Make Your Event Eventful!

In Orlando, there are a plethora of galas and fundraising events to attend. All vying for your attention. Most have a common rhythm – registration, check-in, silent auction, networking or mingling at the start, speakers and sometimes celebrities or entertainment, some have a live auction, etc. Many events have become somewhat formulaic. You know what to expect and, like it or not, if you want to support an organization, you go with it.

But what if things were different?

What if instead, the guests were surprised, or even delighted? What if the event was an experience they looked forward to attending every year? Some of these events have been going on for 20+ years – how do you keep things fresh and engaging? 

Know your target audience.
The more you can tailor your event theme, graphics and vibe to appeal directly to the people most likely to be aligned with your cause the more successful your event will be. Assess what you have done in the past and look for ways for improvement. Start with your first interaction with your invitees – your invitation. What message are you trying to convey? What will get them excited? And, how can you engage with them on multiple levels to get them motivated to attend your event?    

Branding is important.
Make sure that every communication flows together. Develop a memorable and distinctive identity that reflects your event’s personality. Consistency is key, so ensure that your color palette, typography, and design elements remain cohesive across all platforms, from your website to your social media profiles and marketing materials. Visual elements play a significant role in recall for your brand and your event. 

Tell a story. 
Engage people through storytelling that aligns with your mission. As an example when we created the theming for the Canine Companion Great American Road Trip we looked at it from multiple angles. The Southeast Region of Canine Companions consists of 7 different states and each chapter is important in the growth of the organization. The theme MLB developed captured this diversity while also emphasizing the core values of “Independence” and “Freedom” central to Canine Companions. Here is a breakdown:

• Concept: Inspired by the freedom of the open road and the independence that Canine Companions bring to so many lives, this concept truly had “legs.” It allowed for engaging social media content, inspired creative auction items and enhanced the event itself with fun, interactive experiences.
• Promotions: We developed imagery and ad materials that supported the central concept to set the tone, generating interest and excitement leading up to the event.
• Entertainment: We selected a musical act that resonated with the open road theme, choosing Bruce Hornsby. His music, which often embodies a deep sense of Americana, freedom and independence, was a perfect fit for the event.
• Event: We crafted an immersive experience for the “Great American Road Trip” event, incorporating nostalgic elements like old-time billboards, classic gas pumps, and vintage cars as props to entertain and engage attendees. Adding to the experience, Canine Companions’ Biker Puppy Trainers made a special appearance, making this road trip truly unforgettable.

Change it up. 
While the event name may remain constant each year, introduce an unexpected theme or element to the event itself. Spark conversations by encouraging attendees to invite others to join them at the next event.

Be strategic and creative when assessing your budget. 
Is your current budget effectively attracting new donors or sponsors, or are you seeing the same people return each year with little to no increase in funds raised? If it’s the latter, it may be time for a re-evaluation. We’ve all heard the saying, “You have to spend money to make money,” and while it’s crucial not to detract from the funds you raise to support your cause, it’s equally important to invest in the future growth of your organization. Sometimes, that means making strategic investments in that growth. Corporate sponsorships are a good way to raise funds and cover event expenses. Here are a few tips on attracting good corporate partners.

Make it easy. 
Simplifying event registration and donations is vital. Complex payment platforms often lead to failure. Choosing user-friendly options like OneCause is beneficial, especially for budget-constrained non-profits. Eliminate long lines by ensuring online preparations for guest arrival. Make all auction items accessible before the event for early bidding, and promote on social channels to generate excitement.

The bottom line. 
Make your event fun, enjoyable and memorable. Take a look at past events and challenge yourself to make your event more creative, less same-old same-old. Your event will thrive, donations will increase and your guests will thank you.