display

Apr 11

Auction item displays benefit from photo books like this

Here's a quick tip on how to improve your auction item displays when you're offering a trip in either the silent or live auction.Use a photo book in your display. "Photo book" is the name I give to books (and I use the term "books" loosely) which feature photos of the inside of the property, outside of the property, and activities to do in the area.Think of it as a handmade version of a traditional coffee table picture book.Sometimes these books are a few pieces of paper stapled ... Read On >

May 10

Alternatives to the sit-down dinner gala

Maybe it's time for a change. You might feel like it's time to revamp your traditional sit-down dinner gala. Maybe you want a more informal, "social" vibe. Maybe the auction needs a layout shake-up. Maybe you've changed venues and -- Ugh, those tables! -- a sit-down dinner simply won't fit.Watch the video to see six options that will shake-up the layout, formality and overall vibe of your fundraising auction.Event Set-upsModified sit-down dinnerTheaterTheater-inspiredTheater-inspired for ... Read On >

Nov 10

[VIDEO] Silent auction layout when using mobile bidding

I'm in the thick of the fall auction season. Last week I was working all across the country, so expect to see more videos down the road -- as I have time to organize them. :) In this first clip, you'll see an auction layout of an event I worked two weeks ago here in Washington, D.C. The organization, Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation, is only five years old. Yet the group has already raised a whopping $7 million dollars to fight colon cancer. (Impressive!) They have three core ... Read On >

Nov 03

An attractive display for a bad live auction item: Tiffany dishes

My clients procure some excellent live auction items. Each year I whittle down my favorites and list them in my Auction Item Guide™. (Speaking of which, the current guide, What Sold Like a Dream in 2014, will vamoose December 31. Download your free copy before then.) But every so often, I have to sell an item that isn't strong by benefit auction standards.An oriental rug A trip to a luxurious resort in a dangerous country. A set of Oneida dishes. With a dining room table. This ... Read On >

Jul 28

Silent auction jewelry display ideas to add to your supply kit

I've written before about creatively displaying jewelry in your silent auction displays. That post showed some unusual ways to showcase your jewels. This suggestion is more straightforward. Use jewelry stands. Stands ... props ... displays ... whatever you want to call them. When you find jewelry displays on sale, it's not a bad idea to invest in more than one. These become part of your permanent supply kit. Consider this story. Shortly after I graduated from college, I flew to visit a ... Read On >