Event Planning How To: Your Guide to an Entertaining, Educational, and Memorable Fundraising Event!

This is the second article of our Event Planning How To series. Here we will explore ways to ensure that your event is entertaining, educational, and memorable. This is of particular importance, if you are organizing a fundraiser.

Keep them entertained

First consider what type of entertainment would be best suited to your event. Typically, live entertainment is the ideal choice for a charity event, as the entertainers can interact with the guests.

There are several terrific options for live entertainment, including a singer, band, or musician; however, in keeping with your second objective of making your event educational, you could also consider a live play or another form of performance art. Such live performances lend themselves well to educational messages.

As a charitable organization, money is always tight; but that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't afford quality entertainment. Many performers will entertain for free, or at a reduced rate, in support of a worthy cause. Local celebrities are a terrific draw. Their endorsement or support can attract more guests and potential donors and it is an excellent public relations opportunity for them. If you're considering a play, contact your local community theater group or the drama club at a local school. Consider a dinner theater, where the actors serve the meal, while staying in character. When creative minds come together, you're certain to have a spectacular event. Get ready to have some good, clean fun.

Educate and enlighten

For any nonprofit organization, it is important to get your message out to as many people as possible. If you haven't already created a mission, vision, and values statements, you need to do so as soon as possible. It is critical that you have clearly defined objectives, in order to educate the public.

There are several ways to present educational materials, including Powerpoint presentations, floor stands or easels, utilizing wall space for random facts, and/or a documentary video.

Different people absorb information in different ways. While some can retain information by simply reading or listening, others may be better served by a more interactive or hands on approach. The more variety you can incorporate into your event, the stronger the impact of your message.

Make it memorable

The more memorable the event, the greater the word of mouth promotion you will receive from your guests. We all know that is the most valuable and influential marketing available.

Sometimes "memorable" and "unique" can be found in the finer details. Simple things like seating, serving, parking – anything related to your guests' comfort, can have a big impact on the overall experience.  Cater to their needs.

An event can be made more memorable by choosing a unique and interesting venue. It can also be refreshing to include the unexpected. Fun and interactive activities can make a world of difference. What would be more unexpected than an ice cream bar or a trampoline at a formal event? Again, these are things that can easily be provided as a sponsorship by local businesses. Now is the time to think outside the box. When you exceed everyone's expectations, you inspire larger donations.

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 Related Links:

Event Planning How To:  8 Steps to a Successful Event

Event Planning How To: 8 Affordable Entertainment Tips for your Event

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