In July, I alerted readers to the call for entries for applying for the BizBash event awards in Chicago. Congratulations to the finalists. There are several nonprofit and associations listed, even in the traditional categories– huzzah! Some of them even had a live or silent auction as part of their gala. Based on my observation of the Washington, D.C. awards, BizBash has traditionally favored event "glitz" over event "financials." Large glamorous fundraising events seem to earn more ... Read On >
Administration
Chicago benefit auctions – Submissions due for BizBash awards
If you've incorporated some fresh benefit auction ideas into your gala, perhaps you should be recognized for your work? Here's one way to get a feather in your Auction Chair (or event management) cap. Submit your event to BizBash Chicago. Though there doesn't seem to be any specific award for benefit auctions specifically, you can still submit your gala into almost 20 different categories differentiated by budget, concept, and other elements. I have had two auction clients in 2008 and one ... Read On >
Benefit Auctions v. Online Nonprofit Contests: Where’s the payoff?
Recently a number of my benefit auction clients have been participating in online contests for nonprofits. Most of them are not feeling "warm and fuzzy" when the contest ends. "Don't even mention the word "Pepsi" to me," said one, who was exhausted after coming *that* close to winning thousands in the Pepsi Refresh challenge, only to lose by a handful of last-minute online votes to a competing nonprofit. Then she said something I've also heard from others: "With so much time having been ... Read On >
Here’s an easy charity auction tip – Use surveys
Charity auction tips don't get much simpler than this ... survey your guests after your gala. I was reminded of this recently while listening to the radio. On a recent morning show, the DJ was asking his co-hosts and callers about their preferred superhero power. "If you could have one superhuman power," he'd ask, "What would it be?" Flying and invisibility were popular, but so was the ability to read minds. The ability to read minds would be handy at your auction, wouldn't it? You could ... Read On >
My 100% guarantee on this benefit auction seminar
UPDATE: These trainings have passed. To keep abreast of future calls, subscribe to Benefit Auction Ideas. ++++++ If you're seeking benefit auction ideas, this is one of those no-brainer events to attend. For those of you living in the Washington, D.C. / Baltimore / Delaware corridor, I invite you to meet me in Wilmington, DE tomorrow and Baltimore, MD on Wednesday. Spots are limited in both locations, though we have a few more in Baltimore than in Wilmington. In a hurry? Register here for ... Read On >