That Sounds Like a Plan!

Are you heading into the new year excited and ready to take on your first event?  Or are you feeling overwhelmed and anxious?  If it’s the latter, it may mean you simply need to do some year-end tasks that will set you up for success for next year’s events.     In this episode I share: Why you need a recap for all events Why you should start recruiting your planning team now The importance of orga...

This is an episode called a Planner Pep Talk or PPT.   Planning fundraising events is not easy.  These pep talks are designed to let you know you're not alone with some of the frustrating aspects of planning an event. Whenever you need a little encouragement, check out any of the PPT episodes.  The last couple of weeks leading up to your event is one of the most stressful periods of event pla...

What is an event script?  Why would you need one for a small nonprofit event?  I answer these questions and more in this week’s episode.       In this episode I share: Why you need an event script, no matter how small your event or program What should be the maximum length of your program The format and content of your script Head to the show notes and download three script freebies!  You will get...

Being nervous on event day is understandable.  Your mind is filled with all kinds of scenarios of what could go wrong.   In this episode I share: The three ways to minimize issues The five areas where problems tend to arise How to keep your cool on event day Ep. 21_ Two ways to stay on track on event day RIpple Event FB Page:  https://www.facebook.com/RippleEventMktg Ripple Event Instagram:  https...

There are many lessons learned each time you and your team plan a nonprofit fundraising or awareness building event.  An internal recap document is how you capture those lessons and use what you've learned to build on and improve your event for the next time around.     In this episode I share: What an internal recap is and why you need one The input you need for a thorough recap  The structu...

The weeks leading up to an event can be chaotic.  There’s a lot happening and there will be lots of questions about what’s happening and when.  The easiest way to ensure everyone is on the same page and minimize questions is to create two documents that will keep you on track on event day; a Show Flow or Run of Show and a packing checklist.   In this episode I share: What a Show Flow or Run of Sho...

Volunteers are the lifeblood of a nonprofit.  They provide staffing and labor in areas where nonprofits typically can’t afford to hire staff.  This is especially true when it comes to events.   In this episode I share: The types of  event volunteers you need The structure of your planning team How to create a volunteer grid for the day of the event Why and how you should plan for continuity when c...

A theme can turn a ho-hum event into a memorable experience.  When done well, a theme can seamlessly tie your mission to something fun and interactive.   In this episode I share: The purpose of event themes The best type of theme for a nonprofit event A brainwriting process for coming up with a theme  The Listener Action Item for today's episode has the exact steps for hosting a brain writing...

After a year of producing a large number of events, I hit a wall.  I experienced event burnout.   In this episode I share: The ways in which event burnout manifested in my life How I’m doing things differently to avoid burning out again I don’t ever want anyone to go through what I did.  While this isn’t a foolproof method for avoiding burnout, it’s a cautionary tale.   **I am not a therapist or a...

This is an episode called a Planner Pep Talk or PPT.   Planning fundraising events is not easy.  These pep talks are designed to let you know you're not alone with some of the frustrating aspects of planning an event. Whenever you need a little encouragement, check out any of the PPT episodes.  Perfectionists have a lot of good qualities and make great event planners.   But perfectionism has...

There’s nothing wrong   with hope.  Giving someone hope can change their life.  I am arguing that HOPE (the word hope) shouldn’t be part of your event.   In today’s episode I’m going to tell you WHY I feel this way.  I may not change your mind but hopefully I’ve made you think about a few things.       In this episode I share: The 3 reasons why HOPE shouldn’t be part of your event The #1 reason do...

Planning an outdoor event comes with its own set of unique challenges and tasks on your to-do list.   In this episode I share: How to create an inclement weather The seven most common logistical factors to consider How to plan for your event program Here’s a glance at what I cover:  [1:50] Find out what should go into your inclement weather plan [4:46] Learn what the seven most common logistical f...

Jen Gilhoi is an event strategist and founder of Sparktrack where she sparks conversations and tracks results for brands.  She helps nonprofits view and approach their relationship building and events on more of a continuum, versus siloed points like an annual gala. Jen and I talk about the external event recaps she creates for nonprofits and corporations, helping the event host capture the excite...

Have you ever gone into a small coffee shop and it takes seemingly forever to get a latte?  By contrast, you can sometimes go into a Starbucks or a Dunkin and they’re calling your name to let you know your half-calf, oat milk, extra hot latte with a double shot of espresso drink order is done before you’ve put your wallet away.    This is not a criticism of small coffee shops nor is it an exaltati...

Are you the leader of a nonprofit and are looking for someone to chair your next event?  Maybe you’ve been asked to lead an event or are thinking about stepping into the event leadership role,  Before you start recruiting or before you say ‘yes’, learn the 7 skills or traits event leaders need.   Leading or chairing an event is NOT for everyone.  I had a client say to me, “I’m the kind of person w...

There are three key areas where you should have firm deadlines when planning a fundraising event; sponsor deliverables, auction donations and event registration.  When you don't have deadlines, or worse yet, when you don't stick to your deadlines, you're adding extra work and stress for yourself and the planning team.  Find out why these deadlines are important, why I often get push...

This is an episode called a Planner Pep Talk or PPT.   Planning fundraising events is not easy.  These pep talks are designed to let you know you're not alone with some of the frustrating aspects of planning an event. Whenever you need a little encouragement, check out any of the PPT episodes.  Dealing with difficult people is one of the most challenging aspects of planning events.  Sometimes...

You pulled off a successful event.  Now what?  What do you do with your list of donors and supporters?     Jennifer Dieter has spent most of her fundraising career as a small shop generalist with a love/hate relationship with events. As a fundraising consultant, Jennifer wants to help fundraising professionals develop sustainable solutions that generate the highest return on investment.  In this i...

Many planning teams get stuck on finding THE perfect date.  They either overthink it or just don’t know where to start.   It doesn’t have to be that complicated.  There are 6 factors you need to take into account in order to narrow it down to find the best date options for your event.   After listening to this episode you’ll understand what those six factors are and how they affect your date optio...

Are you looking to get more people to register or attend your event and think that PR is the best way to do that.  PR is a great way to tell your story and build awareness for your organization.  Every nonprofit wants PR around their event.  But what's the best way to do that? Kari Logan spent her career in the media and is now focused on helping small senior services organizations to tell th...

This is an episode called a Planner Pep Talk or PPT.   Planning fundraising events is not easy.  These pep talks are designed to build your confidence and let you know you're not alone.   Whenever you need a little encouragement, check out any of the PPT episodes.  Today's PPT topic is about doubt and not letting others make you feel "less than".       Text me with a comment, q...

Today's question comes from Steve from Anoka, Minnesota.  Steve asks, "How do we utilize board members most effectively at events? How can we train them to know they need to be our best ambassadors instead of guests at the event?" This is a question I know many nonprofit leaders struggle with so I'm thankful Steve brought it up.   In this episode you'll learn The three way...

There are two big mistakes many nonprofits make when planning a fundraising event:   1) Not leaving enough time to plan the event.  This leads to all kinds of stress, things getting rushed, teams becoming burnt out which can impact your goals.     2) Not having a planning timeline which can lead to things falling through the cracks.   I talk about both of these mistakes and how to prevent them.  I...

Gala used to refer to a certain type of event.  You can probably picture it…Tuxedos, long gowns, champagne and fancy appetizers.  Today, the term gala has become generic.  It can refer to any type of fundraising event for nonprofits.  The term has become generic, like Kleenex.  Nonprofits have a lot of competition when it comes to fundraising events.  The first way you can stand out is through you...

If you’ve ever made the statement “I want to lose weight” you realize how extremely difficult that nebulous goal is to achieve compared to setting a goal for the number of pounds you want to lose by a specific date.  Adding those two simple details helps you start to formulate a plan for how you will get there.     Setting specific goals for your event is equally important. Now, I’m not going to l...