Special Events

Carolyn Rogers, APR, Lucy Costa and Heidi Taulman are preparing their very visual presentation on Special Events.

Okay, it's lights out now...

Carolyn: We're speaking about special events at a special event! I want to make a strong plea - if you're going to have an event, have an event with a purpose. Events are not the most efficient way to raise money.

Heidi:
You can never plan too much!
Include a follow up strategy in your overall plan and make it timely
Remember your goals and include them in the recap to your constituents
Say thank you an average of 6 times to your volunteers, donors, etc.

Lucy:
My belief is that an event is made more memorable with a commemorative giveaway.
You can give the item away BEFORE the event, as a means to encourage attendance.
Make it part of the planning process, not an afterthought.
Photos of VIP's in hard hats and t-shirts...good
Photos of kids in hard hats and t-shirts...better! Media loves kids and pets as visuals.
If you are giving an award, make sure it corresponds to the level of the achievement.

Carolyn: Make sure no one else is doing an event the same time as yours! Target your audience by asking advice of your target audience.

Lucy: Always have a plan B.