I’m predicting three trends for 2012 charity auctions. Two of them involve execution. No, nothing that harsh. I’m talking about the other kind of execution, when we're getting stuff done. We’ve heard a lot in the past couple years about trends in technology, but I think 2012 is the first time we are going to see some of these ideas in action. First – for better or worse - mobile bidding will become more widely adopted in the silent auction. Vendors have been touting electronic bidding ... Read On >
VIDEO: Unusual charity auction venues – airplane hangars
Almost any space can work for a gala auction, though you might need to make some adjustments. The more unusual charity auction venues have the added advantage of attracting guests to your event. This corporate airplane hangar had some advantages and disadvantages, which you'll hear in the video. Watch the video below. ... Read On >
VIDEO: Where to get charity auction items
It's one of the biggest stresses of any auction committee ... where to get items. If you're involved in a first year event, the item procurement process is especially tedious. Knowing what items to get -- and WHERE to get them -- is overwhelming. To help you understand the process at a high level, here are the three primary ways to procure charity auction items. (And I'm guessing that you've never heard of #3!) (UPDATE: The Tech Teleseries mentioned in the video has passed. Stay abreast of ... Read On >
Virginia benefit auctioneer grabs a video camera to express her gratitude to a nonprofit
Saying thank you is a life lesson. Moms teach kids to say thank you before they can walk. Friendships develop over a thoughtful note and business relationships are made from a good thank yous. Everyone appreciates some appreciation, so my advice to auction committees is to give it to them. Don’t overthink the task. Grab a pen, the phone, the keyboard ... or even a video camera and just say thanks. Here’s my example of taking a moment to pause and let someone know their actions were ... Read On >
VIDEO: Tips for tents as charity auction venues
If you're ready to change the feel of your auction, holding the event in a tent might do the trick. They have an almost romantic feel to them! Tents can be set up almost anywhere. I've worked inside tents set up in a backyard, a pasture, and the grounds of a museum. As explained in the video, tents are nice ... but they do present special challenges as a venue. Watch the video for details. ... Read On >