A virtual celebration connecting Burns enthusiasts across the globe
When the University of Glasgow planned their Global Burns Night 2025: Burns and the Environment, they wanted to create an event that not only celebrated Scotland’s national poet but also fostered a global conversation. With renowned speakers, an engaged international audience, and a focus on Robert Burns’ relationship with nature, this event needed a virtual platform that could deliver seamless live discussions, interactive Q&As, and a truly connected experience.
That’s where Forumm came in.
We worked closely with the University of Glasgow every step of the way, ensuring their speakers could present live on Forumm while attendees from all corners of the world – from Idaho, USA to Turks and Caicos – could tune in, participate, and engage in real-time. From platform setup to live event support, we made sure Burns and the Environment was an inspiring, accessible, and engaging experience for everyone involved.
It isn’t just about hosting online events – it’s about creating digital experiences that feel immersive and personal. Here’s how we helped Glasgow University make Global Burns Night a success:
✅ Live Speaker Panels & Global Streaming – With a lineup of experts from the Centre for Robert Burns Studies, we ensured that every talk, discussion, and audience question flowed seamlessly on the platform.
✅ Worldwide Engagement – Burns enthusiasts from across the globe joined in real time, contributing questions and discussions, making this truly Global Burns Night.
✅ Fully Supported, Every Step of the Way – From the event setup to speaker briefings and everything in-between, our team worked hand-in-hand with the Glasgow University team to ensure everything ran smoothly.
✅ Attendee Assistance – The Forumm team was online throughout the event, answering queries and giving a helping hand to any attendees who were struggling with their tech.
📚 Showcasing Glasgow’s Leadership in Burns Research – The event wasn’t just a celebration; it was an opportunity for alumni to see firsthand how the University of Glasgow is leading the way in Robert Burns studies. Through expert discussions and cutting-edge research, attendees gained a deeper understanding of Burns’ relationship with the environment and his lasting impact.
🏛 Strengthening Alumni Pride & Connection – Hearing from world-class academics and researchers reminded alumni why they are part of something special. Many left the event feeling even more connected to their university, proud of its ongoing contributions to Burns scholarship and the broader cultural conversation.
🌱 A Fresh Perspective on Burns & the Environment – The discussion went beyond poetry, highlighting Burns’ role as an “improving farmer” and his influence on the natural world – offering a new and thought-provoking way to appreciate his legacy.
This event showcased exactly why online events are such a powerful way to bring communities together. Whether you’re hosting a cultural celebration, an academic panel or just trying to show off the great work your institution is doing, we have the technology and support to make the experience fun for both you and your audience.
Forumm makes online events easy, interactive, and engaging. If you want to connect your audience – whether they’re across the country or around the globe – our platform is designed to deliver a really personal experience (with a team that supports both you and your attendees). We’d love to help – just fill out the form below:
When Suzanne and the Strathclyde Alumni team approached Forumm to review their social media interaction with their community we jumped at the opportunity. Strathclyde is one of those universities that we generally use as examples of best practice, but the team there were looking at ways to make content creation more sustainable.
“Demonstrating impact is key. People want to see the real-world difference their support makes, whether it’s through student scholarships, research advancements, or community initiatives.”
Donor relationships are the backbone of successful university and nonprofit fundraising. But how do you move beyond one-time gifts and cultivate long-term donor engagement?
In our latest Forumm Academy webinar, Boaz Walker (UCL) and Anarosa Muscatelli (Cairney & Company) shared expert insights into identifying key donors, making meaningful connections, and ensuring sustained philanthropy. Whether you’re new to donor stewardship or looking to refine your strategy, this session provided practical, actionable tips to strengthen donor relationships and enhance fundraising success.
✅ Start with Relationships, Not Transactions – Building genuine connections with donors leads to long-term engagement and greater giving potential.
💡 Internal Networks Matter – Cultivating relationships with academics and leadership can help identify and engage potential donors.
🎯 Understand Donor Motivations – Learn what drives each donor, whether it’s passion for research, student support, or personal experiences.
📬 Personalised Outreach Works – A tailored, well-researched first contact increases response rates and sets the tone for future engagement.
🎭 Match Interests with Institutional Goals – Successful fundraising happens when donor passions align with university priorities.
📊 Demonstrate Impact Clearly – Whether through stories, testimonials, or measurable results, showing the effect of a donor’s gift is essential.
🤝 Sustained Stewardship is Key – Thoughtful follow-ups, authentic interactions, and long-term engagement ensure lasting donor relationships.
“The best donor relationships are those that feel natural, not transactional. When someone feels valued, they are more likely to stay engaged and continue supporting your institution.”
Building strong, meaningful donor relationships is not just about securing financial support, it’s about fostering a community of engaged individuals who believe in your institution’s mission. By taking a thoughtful, personalised approach to donor engagement, leveraging internal networks, and demonstrating real impact, institutions can create lasting partnerships that go beyond a single gift. With the right strategies in place, donor relationships can evolve into meaningful collaborations that drive long-term success and positive change.
If you’re looking to streamline your fundraising strategy, improve donor engagement, or leverage technology for better outreach, Forumm can help. Just leave your details below:
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