Who Should Attend

The ISPD Summer 2026 Development School is open to all Catholic education professionals, including:

  • Pastors
  • Superintendents
  • Diocesan School Office Staff/Advancement Staff
  • Presidents
  • Principals
  • Advancement/Development Directors
  • Admissions Directors/Staff
  • Marketing and Communications Staff.
  • Board Members
  • Faculty and Staff Members
  • Volunteers

The must-attend event for Catholic Administrators, Advancement/Development, Enrollment Management, and Marketing Professionals!

Your donors still want connection. Your mission still needs funding. But the tools have changed—dramatically.

AI is already transforming how Catholic schools and parishes connect with supporters, analyze donor data, personalize communications, and streamline operations. Leaders who master these tools now will thrive. Those who don’t risk falling further behind.

But here’s the challenge: How do we harness AI’s power without losing the personal touch that makes Catholic advancement work? How do we use efficiency to create more meaningful engagement, not less?

At ISPD’s Summer Development School, we’ll show you how.

Over three days in New Orleans (June 22-24), you’ll discover practical strategies that combine proven advancement principles with cutting-edge AI tools:

  • Personalize at scale without losing authenticity
  • Analyze donor patterns in minutes, not months
  • Create compelling content that still reflects your unique mission
  • Free up your time for the relationship-building that actually moves the needle
  • Make data-driven decisions while staying grounded in Gospel values

You’ll leave with tools you can implement immediately—and the confidence to use them wisely.

Because at ISPD, we still believe that belonging leads to believing. AI doesn’t replace that. When used right, it amplifies it.

The future of Catholic advancement is being written right now. Will you help shape it?

Join us in New Orleans this June. This may be the most practical development conference you’ve ever attended.

2026 Conference Registration Fees

Early Bird Registration

$1275/Attendee

Register early and save $100 off your registration fees.

Group Registration

$1225/Attendee

Bring your team (2+) and save $150 on each registration!

2026 Registration

Summer Development School FAQ

The ISPD 2026 Development School Experience will take place at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, the premiere leisure hotel ideally located along the bank of the Mississippi River, across the street from Ceasers Casino, within walking distance of the Aquarium of America, and the World War II Museum, and a streetcar ride to the Audubon Zoo, Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.

The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is also interconnected to the Outlet Mall at The Riverwalk, which includes 85 outlet shops, restaurants, and a fabulous food court. It is two easy walking blocks to our world-famous French Quarter and countless restaurants, art galleries, streetcar lines, and more.

Conference attendees can take advantage of our special group hotel rate. After you register for the conference, a link to reserve your hotel room will be provided.

The ISPD Summer Development School features keynote addresses from leading Catholic visionaries and practitioners. Over the three-day conference, attendees can choose from 36 breakout sessions.

Sessions covered will include:

  • Strategic Planning
  • Annual Funds
  • Galas and Auctions
  • Enrollment Management
  • Communications
  • Planned Giving
  • Feasibility Studies and Capital Campaigns
  • Major Donor identification and invitation
  • Database Management
  • Total Stewardship
  • Alumni(ae) involvement

Hear from over 20 presenters – superintendents, pastors, presidents, principals, advancement directors, enrollment management/admissions directors, and ISPD associates. Learn and share with people who are making it happen!

  • Mass is offered each day of the conference.
  • Our conference welcome reception happens at the end of the first day. It’s a great chance to meet and network with fellow attendees.

The ISPD 2026 Summer Development School is a great way to showcase your company, brand, and products to Catholic school and parish administrators. This conference attracts key decision-makers, including (arch)diocesan superintendents, pastors, presidents, principals, advancement/development, marketing, and enrollment professionals, who work tirelessly to improve their schools and parish communities.

ISPD Conference sponsorships provide opportunities for attendees to connect and build relationships!  Conference Sponsors will have exclusive access to attendees and will be able to generate qualified leads through our conference app Whova.

The price includes registration/tuition, continental breakfast each morning, refreshments throughout the day, a Monday reception, and conference materials.

  • Early Bird Discounts are in effect if registering before March 1, 2025.
  • Groups of two or more from the same institution can qualify for the group ticket discount.
  • Current ISPD consulting and coaching clients can qualify for special conference pricing.  Contact the ISPD office for more information.

Attendee Cancellation Policy:

Before May 1, 2026: Conference registration may be canceled with a full refund (less a $75 processing fee) with written notification to catholicdev@ispdconsulting.com.

Between May 1 – June 1, 2026: A 50% refund is available for conference registration with written notification to catholicdev@ispdconsulting.com

After June 1, 2026: No refunds will be granted after this time. In the case of an emergency or extenuating circumstances, requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

A registered attendee who cannot attend the conference may transfer that registration to another individual from their institution. All requests should be made via written notification to catholicdev@ispdconsulting.com.

June 22, 2026
Countdown to #SDS26
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Early Bird Registration Opens in Early December.