Even when I’m not working at a charity auction, I find myself around one.
This past weekend, I traveled to San Diego’s Hyatt Regency to attend a conference which has been on my calendar for months. The hotel is surrounded by Mission Bay, making attendees feel as though we were on our own private tropical island.
Our meetings were in one of hotel ballrooms, but the facility also has a permanent tent on the grounds. Tucked inside was a a silent auction.
During lunch break, I popped into the tent to learn more. Turns out, Alpha Phi sorority of San Diego State University was organizing the charity auction to support the American Heart Association. The organizers weren’t overly welcoming, but I’ll forgive them because I know the stress involved setting up a charity auction.
Alpha Phi’s silent auction layout (as shot through the door of the tent)
Later that day, I took this snapshot. The layout was good, and I wanted to share some tips.
As I critique this layout from 30′ away — through a glass door — here’s are my impressions:
- Balloons are color-coordinated to sections.
- Balloons are on long strings, making it easy for guests to see auction categories from wherever one might stand.
- Excellent spacing between auction items and between tables.
- A sound system is in the tent.
- Silent auction displays are attractive (for instance, the bike is out for guests to touch and feel)
- Auction signage is large and easy to read.
I was hoping the auctioneer would be someone I’d know, but the sorority was using someone I’d not heard of.
From a layout-perspective, both the ballroom and silent auction had some outstanding elements. And from my limited observation, I’d say the sorority was incredibly well-organized to pull off this scale of a charity auction.
(And if they maintained their House GPA while simultaneously organizing this event for 300 people, further kudos are in order.)
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