An opportunity to connect with other directors for an informal dinner and networking (dinner cost not included in registration fee)

How are institutes coping with budget cuts, travel restrictions, and other fallout from the current economic crisis? What new funding strategies or resources are institutes pursuing? What is the outlook for the future?

What challenges are state and local governments facing as a result of the current economic crisis? What can public service institutes do (or are they already doing) to help their constituents manage in tough economic times?

Academic/Public Service Connections

In lean economic times, some institutes are seeking to better connect public service with academic units. How are institutes managing these connections? At the same time, what are challenges and innovations for academic programs housed in public service institutes?

Lunch

Lunch Speaker: Ted Abernathy, Executive Director, Southern Growth Policies Board

New Tools for Communication

Explore the promises and challenges of using blogs, podcasts and other new communication tools to share information and communicate with constituents.

Break

Distance Learning Demonstration and Opportunities

Explore opportunities for using new technologies to increase connections between SCUPSO institutes and staff. Brainstorm ideas for SCUPSO subgroups that might “meet” on a regular basis.

SCUPSO Business Meeting

Cocktails and Dinner: Fran Hanson Discovery Center, Clemson University Botanical Gardens

Dinner Speaker: "Americans Respond to Hard Times, 1890s and 1930"
Roger Grant, Kathryn and Calhoun Lemon Professor, Department of History, Clemson University

Welcome

Branding

What can you do to establish a clear identity, or “brand,” for your public service institute – and what are the potential benefits? How can you convey the relevance of public service and your organization to the outside world?

Break

Opportunities for Collaboration

Tapping into other networks can help public service institutes reach new constituents, while also stretching limited budgets. Talk with other institutes about working with cooperative extension, community colleges and other organizations with established networks.

Working with Foundations

In what areas do the interests of foundations and public service institutes intersect? How can institutes best work with foundations? Discuss these and other questions with foundation representatives as well as a university development officer.

Adjourn