Engineering Development Conference 2026 hosted by Auburn Engineering

The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering hosted the 2026 Engineering Development Forum June 22-24, the first time the conference had been held in Alabama.

EDF supports the mission of development professionals, communicators, administrators and others who advance university engineering programs. Auburn Engineering was an early member of the organization and hosted the conference for the first time this year.

Approximately 200 visiting development professionals from engineering programs throughout the U.S. toured Auburn Engineering facilities and met with faculty and staff in the three days they were on campus.

"Finally hosting EDF in Auburn was a privilege for our team," said Wade Welch, director of Engagement and Donor Relations for Auburn Engineering Advancement. "This event let us show the best that Auburn Engineering has to offer, from our world-class facilities to our top-tier students and faculty. It was so great to show off Auburn's unique culture of excellence and hospitality."

Welch also serves as the past president of the EDF board of directors.

Attendees heard from Auburn University experts and leaders, including Dean of Engineering Mario Eden, Senior Vice President for Advancement Rob Wellbaum, Vice President for Advancement Margaret Arnold, former Auburn Men's Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl, philanthropist Beth Stukes and more.

"The EDF conference is designed to showcase the best work taking place in engineering and STEM-focused fundraising each year," said Sean Burns, EDF board president and senior executive director of development at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. "It was a pleasure to bring the conference to Auburn and see what makes the engineering program and the university community so special. Every Auburn staff member and presenter talked about the culture of Auburn. It was evident as soon as we stepped onto its beautiful campus."

Next year's conference will be held at Arizona State University.