What benefit auction ideas rocked in 2010? What should you expect to see more of in 2011? Trends in gala auctions do exist, though it takes longer for some ideas to gain ground. But having attended ~50 auction fundraisers this year and consulted for dozens more, I'm noticing some ideas growing in popularity. Let's cover the top five benefit auction trends for 2011. 1. Cocktails Whether selling cocktails or serving them, the concept is a hot commodity. Some groups opt to sell a ... Read On >
Administration
Offer delivery to attract bidders to large benefit auction items
Last week I wrote about selling holiday trees in your gala. I didn't include an important piece of information that can really cripple the sale of those benefit auction items: delivery. Auction guests often look at trees -- or any large cumbersome item -- and think, "How would I ever get it home?" They admire it, but they won't bid. In fact, they'll often talk themselves out of bidding because getting the item home seems like too much work. To address this concern, offer delivery to the ... Read On >
Insurance for gala auction items and more
Last month, a 2010 Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle was stolen. The bike was painted pink and signed by a number of country music stars, such as Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, and Taylor Swift. Here's the kicker: It had been donated to be sold in a benefit auction to benefit the Lexington affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The bike had been stored inside a trailer secured by chains in the organization's parking lot. When employees returned to the office after the weekend, they ... Read On >
How to run your auction committee teleconference meetings
Hectic schedules being what they are, it's not uncommon for non-profit or school auction committees to meet via teleconference. And if you've got a group larger than 3 people, your phone's conference call option might not be an option. Consider these tips for meeting via phone. Use a free teleconference service With free teleconference services available, why not use them? Having the same number to dial into for each auction committee meeting adds professionalism and order to your planning. ... Read On >
NYC benefit auctions – Prepare your entries for Style Awards
BizBash is now accepting online entries for the 2010 New York Event Style Awards. If you're running any benefit auctions in the city that never sleeps, get into gear. The deadline is September 24, 2010. Just last Wednesday the finalists for the Windy City awards were announced. I spotted a few Chicago charity auctions among the group. Now I'm hoping to see some stellar submissions from NYC benefit auctions, too. The online entry form claims to be easy, so head to BizBash New York's website ... Read On >