The Elevate Your Event Podcast is where we talk about how to plan and execute an unforgettable event that will dazzle your guests and generate more income for your organization. From fundraising and securing trendy auction items, to event production and logistics, get the best tips and advice from seasoned fundraising and event professionals who have been in your shoes.
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Creating Memorable Guest Experiences with Kim Tittle, 15|40 Productions
46:49
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46:49In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we’re joined by Kimberly Tittle, Executive Director of 15|40 Productions, who brings over two decades of expertise in crafting unforgettable events. Kimberly dives deep into what it really takes to elevate guest experiences—from arrival to farewell. She shares how a thoughtful blend of technology and human con…
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Derby Day Done Right – Behind the Scenes of a 19-Year Legacy
39:20
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39:20This episode flips the script. No guests. No panels. Just Jeff and Mark diving deep into the history and evolution of one of Denver’s most unique fundraising events: Derby Day at Fiddler’s Green. What started as a backyard party nearly two decades ago is now a full-blown, high-end experience with fire pits, LED screens, custom cocktails, and seriou…
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The Power of Clarity in Nonprofit Goal Setting with Graeme Watt
45:04
45:04
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45:04In this episode, our guest Graeme Watt introduces the Strategic Inevitability Framework—a powerful tool designed to help nonprofits bring clarity, focus, and follow-through to their strategic plans. Graeme shares why it’s crucial to set clear goals, build accountability, and focus on fewer, high-impact actions to drive meaningful progress. He also …
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Making Wishes Come True: Inside Make-A-Wish Colorado
43:31
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43:31In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we sit down with Scott Dishong, CEO of Make-A-Wish Colorado, to explore how his team brings hope and joy to children with critical illnesses. From unique wishes (like a robotic dragon!) to the massive impact of student-led fundraising, Scott shares insights into what makes Make-A-Wish so special. We also dive …
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Keep Donors Engaged & Coming Back: Retention Strategies That Work
36:43
36:43
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36:43Episode Summary: Your event was a hit—but how do you keep donors engaged after the night is over? In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive into the must-know strategies for donor retention. From capturing donor data at check-in to creating meaningful touchpoints throughout the year, we’re breaking down practical ways to keep supporters connec…
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Staffing Smarter: Texting for Fundraising Success with James Martin, RallyCorp
35:34
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35:34Episode Summary: Welcome back to the Elevate Your Event podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into the power of text messaging for fundraising with special guest James Martin from RallyCorp. If you’ve ever struggled with low email open rates or declining donor engagement, you’ll want to hear how SMS can transform the way you connect with supporter…
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Staffing Smarter: How Freelance Talent is Elevating Events with Tracy Judge & Nikki Gonzales, Soundings
1:00:26
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1:00:26In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we welcome Tracy Judge and Nikki Gonzales from Soundings to explore the evolving world of event staffing and management. They discuss how skilled freelance talent can enhance fundraising events, the importance of aligning the right people with the right roles, and how personality impacts guest experiences. The…
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Elevating Guest Experiences with Cutting-Edge Tech
41:17
41:17
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41:17Episode Summary: Step into the future of events with Jeff, Mark, and Elise as they break down the latest innovations from AXIS Drive and Stripe Tour. From personalized LED screens that greet guests by name to face-recognition check-ins and walkout payment systems, we’re exploring how next-gen technology is transforming guest experiences. How can fu…
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Master the Art of Public Speaking and Storytelling with Johanna Walker
47:35
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47:35Episode Summary: Ready to turn those nerve-wracking speeches into mic-dropping moments? In this episode, public speaking coach and storytelling expert Johanna Walker shares all her best tips on public speaking and storytelling to help you rock the stage at your next event. From crafting emotional, audience-grabbing stories to channeling stage frigh…
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Episode Summary: As we bid farewell to a fantastic year, join us for this special New Year’s episode where we reflect on 2024 and set sights on elevating events in 2025. From lessons learned at memorable fundraisers to setting impactful resolutions, this episode is packed with actionable insights for nonprofit leaders and event planners! What You’l…
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It’s time for some festive fun! In this special holiday episode of Elevate Your Event, the Handbid team trades fundraising tips for a rollicking round of holiday trivia. From classic Christmas movie questions to New Year’s Eve traditions (did you know about the twelve lucky grapes?), this episode is packed with laughter, friendly competition, and a…
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From Transactional to Transformational: Evolving Fundraising Approaches with Sherry Quam-Taylor
45:06
45:06
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45:06In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Sherry Quam Taylor dives into game-changing strategies to elevate nonprofit fundraising. She explores how diversifying revenue streams, building authentic relationships with major donors, and evolving board roles can drive sustainable growth. Sherry breaks down the power of balancing emotional stor…
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Engaging Corporations Beyond Events with Heather Nelson, BridgeRaise
36:22
36:22
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36:22In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Heather Nelson, president and lead consultant at BridgeRaise, dives deep into the world of corporate fundraising. Heather highlights how to build sustainable partnerships between nonprofits and corporations by aligning values and objectives for maximum impact. She shares insights on creating compel…
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Spreadsheets, GenZ Slang, and Snappy Auctions – Fun with AI at Handbid!
37:50
37:50
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37:50In this hilarious and practical episode of Elevate Your Event, Jeff Porter, CEO of Handbid, is joined by Elise Druckenmiller and the newest Handbid team member, Mikaela Roth, who brings her GenZ flair to the mix. Together, they dive into the power of AI (specifically ChatGPT) and explore how it can take the busywork out of planning auctions. From g…
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Harnessing Technology for Nonprofit Success with Ashish Malik, 108 Ideaspace
34:54
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34:54In this insightful episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive into the transformative role of technology for nonprofits with Ashish Malik, co-founder and CEO of 108 Ideaspace. Ashish shares over 20 years of experience helping nonprofits and associations modernize their tech stacks, improve donor engagement, and achieve their missions. We explore everyt…
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The Power of Storytelling in Event Marketing with Howard Adam Levy
37:46
37:46
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37:46In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Howard Adam Levy, founder of Red Rooster Group, dives into the critical role of storytelling and strategy in event marketing. He stresses the importance of clearly conveying your organization’s mission and impact to forge stronger connections with donors. Levy also recommends reframing your cause t…
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The 7 Phases of a Successful Capital Campaign with Sarah Plimpton
38:32
38:32
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38:32In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive into the world of capital campaigns with Sarah Plimpton, Director of Client Happiness at Capital Campaign Pro. Sarah breaks down the seven key phases that every nonprofit should know when planning a capital campaign. From early-stage planning to the all-important “quiet phase” and the art of the big pu…
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From Vision to Action: How EOS Can Transform Your Nonprofit with Jay Strear
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46:00Welcome back to another episode of Elevate Your Event! Today, we’re thrilled to have Jay Strear in the studio—a nonprofit veteran with over 30 years of experience. Jay’s here to share his journey from leading a statewide nonprofit to becoming an EOS implementer. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your big ideas into actionable steps, this episode …
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Turning Pages, Raising Funds: How Read-A-Thon is Revolutionizing School Fundraising with Stephanie Davern
44:22
44:22
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44:22In this episode, Stephanie Davern, Vice President Sales and Marketing for Read-A-Thon, shares insights on school fundraising and the importance of fostering a love for reading among students. She delves into the challenges of promoting reading in today’s digital age and how making it fun and inclusive can make all the difference. Read-A-Thon offers…
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Creating Immersive Event Experiences with Joey Goone, Utopia Experience
42:43
42:43
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42:43Join Joey Goone from Utopia Experience as he delves into the art of creating immersive events in this engaging episode. Joey introduces the 3C model, highlighting why people attend events: content, connection, and community. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the neuroscience and psychology behind gatherings to create environments where …
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Building Affinity and Community through Events with Queen Bee Fundraising
37:45
37:45
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37:45Join A.J. Steinberg, a seasoned fundraiser and event producer, as she unveils her distinctive approach to nonprofit event planning. A.J. underscores the significance of events as pivotal moments to foster community and build affinity for organizations. She delves into the post-event stewardship process, stressing the necessity of personalized thank…
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Unlocking School Fundraising Potential with Schoolfundr
37:26
37:26
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37:26In this episode of "Elevate Your Event," we chat with Connor Thinnes from Schoolfunder about making school fundraising a breeze. Schoolfundr is a game-changing online platform designed to help schools and their groups raise more money and keep more of what they raise. They do this with a unique optional tip model that lets schools keep a whopping 9…
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After the Derby: Transforming Events with Tech and Creativity - Derby Day Part 4
28:56
28:56
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28:56Tune in to this special episode of "Elevate Your Event," where we wrap up the Derby Event series with a final behind-the-scenes look at the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Derby event. We'll revisit how cutting-edge tech and creative pre-event fundraising ideas turned this event into a huge success. Join us as we highlight the magic of mobile bid…
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Auction Mastery: Tips and Tricks with Kevin Spykerman
50:12
50:12
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50:12Join us as we sit down with Kevin Spykerman to chat about all things auction items and the secrets to getting them. We dive into why presentation and service can make or break your auction packages. Kevin shares some top-notch tips on how to get board members involved and leverage their connections, emphasizing the need for clear direction and acco…
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Adopting New Technology for Established Nonprofits
50:15
50:15
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50:15In this episode of "Elevate Your Event," we dive into the exciting world of advanced technology strategies and their transformative impact on nonprofit events. Join us for another NXUnite panel discussion on using cutting-edge tools to elevate your events and boost donor engagement for maximum impact. Discover how to choose the best technology solu…
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Why Your Fundraising Event Needs a Professional Planner with Adrienne Coffey
46:23
46:23
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46:23Tune in to this engaging episode of "Elevate Your Event" where we chat with event planning expert, Adrienne Coffey. Adrienne shares her insights on how a professional event planner can transform your fundraiser from standard to standout. We discuss the importance of strategic planning, enhancing guest engagement, and incorporating technology to imp…
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Creating Authentic Partnerships with Influencers - Nick Lynch, Collidescope
36:43
36:43
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36:43Hey folks! Welcome back to another episode of Elevate Your Event. Today, we're diving into the world of influencer marketing for nonprofits with Nick Lynch, the mastermind behind Collidescope. Nick's here to share some insider insights on how Collidescope is shaking things up by connecting nonprofits with corporate partners and influencers to turbo…
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Fundraising Event Series: Derby Day Part 3
33:52
33:52
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33:52Welcome to another thrilling episode of "Elevate Your Event," brought to you by the Handbid team! Today, we're back with the third part of our series, and we're getting pumped for the upcoming Derby Day bash. Get ready to turn your run-of-the-mill events into jaw-dropping experiences! We're chatting about the perks of bringing in a pro event planne…
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Simplifying Silent Auctions with Mobile Bidding
26:47
26:47
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26:47On today's episode of Elevate Your Event, we're chatting with the Colorado Springs Conservatory about their recent event success story. They'll be sharing how they made it happen, thanks to Handbid's mobile bidding solution. Imagine ditching those old-fashioned paper bid sheets and diving into the world of tech. The Conservatory team tells us about…
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Fundraising in the Digital Age: Embracing Tools and Trends for Nonprofit Success
56:59
56:59
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56:59Welcome back to "Elevate Your Event"! Today, we're diving into the dynamic world of nonprofit fundraising in the digital age. But don't worry, folks, we're not getting lost in the tech jargon without a guide! Our featured speaker, the one and only Jeff Porter recently shared his wisdom at the NXUnite panel, and we're here to bring you the highlight…
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Harnessing the Power of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) with Mitch Stein of Chariot
40:12
40:12
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40:12Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and their game-changing impact on philanthropy! Every year, billions of dollars are granted through DAFs, making them a powerhouse in charitable giving. In this episode, we're joined by special guest Mitch Stein from Chariot as we delve into what makes DAFs tick and how your…
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Accessibility in Fundraising Events with Emma Ord
37:40
37:40
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37:40Join us for the latest episode of "Elevate Your Event" featuring the dynamic Emma Ord! Emma dives into the world of user-centric design principles and their impact on event accessibility and overall experience. Emma doesn't just talk accessibility—she brings a fresh perspective on how these principles can make events more engaging for everyone. Fro…
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From Volunteers to Executives: Women's Roles in Nonprofits with Marissa Walters
30:20
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30:20Welcome back to "Elevate Your Event"! Today's episode is going to be a fascinating exploration into the world of philanthropy, particularly focusing on the remarkable impact of women. And guess what? We're thrilled to have a returning guest with us, Marissa Walters from Wild Hair Auctions. Women are truly making waves in the philanthropic landscape…
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Fuel for the Future - Fundraising Strategies for Higher Ed Institutions
51:48
51:48
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51:48Hey there, welcome back to Elevate Your Event! Today's episode is packed with valuable insights into fundraising strategies, and trust us, you won't want to miss it. We're diving deep into the world of higher education fundraising with a fantastic panel discussion with NXUnite. We're talking about everything from personalized digital outreach to do…
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Fundraising Event Planning Series: Derby Day Part 2
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31:29Hey there, welcome back to Elevate Your Event! We're thrilled to have you join us for the second part of our chat about fundraising event planning as we get ready for our Derby Day event. Today, we're going beyond the basics and digging into what really makes these events shine. Get ready to explore how ordinary gatherings can transform into unforg…
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Websites For Nonprofits And Capitalizing On Websites For Events - Part 2
33:16
33:16
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33:16Hey there, listeners! Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast. We're thrilled to have you join us once again as we continue our exploration of "Elevating Fundraising Events: A Guide to User Experience and Technology Integration." And we’re welcoming back our guest, Monica Pitts from MayeCreate Design! As we know, …
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Websites for Nonprofits and capitalizing on websites for events - Part 1
25:47
25:47
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25:47Hey there! Welcome to another episode of 'Elevate Your Event'! Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of nonprofit websites. We'll be uncovering how organizations can really make a splash online by crafting websites that not only look amazing but also work like a dream. We've got some fantastic insights lined up for you on how to amp up your …
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Welcome to another episode of Elevate Your Event! Today, we're excited to welcome special guests from Alumni Finder, a trusted provider of comprehensive alumni database solutions for nonprofits and educational institutions. With Alumni Finder's expertise in harnessing data for effective engagement, our expert panel will delve into the importance of…
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Funding the Future: Strategies for School Fundraising & Development
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55:05Welcome to another engaging episode of "Elevate Your Event"! In this edition, we dive into the innovative ways schools are harnessing technology to revolutionize their fundraising efforts. With the rapid shift to remote learning, technological advancements have played a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of school fundraising. Our CEO and …
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Engaging Millennial Donors: A New Era of Fundraising
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39:56In this episode of "Elevate Your Event," the Handbid team discusses how millennials are reshaping fundraising events. We'll reveal the unique traits of this generation, their tech-savvy nature, and the importance of authenticity and inclusivity in engaging them. You'll also learn about involving millennials in the planning process, transitioning to…
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NX Unite Panel - Thinking Ahead: Bringing Your Nonprofit into the Future with Tech
53:57
53:57
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53:57Jeff Porter, our CEO, was also recently featured on a panel discussion for NX Unite called “Thinking Ahead: Bringing Your Nonprofit into the Future with Tech.” In this episode, Jeff is going to share some invaluable insights into how nonprofits can navigate the complex world of event technology in 2024. We'll be covering a range of topics, from eve…
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The Psychology of Bidding with Marissa Walters part 2
24:22
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24:22Welcome back to part 2 of our two-part episode with the amazing Marissa Walters! In the first part, we discussed some incredible insights into fundraising auctions and bidding psychology. We'll be exploring how you can use concepts like scarcity, competition, and urgency to make your auction events more exciting and profitable. But that's not all. …
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The Psychology of Bidding with Marissa Walters part 1
21:59
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21:59Welcome to another exciting episode of "Elevate Your Event." In this episode, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of auctions and how the power of psychology plays a pivotal role in shaping bidding behavior. Joining us is Marissa Walters, an auctioneer extraordinaire from Wild Hair Auctions and Events. But this episode isn't just your run-…
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Fundraising on a Budget: Maximizing Event Impact
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29:01Welcome to the latest episode of 'Elevate Your Event' featuring the team at Handbid. The focus of this episode is to maximize the impact of fundraising events even on a minimal budget. We discuss some insightful and cost-effective strategies for enhancing guest experience without splashing out on fancy amenities. Discover how being thoughtful, cons…
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How Setting Easy Goals Can Catapult Your Event Planning Success
34:22
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34:22Hey there, folks! Get ready to dive into another exciting episode of the "Elevate Your Event" podcast. In this episode, we've got Lori Makkai, Jeff Porter, Matt Reilly, and Stefanie Mason joining us again to talk about a crucial aspect of achieving long-term success in event planning – setting easy goals. We'll be taking you on a journey through th…
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One of the most valuable tools for reflecting on the year's events, particularly when utilizing bidding software like HandBid, is the wealth of data generated from each auction. This software streamlines the process of extracting reports containing a diverse range of information. These reports serve as crucial signposts for guiding projections and …
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Fundraising Event Planning Series: Derby Day Part 1
45:51
45:51
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45:51In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive deep into the world of fundraising event planning, with a focus on our Kentucky Derby-themed event journey. Join us as we share our experiences, challenges, and insights on how to plan and evolve a successful fundraiser. We emphasize the importance of setting clear goals, creating a budget, and priorit…
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Accelerating Nonprofit Fundraising: Tools, Technology, and COVID-19 Impact with Tiffany Allen
41:10
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41:10In this conversation, Tiffany Allen, the founder of Boss on a Budget, discusses the importance of fundraising tools and how they can accelerate the fundraising process for nonprofits. She also highlights the impact of COVID-19 on the nonprofit sector and the abundance of available resources for nonprofits. The conversation emphasizes the value of f…
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PlanHero 2.0: Revolutionizing Volunteer Management
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34:50Great events are successful because of the hard work of dedicated volunteers. Julie Farrell, a former tech professional turned full-time mom and committed volunteer, experienced first hand the challenges of organizing volunteers. Using her frustration as inspiration, she founded PlanHero, a group organizer software app that is user-friendly and des…
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Crafting Unforgettable Events: Insights from Fundraising Experts
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53:01
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53:01In another engaging webinar with NXUnite, Jeff Porter is joined by Lauren Batterby, founder and CEO at Life Events Staffing, Scott Roseveare, president and co-founder of Risk Free Item Shop, and event consultant Tony Banks. These expert fundraisers share knowledge gained from decades in the nonprofit and charitable event industries, ensuring that y…
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