Advancement & Admissions Conference 2026
Cannon School
5801 Poplar Tent RoadConcord, NC 28027-7575
United States
Join independent school leaders from across the region for a dynamic day of strategy, connection, and forward-thinking conversations focused on the future of enrollment, fundraising, and institutional growth.
Designed for admissions, advancement, enrollment, and marketing professionals, this conference will explore the evolving challenges and opportunities facing independent schools today — from strengthening donor relationships and navigating enrollment trends to building meaningful board partnerships that drive long-term sustainability.
Through inspiring keynote presentations, data-informed breakout sessions, and intentional networking opportunities, attendees will leave with practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and valuable peer connections to bring back to their schools.
Why Attend?
- Gain insight into the latest enrollment and advancement trends impacting independent schools
- Learn actionable fundraising and relationship-building strategies from national experts
- Explore innovative approaches to donor engagement, events, and board collaboration
- Connect with fellow admissions and advancement professionals from across North Carolina and beyond
- Leave with ideas and tools you can immediately apply to your school community
In addition to inspiring sessions, the conference includes dedicated networking opportunities throughout the day, including breakfast discussions, lunch table topics, and collaborative conversations with peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.
Whether you are a seasoned advancement leader, an admissions professional navigating changing enrollment trends, or a school administrator seeking strategic insight, this conference offers meaningful learning and valuable connections that will support your school’s future success.
We hope you will join us for this energizing and impactful day of professional learning.
Who should attend: : All members of Advancement and Admissions teams, Heads of School
Pricing: NCAIS Member $195/pp (after November 9 $245/pp); Guests $245/pp (after November 9 $295/pp)
Registration Options
|
Registration Options
|
Credits | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
NCAIS Member Registration
|
7.00 (CEU) |
$195.00
Price will increase to $245.00 on
11/10/26
|
|
Guest Registration
|
7.00 (CEU) |
$245.00
Price will increase to $295.00 on
11/10/26
|
2026 Admissions & Advancement Conference by Meghan Hilleboe
Penny Abrahams, Founder & Principal of Penny Abrahams Consulting, specializes in marketing, communications, and constituent engagement for private and independent schools. She brings more than two decades of experience as a school administrator and consultant in marketing, communications, enrollment, development, volunteer management, and governance. Her background includes serving as a workshop leader, consultant, and department head with Independent School Management (ISM) for over 15 years, and as an independent school Trustee for six years.
Penny has advised more than 100 schools internationally and is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences, helping mission-driven leaders connect strategy to day-to-day practice so that every touchpoint with families, donors, faculty, volunteers, and alumni reinforces their school’s value and purpose.
In addition to her consulting practice, Penny serves as the Director of Marketing for LeadTeam Partners, the only firm built to connect private school leaders with vetted K-12 consultants.
Mattingly Messina is the founder of Throughline, a consultancy that puts relationships at the center of philanthropy.
His career spans development, strategic communications, and high-stakes negotiations. As a legal negotiator for Google, he built trust with counterparts across civil and regulatory jurisdictions, reinforcing his belief that relationships are the most durable currency in leadership and fundraising.
After moving into independent schools, Mattingly served as Director of Advancement at Bentley School before founding Throughline, where he helps organizations treat relationships as their greatest asset and design financial models that leverage them. Through his firm and alongside other client work, he also serves in a number of interim and fractional advancement leadership positions at independent schools.
Mattingly is a trustee of his alma mater, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, where he co-chairs the Advancement Committee. He lives in San Francisco and serves on the Programs Committee of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Golden Gate Chapter.
Allison Davis is a member of the Member Experience team at E3n, where she partners with independent schools and associations across the country to support enrollment strategy, professional learning, and member engagement.
Before joining E3n, Allison served as the Director of Upper School Admission at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she gained firsthand experience navigating the opportunities and challenges facing enrollment leaders today. She continues to reside in Chattanooga.
Allison is passionate about helping schools use data and research to inform strategic, mission-aligned decisions. She regularly presents at conferences, seminars, and leadership meetings on trends impacting independent schools, enrollment management, family perceptions, and the evolving educational landscape.
No official room block is reserved, however there are several nearby hotels:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa
5400 John Q. Hammons Dr NW, Concord, NC 28027
~ $139 per night
Home2 Suites by Hilton Concord Charlotte
5355 John Q. Hammons Dr NW, Concord, NC 28027
~ $136 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Concord Charlotte
7300 Scott Padgett Pkwy, Concord, NC 28027
~ $152 per night
Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Concord
7201 Scott Padgett Pkwy, Concord, NC 28027
~ $121 per night
