OpenApply Admissions Conference Portugal

How admissions teams engage with families of neurodiverse applicants speaks volumes about a school’s values, vision, and reputation. Whether the answer is yes or no, every interaction must be rooted in empathy, care, and respect.

Drawing inspiration from the SPAN Speaker Series featuring experts from SENIA International and parents of neurodivergent students, this session explores best practices for fostering meaningful and transparent conversations with families. Participants gain insights into how to:

• Balance honesty with compassion when discussing admissions decisions
• Support families through the process with sensitivity and clarity
• Ensure that every interaction reflects the school’s commitment to inclusion
• Position admissions as a bridge to trust rather than a gatekeeper

Expect discomfort, reflection and practical strategies that strengthen relationships, uphold integrity, and reinforce your school’s dedication to welcoming all learners.

We will break into small groups to discuss topics such as:

1. Data & Analytics
2. Parent Experience
3. Re-enrolment
4. Marketing

To create the perfect recipe for building strong connections with prospective parents, the admissions team needs to first ensure they have the right ingredients—namely solid relationships with key stakeholders within their own school. However, just like in a complex dish, each stakeholder brings their own unique flavor to the table, with different needs and perspectives that can sometimes clash. This can make crafting those relationships a bit tricky. In this presentation, you’ll have the chance to explore how to blend these varied perspectives with a dash of empathy, a sprinkle of courage, and a pinch of tact, all while improving the way you connect with prospective families and making the enrollment process run more smoothly.

This session is in the format of a job-alike meeting in which professionals working in alumni relations share their best practices, challenges, and innovative strategies for fostering meaningful connections with former students. Topics will include alumni engagement, networking opportunities, communication strategies, event planning, and leveraging alumni support for school initiatives. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss successful programs, and explore new ways to strengthen alumni ties. Whether your school has a well-established alumni network or is in the early stages of development, this collaborative session will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways to enhance your alumni relations efforts.