Unless one is working in the weeds of galas, they’d never notice the minor shifts taking place each year. Yet shifts happen.
Let’s consider some fast-moving auction packages as a quick example.
Peloton bikes were the rage during the 2020 pandemic. It morphed into MIRROR and Tonal when virtual galas continued into 2021.
Solo stoves were also a pandemic favorite. That offering morphed into Ooni Pizza Ovens.
Auction old-timers will recall the significant donations from Kuerig, Green Mountain Coffee, and Kendra Scott jewelry that crammed silent auction tables in 2012/2013. Those donations dwindled by 2015.
And for those in the Washington, D.C. area, do you remember when Lockheed Martin would allow four people to visit their Demo Center? I had dozens of clients ask for and receive that donation. Alas, no more.
My point is that trends happen regularly. If you’re in the know, you can take that information and ride the wave. It keeps your gala fresh when compared to others.
I identified seven trends for 2024. Today I’m covering three of them.
1. Gala ticket prices are on the rise
Services are more expensive. Inflation has made its mark.
If you haven’t yet increased your ticket price, you’re behind the curve.
Take a look at your expenses and goals, and then revisit your ticket price to see if it needs to be adjusted.
2. QR codes are everywhere.
In 2022 I talked about QR codes appearing in auction catalogs
Now we see auction software companies enabling these codes to be used in other places — they appear on gala tables, registration, auction package displays, and sponsor posters.
3. An uptick in special appeals focused on funding mental health services
One could argue that the state of mental health in the United States wasn’t ideal before the pandemic.
Now that the respiratory crisis has passed, the mental health crisis has taken center stage. Discussion of mental health and the push to normalize therapy and other services has made its way into auction ballrooms.
During the special appeal, a number of my clients — schools and nonprofits — decided it was time to shine a light on needed mental health services.
Watch the video below for more details.
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