create a real impact with your special event

Create a real impact with your Special

Event!Lauren Barrett

Donor PathWednesday, September 24, 2014

Why Special Events?What does your special event do for your organization?

What is the purpose of the event?

Special Events: build relationships, connect constituents to your cause, help engage new constituents, generate publicity

Lauren’s experience

American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

Relay For Life – Daffodil Days

Volunteer for National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation wine tasting and restaurant event

Why do people get involved in your event?Connection to the cause… but the event makes them feel like they are

doing something to give back, often makes them feel special

Lauren Barrett

We have already mentioned that your event can help build relationships, generate publicity for your cause… but what is going to dray someone to participate or join in your special event?

Lauren Barrett

volunteers, teamsdonorsevent participantssponsors – corporate and in kindmedia partnersWhat are you doing to engage each group?

What makes your event special?

Uniqueness of your event – what makes it / you stand out from the other events similar to yours?

What does it take to hold a GREAT special

event?

Lauren Barrett

To hold a successful event, you need to:Engage the right people! This may take some time, thought, and tweaking… not easy to just jump into your perfect target audience. -Good timeline-Message correctly-Show your constituents that you care. engaging your constituents at all levels is the key to a successful special event.Encourage you to take some time, if you haven’t already done so… break down your constituent groups and who makes up your special event. Put together a brief timeline on outreach to them…

How to engage, retain, nurture event

volunteers to reach your financial goals

- personal phone calls, emails targeted to specific groups, in person meetings- happy constituents = more $ raised.

How to successful grow a small special event into a signature event

-engage constituents, local community, sponsors with a similar mission.

- Patience, gratitude, time, dedication!

How to advance your organization’s mission through a special event

- utilize constituents, local community & publicity from event.

-If you are communicating effectively to your constituents, they should be able to help you spread the word about your mission.

EX: emailing to team members for fundraising… always try to include a mission moment, or tie a fundraising request to how that would benefit the mission.

How to assess events and their overall impact on your organization

How successful is your event? - Reaching monetary goals

- Reaching goals for # of teams, attendees- Mission moments being fulfilled?

What can you start to do to engage your constituents?

Lauren Barrett

When you recognize your constituents, you are solidifying a relationship with them. -- Positive experience and a growing relationship = retention. And retention = increase $ for your cause. Special events evolve, always have new people engaged, people leaving year after year… but the more you can work with an engage your current constituents = more $.

Lauren Barrett

Think about each constituent base and what you can do to empower them. They are the heart of your special event, and ultimate if you are engaging them correctly, you are benefit the event, and the organization overall. More people spreading your mission and advocating for your cause, the louder your voice is heard!

Questions?

Thank you for your time!Lauren Barrett

[email protected]

create a real impact with your special event

Government & Nonprofit