SPARC's 2024 Auxiliary Revenue Summit: Connecting School and Auxiliary Leadership

In a first-of-its-kind event, SPARC’s Auxiliary Revenue Summit brought Heads of School, CFOs, and auxiliary leaders together for a full day of sessions, discussions, and collaboration. The summit was held on March 13th at St. Mark's school in Southborough, Massachusetts. With over 50 people in attendance, the day began with a keynote address by SPARC Executive Director Nat Saltonstall on current trends and best practices for auxiliary programs.

“This was the first time Heads of School and CFOs joined auxiliary professionals for an event focused on auxiliary programming, and we're excited about how successful the event was,” said Saltonstall. “SPARC is continuing our mission to connect all school leaders with an investment in creating the most innovative and successful auxiliary programs possible.”

Morning and afternoon summit sessions included budgeting and financial understanding for auxiliary success, collaboration between business and auxiliary leaders, building staff culture, and strategic planning. Saltonstall and SPARC Senior Advisors David Sullivan, Karen McCann McClelland, and Bob Rojee were joined in leading sessions and workshops by St Mark’s School’s Kristi Jacobi and Rob Kuklewicz and The Fenn School’s Maggie Magner. 

“This was the first time Heads of School and CFOs joined auxiliary professionals for an event focused on auxiliary programming, and we're excited about how successful the event was."

--SPARC Executive Director Nat Saltonstall

“The success of the Auxiliary Revenue Summit shows that auxiliary professionals, Heads of School, and CFOs really want to work together,” Saltonstall said. “They know this is the way to create the best auxiliary experience for participants and to generate more revenue for the school.”

Saltonstall believes in-person, regional summits are an effective way to bring professionals together. “SPARC will continue to offer virtual roundtables, webinars, and other events," he said, “but we’re dedicated to providing more regional events where people can meet face-to-face to develop relationships, brainstorm, and collaborate.”

This will include another Auxiliary Revenue Summit in New England next year. SPARC members receive a discount to all regional events, though they are open to anyone working in the auxiliary world.

Keep track of upcoming SPARC events, both virtual and in person, by going to our Events Calendar. Click on an event to get more information and to register.

Not yet a member of SPARC? Join now to enjoy free and discounted events, professional development webinars, a host of tools to enhance your auxiliary and leadership skill set, and much more.