How to Turn an Event into an Experience

In shaping an event’s guest experience there are several key factors to consider as you begin the planning process.  First Impressions: Setting the Tone From the Start The event experience begins the moment a guest walks through the door. A warm and intentional welcome creates a strong first impression and plays a critical role in…

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What is the Best Type of Event for Your Organization?

In this post, we will compare different types of events to help you decipher which type would be best for what your organization is trying to accomplish. Gala/Sit-Down Dinner ​​A gala is a large party that includes a sit down dinner and sometimes entertainment or an auction. A gala is a good option for your…

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The Return of In-Person Events

It has been over a year since we’ve had the opportunity to experience a live event. COVID-19 forced organizations to adopt virtual events such as live-streamed concerts, watch parties, virtually cooking classes/happy hours, etc…. A.K.A. zoom call, after zoom call, after zoom call… After a year of “virtual” reality, even as creative as event planners…

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10 Ideas for Virtual Nonprofit Events

With so much uncertainty many organizations are pivoting to virtual events. Now more than ever we are being challenged to come up with new and improved virtual event ideas, leaving boring webinars and video conferences to a thing of the past. Thanks to fabulous technology and ample creativity, the show can go on! In this…

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Creating a Successful WFH Environment

Today’s work from home policies are a “luxury” that a large swath of our workforce is enjoying. Gone is the early morning rise to catch a 6am commuter train and the long trek home that gets you in after 8pm. But, just because you get to “sleep-in” doesn’t mean you should hit the snooze button…

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What Not to Wear: WFH Edition

  As the pandemic continues, working from home has become a mandate for most of the workforce. One of the difficulties of WFH is conjuring up the willpower to change out of your PJs… and wondering if you even have to?  (P.S. Yes, you do!) Why it is good to get dressed for the WFH…

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Who’s Giving Money

  Although some people may think that philanthropy is for the wealthy, big foundations, and large corporations, of the $358 billion that Americans gave to charity in a recent year, 80% of giving is actually from individual donors.  We compiled various charitable giving statistics with a breakdown of generational giving (from nonprofitssource.com and PhilanthropyRoundtable.com) to…

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Engage & Help Your Board of Directors Fulfill Their Fundraising Goals

Illustration of people in a meeting

Engage Your Board and Help Them Fulfill their Fundraising Goals Spring benefit season is fast approaching. It’s the season of giving… but for fundraising event planners, it’s the season of asking! One challenge organizations often face is the issue of how to help their board of directors fulfill their fundraising commitments. Make it Simple and…

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Stop the Last Minute Flaking

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* 400 tickets have been sold for your annual gala. The room is set-up to accommodate this guest count, but when the night comes, only 350 people show up. There are tables with empty seats and every empty seat seems like it has a spotlight shining on it…  The success of your event is more than…

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Utilizing Mobile Apps at Your Event

People using their mobile phones to bid on auctions

Mobile apps have transformed the way we attend events! Gone are the days of pen and paper! No longer do guests want to fill out their name and number on a clipboard to bid on auction items. No longer are you writing down people’s credit card numbers on a receipt to key in the information…

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The Ultimate Guide to A Successful Event

People at a party giving a toast

Define Your Event’s Purpose & Goals Prepare a mission statement and consider who your audience is for your event. Define exactly what it is you are trying to accomplish by holding the event. Are you trying to educate your audience, raise money, or something else? Define your goals (consider financials, outreach, and more). It is…

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