Some great partners asked me to speak this past year and I've consolidated the list below. Though some of the earlier programs I gave on virtual galas might already be dated, there are often tidbits in the mix that make it worthwhile to hear anyway. If you're seeking some educational resources over the holiday downtime, you might enjoy one or all of these. Fired Up Fundraising with Gail Perry, April 2020: "Let's talk about virtual events" The Grow Report with Pamela Grow, May ... Read On >
Virtual auction event
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 >
Three tips for boosting attendance at your virtual gala
This I know ... If you are able to get people to watch your virtual gala, you'll raise money. The challenge for all of us these days is that our hours are filled with multiple distractions. It can be harder to get your guests focused on logging in and attending. I myself have been an organizational mess the last few months. I've forgotten meetings. I've double-booked myself. I shown up in Zoom when it was a teleconference meeting. I can only imagine what a wreck I'd be if ... Read On >
A virtual gala Wow Box made to impress
This Wow Box was the subject of Conversation 5 in my COVID-19 series, "The Next Six Months." You can register for the free series to listen to all conversations. ============================ How do you create a memorable experience when you can't curate the evening? This has been the dilemma for many auction planners since COVID-19 forced galas to go virtual. A thematic evening with controlled ambiance -- music, lights, food, drink and a carefully crafted stage program -- goes ... Read On >
Unintended consequences of watch parties during Zoom-style virtual galas
English ivy was brought to the United States for ornamental purposes; it looks so pretty scampering up a wire. But the ivy's introduction had some unintended consequences. It grows so aggressively, it overtakes small trees and damages mortar in brickwork. Unintended consequences are also apparent in our virtual galas. Nearly every week I am asked to troubleshoot a new problem that has surfaced, typically because someone has tweaked one area in an effort to improve the event. The ... Read On >