—and legal expertise became essential. Through compelling, plain-English examples drawn from estate planning, charitable giving, and family dynamics, the session highlights what went wrong, when professional legal counsel should have been brought in, and how timely intervention changed (or could have changed) the outcome. Attendees will come away with practical warning signs, lessons learned, and a clearer understanding of when picking up the phone to call a lawyer can save time, money, relationships, and charitable intent.
Before the Business Sale: How Planned Giving Professionals Can Shape the Exit Narrative
Speaker: Ed Cotney
Most business owners wait too long to align tax exit strategy with charitable planning, missing the chance to turn a taxable sale into a lasting legacy. Before the Business Sale shows advisors how to step in early, using privilege, focused appraisals, timing and design to reduce or bypass capital gains, create lifetime income, and support meaningful philanthropy through smarter exit planning.
From No to Know: How to Overcome Donor Objections
Speaker: Ned Gavlick
Afraid of hearing no? Worried the donor will never talk to you again? It's okay to have these feelings, but don't let them interfere with what you're trying to accomplish with the donor. This breakout session will dive into the ways that gift planning professionals have overcome initial objections from donors to achieve great results for their organizations.
The Science of Giving: Behavioral Economics & Psychology for Fundraising
Speaker: Gabriel Trieger
The Science of Giving: How Behavioral Economics and Psychology Strengthen Fundraising explores why donors give, how decisions are really made, and what that means for modern fundraisers. Drawing from behavioral economics, cognitive psychology, and real-world fundraising examples, this session challenges the myth of the "fully rational donor" and examines how concepts such as social proof, loss aversion, reciprocity, and identity shape philanthropic behavior. Participants will leave with practical, ethical strategies they can immediately apply to donor conversations, stewardship, messaging, and planned giving, helping them build stronger relationships, increase generosity, and design fundraising experiences that align with how people actually think and feel.
