The auction venues of 2019

The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. is a popular auction venue for larger groups.

Three years ago I wrote a post listing eleven different options for benefit auction venues.

And at various times, I’ve talked about unusual venues like this Olympic training facility or a car dealership.

As 2019 ends, I thought it would be fun to take a review of my year and note where my clients held their fundraising auctions.

Here were the most popular types of benefit auction venues in 2019.

1. Hotels:  Over 20 clients held their fundraiser in a hotel.  Hotels are typically the easiest option.  They have all the needed components for an auction:  flexible space, food and beverages, restrooms, electricity, parking options, A/V options, etc.
   

   A fundraiser themed CASAblanca found a home in an airplane hangar.

2. School facility:  Ten school auction clients opted to hold their auction on the school grounds, such as in a gym or theater.
3. Catering hall:  Four clients opted to host their fundraisers in a catering hall.  Much like hotels, these venues are easy choices because they’re equipped with the elements one needs to run events.  And unlike a hotel property, there is also no chance of a hotel guest casually sauntering through your fundraiser.
4. Historical building:  Five clients opted to rent a private facility that was originally built to serve a different purpose.  These include some museums, a loading dock, and a ballroom.

And here were the more unusual types of auction venues in 2019.  Each of these was selected by one or two clients this past year.

A tent in the middle of a horse arena was the venue for this Martha’s Vineyard fundraiser.

1. Casino
2. Church /religious fellowship hall
3. Country club
4. Sports stadium
5. Office building lobby
6. Restaurant
7. Art gallery
8. Barn
9. Horse arena
10. Convention center
11. A retired icebreaker ship now serving as a sailing club
12. Embassy
13. Theater
14. Live music venue
15. Airplane hanger

Interesting venues can draw guests to your fundraiser, freshening up a tired auction.  On the flip side, non-standard venues offer their own set of challenges.

Two clients held their auction fundraisers in stadiums. This was in the college town of Eugene, OR.