At least once a year, I’ll share tips about audio systems for fundraising auctions. (I include links to some past posts under the video.) The reason being is that good audio is a crucial element to a charity auction, but I personally find it difficult to convey its intricacies. Even so, I am giving it a shot in today's video. Over the last two years of virtual galas, our technology issues have been focused on connectivity, latency, and video -- NOT audio. With so much attention on ... Read On >
Administration
Advice for private school auction planners for 2022
Though I've been working fundraising auctions the last couple of months, I only recently conducted my first school auction of 2022. I learned this: Your audience has changed. Based on my experience, I have some advice for those of you planning private school auctions this year. Watch the video to learn my big “a ha!” and what you should do to better prepare for your first post-pandemic, in-person auction. https://youtu.be/2-xoRp5rpTE ... Read On >
Handling COVID safety precautions at your fundraising auction
How are you handling COVID precautions at your gala? Whether you are in an 'open' state or one that is more cautious, supporters want to know what they should expect at your event. Consider devoting a page to your gala website to COVID requirements. If you won't be doing anything -- tell them. If you expect them to upload a vaccination card, proof of booster, negative test, and wear a N-95 respiration mask -- tell them. If you're going to have comfort-level bracelets available ... Read On >
Your first decision after deciding to host a virtual gala
At first, organizations tried to skirt around COVID-19. Nonprofits and schools with galas scheduled in March and April rescheduled to May and June. Then they rescheduled to fall. Then spring 2021. “Surely by spring we’ll be able to hold an in-person event,” they told me, “We don’t want a virtual gala.” As coronavirus rages on, organizations that skipped hosting a spring 2020 event are recognizing the need for funds. They will be hosting a virtual gala out of necessity. Once you ... Read On >
“Pivoting” your gala is out. “Planning” is in.
The buzz phrase in March, April, May and June 2020 was “pivot to a virtual event.” Pivoting made sense when your in-person event was already organized (or nearly so). It meant that Gala Chairs had to rapidly transition their events to be online. But the days of "pivoting" an event are over. In-person galas aren't happening for many months. COVID-19 is running rampant. The expectations are that it will linger well into 2021. Instead, I encourage you to plan a virtual gala. Start from ... Read On >