What experience do you want your benefit auction guests to have at the end of the night? Should the vibe be from a lively full-on dance band? A separate post-party? A quieter conversation. Watch this video to learn the positives, negatives, and considerations to hosting the following activities for your guests. All can be used as a classy way to end your gala --which is your favorite? A. Band / DJ B. Afterglow party C. Post-party (Don't miss the video of the flaming coffee ... Read On >
Entertainment
Virtual gala idea: An outsourced foodie experience
A common entertainment activity added to virtual galas has been a mixology class. In 2022, I think it's time to time to do something different. Some gala chairs are preparing to host their third annual online fundraiser. If that sounds like you -- and you haven't made any adjustments since your initial event -- it's time too add some fresh virtual gala ideas. That's why I was pleased to notice this promotion in my recent Zingerman's catalog. Zingerman's is a company I've used for ... Read On >
Land acknowledgments in fundraising events
Call it coincidence, divine intervention or luck, but I'd bet that you've had a situation whereby you see or hear something, and suddenly it shows up somewhere else. Like when you consider buying a particular type of car, and suddenly that model is all you see on the highway. That serendipity is what led me to write about today's subject. ============================== Thanks to a cancelled flight that left me scrambling to get from one fundraiser to another late last month, I've ... Read On >
Reminder cards for photography at gala auctions
Photography seems to be a part of every event I work. The photographer might be professional or amateur, paid or volunteer. The photography itself takes many approaches: Photobooths with guest props Flip Books Frames Boothomatics Backdrops Portrait Photography Similar but different -- changing the traditional photo donations found in the silent auction A recent gala had a venue that spread guests between two floors and a balcony. To ensure all knew that a ... Read On >
A unique auction venue sets the stage for Olympic-sized entertainment
One of my clients in the Adirondacks booked a new venue at the base of the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex. The complex was built for the 1980 Olympic Games and now serves as a training complex for Nordic ski and freestyle aerial jumping. It wasn't enough to have this impressive facility serve as a backdrop. The Executive Director of the foundation took the extra step of having Olympic-hopefuls demonstrate their talent for the benefit of the gala attendees. During the silent ... Read On >