Elevate Your Event

Handbid
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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.

  1. Know your Crowd: The Secret to Auction Item Success

    HACE 2 DÍAS

    Know your Crowd: The Secret to Auction Item Success

    Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! This week, the Handbid Home Team digs into a topic every auction planner needs to hear: why some items soar—and others totally flop. Spoiler alert: it all comes down to knowing your crowd. Whether you're tossing in zoo passes, weekend getaways, or a family photo session, what works for one event could bomb at another. The team brings stories from real events, data-backed strategies, and a few laughs along the way (yes, someone really did donate a vasectomy). It's an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how to make auction items matter—and how to avoid wasting space on the silent auction table. In This Episode: Why “know your audience” is the golden rule for auction successCommon item flops: overpriced services, stale gift cards, and awkward experiencesHow bundling, presentation, and pricing can transform boring into bidding warCreative ways to use gift cards, wine pulls, and rafflesThe danger of overpricing based on inflated FMV (and how to fix it)How data reports like Handbid’s category performance can guide smarter decisionsBonus: what to fix first when an event just isn’t workingWhy It Matters: Putting the wrong items in your auction not only wastes space—it costs you revenue. When you know your audience and use data to guide your strategy, you can craft an auction that truly excites your bidders and delivers real fundraising results. Key Takeaways: “One-size-fits-all” items rarely work—tailor to your audience every yearPresentation and pricing are just as important as the item itselfGift cards and small items can shine when packaged creativelyUse data from past events to make smart, strategic choicesEvent flow, check-in process, and volunteer roles matter more than you thinkFinal Thought: Great auctions aren’t about throwing everything into the mix—they’re about curating the right mix for the people in the room. If you know your crowd, you can turn even simple items into major wins. And if you're not sure where to start? The Handbid Home Team is here to help. Elevate Your Event Podcast | Powered by Handbid Welcome to Elevate Your Event, the ultimate podcast for fundraisers, event planners, and nonprofit professionals looking to take their events to the next level! Hosted by the team at Handbid, this podcast dives into fundraising strategies, auction best practices, donor engagement tips, event technology trends, and nonprofit success stories. 🎧 What You’ll Learn:✅ How to run a successful online, live, or hybrid auction✅ Best practices for mobile bidding and fundraising software✅ Creative donor engagement strategies✅ Event marketing tips to maximize attendance and donations✅ Expert insights from top fundraisers and nonprofit leaders Whether you're organizing a gala, charity auction, school fundraiser, corporate event, or virtual fundraising campaign, we’ve got you covered with actionable advice to increase participation, boost donations, and create unforgettable experiences. 🌐 Learn More & Get Started with Handbid:🚀 Visit our website: https://www.handbid.com📖 Read our most popular blog post: "50+ Top Silent Auction Items & Ideas for Your Next Event" https://www.handbid.com/blog/silent-auction-items📖 More event fundraising tips: https://www.handbid.com/blog 🔔 Subscribe & Stay UpdatedDon’t miss out on the latest fundraising tips, event tech trends, and nonprofit success stories! Subscribe now and join a community of event fundraising professionals working to make an impact. 📲 Follow Handbid for More Event Fundraising Insights:🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handbid🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handbid🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/handbid🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Handbid #Handbid #ElevateYourEvent #FundraisingPodcast #EventFundraising #SilentAuctions #NonprofitFundraising #CharityAuctions #MobileBidding #AuctionSoftware #FundraisingTips #EventPlanning #DonorEngagement #FundraisingEvents #CharityEventPlanning #FundraisingSuccess #GalaAuctions #fundraisingideas

    24 min
  2. From Party Planning to Purpose-Driven Fundraising

    10 SEP

    From Party Planning to Purpose-Driven Fundraising

    Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! This week, Jeff Porter sits down with Shilpa Alva, founder and executive director of Search for Water. What started as a party-loving 20-something’s social gatherings grew into a global nonprofit tackling water access, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health in Haiti, Uganda, and Indonesia. Shilpa’s journey shows how a single event can spark an international mission—and why events remain central to her organization’s impact today. In This Episode:How Shilpa’s very first event at the Weisman Art Museum launched Search for WaterThe creative, scrappy, and manual ways early events came together—think hand-swiped credit cards and DIY brandingWhy ticket sales aren’t your biggest revenue driver (and where to focus instead)The unique two-part event model Shilpa uses today: VIP dinner + high-energy afterpartySmart uses of technology—and what nonprofits really need next from their platformsThe annual silent auction debate: Keep it or kill it? Shilpa’s surprising perspective Why It Matters:Shilpa’s story is proof that you don’t need a huge budget or fancy tools to make a lasting impact. With creativity, persistence, and the right people, even small events can drive big change—locally and globally. Key Takeaways:Think beyond ticket sales—other revenue streams can outpace themYour first event doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerfulTech can save time and improve guest experiences when paired with solid processesCreative event formats can keep supporters coming back year after year Final Thought:From swiping cards by hand to running high-tech, high-impact events, Shilpa Alva proves that the heart of fundraising is about connection, creativity, and vision. Your next event could be the start of something bigger than you ever imagined.

    44 min
  3. Centennial Celebration: Lessons and Laughs From 100 Episodes

    27 AGO

    Centennial Celebration: Lessons and Laughs From 100 Episodes

    Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! We’ve hit triple digits—and we're celebrating big. In this 100th episode, Jeff and Mark reflect on the journey so far, revisit fan-favorite moments, and take you behind the scenes with hilarious stories, heartfelt lessons, and a brutally funny AI-generated roast of Handbid's own Jeff Porter. In This Episode: A nostalgic look back at standout episodes and special guestsAn AI-written roast that pulls no punches (boots, bourbon, and all)What Chick-fil-A, Disney, and concert venues can teach us about arrival experiencesReal event mishaps—from inebriated honorees to impromptu Heimlich maneuversThe evolution of check-in, mobile bidding, and creating frictionless guest experiences Why It Matters: 100 episodes isn't just a number—it's a testament to the creativity, resilience, and humor required to thrive in the fundraising world. Whether you're planning your first gala or your 50th, the stories and insights in this episode are a reminder that the event must go on—and it can be awesome. Key Takeaways: Arrival experiences start in the parking lot—plan accordinglyYou can’t prevent every hiccup, but you can be ready to adaptTech empowers your team—especially when paired with good processesThe best stories (and solutions) often come from the most chaotic moments Final Thought: Here’s to 100 episodes of elevating fundraising, solving real-world challenges, and laughing through the madness. Thanks for being on this journey with us—we can’t wait to bring you the next 100.

    29 min
  4. Golf Tournaments to Galas: Inside FCA’s Event Evolution

    13 AGO

    Golf Tournaments to Galas: Inside FCA’s Event Evolution

    Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this behind-the-scenes episode, Jeff sits down with David Farmer, Area Director for FCA South Denver, to explore how intentional event design, bold decisions, and donor-focused experiences have transformed FCA’s fundraising efforts. In This Episode: The early days of FCA South Denver events—from small golf tournaments to first attempts at galasWhy cultivating donor relationships takes more than one big event a yearThe power of “micro-events” like Conversations with Champions to engage the communityHow upgrading venues, raising ticket prices, and rethinking sponsorship levels can elevate both the guest experience and your fundraisingLessons learned from event hiccups (and why nobody noticed the auctioneer missed the paddle raise!) Why It Matters: Fundraising events aren’t just about raising money—they’re about building relationships, telling your story, and creating an experience people want to support. David’s journey shows how taking risks, elevating the experience, and leaning on the right team can turn average events into impactful ones that drive long-term support. Key Takeaways: Elevating your event often means elevating your venue, pricing, and expectationsDon’t overlook the small “relationship-building” events that lead to bigger donationsStrategic sponsorship tiers can unlock more high-level supportYou can’t do it alone—surround yourself with experts, volunteers, and a planGreat donor experiences come from attention to detail—and a willingness to learn from mistakes Final Thought: If your events feel stuck in neutral, maybe it’s time to elevate your strategy. Tune in for real-world lessons on risk, relationships, and building events that grow both your donor base and your mission.

    49 min
  5. Securing Your Event: Insider Tips from a Pro

    30 JUL

    Securing Your Event: Insider Tips from a Pro

    Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this episode, Jeff and Elise sit down with Dan Donovan from Stratoscope to unpack the often-overlooked world of event security—and why getting it right is critical for both guest experience and event success. In This Episode: How decades of experience at the Olympics, Formula One Las Vegas, Dreamforce, and other major events shaped Dan’s approach to securityWhy event security isn’t just about safety—it’s about protecting your brand and reputationPractical, budget-friendly steps smaller events can take to improve securityThe critical role of access control, perimeter management, and vetting vendorsWhy communication tools like radios (yes, even at small events!) are a game-changer for safety Why It Matters: Security can feel like an afterthought—until something goes wrong. Whether it’s a large-scale festival or a small charity gala, every event has vulnerabilities. This episode explores how thoughtful planning, the right staffing, and simple precautions can reduce risks while keeping the guest experience smooth and welcoming. Key Takeaways: Even small events should consider security as part of the guest experience, not separate from itVisual deterrents like law enforcement presence can dramatically increase peace of mindAccess control, credentials, and staff awareness are your first line of defenseRadios beat text threads every time when quick, coordinated action is neededYou can elevate security and keep the event fun—it's all about balance Final Thought: No event is too small to be a target. From lost auction items to major safety risks, proactive security planning protects your guests, your reputation, and your peace of mind. Tune in for real-world advice from someone who’s seen it all—and learn how to make safety a seamless part of your event. Connect with Donovan:https://stratoscope.comhttps://stratosk9.com/https://ingressotek.com/

    47 min
  6. Home Team: Roadmap Reveals & Top Feature Requests

    16 JUL

    Home Team: Roadmap Reveals & Top Feature Requests

    Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this episode, Jeff, Elise, and the Handbid team come together for an insider conversation on what’s coming next for Handbid and the most requested features from clients and the team alike. In This Episode: The top feature requests from Handbid clients—what’s coming and why it mattersHow custom questions for for-sale items can simplify merchandise salesThe demand for scheduled broadcast messages and how they can improve event communicationWhy purchase add-ons for tickets are a game-changer for upsells and guest convenienceSneak peeks into new features: multi-guest lists, DocuSign integration, Stripe Identity, and moreHow Handbid’s redesign and tech upgrades aim to simplify the event experienceBehind-the-scenes chatter on real client use cases and feedbackWhy It Matters: Great technology doesn’t just show up—it evolves through real-world feedback and constant improvement. This episode gives you a transparent look at how the Handbid team listens to users, prioritizes new features, and keeps innovating to make fundraising events smoother, faster, and more successful. Key Takeaways: Scheduled broadcasts, ticket add-ons, and multi-guest lists are all high-priority features in developmentDocuSign and Stripe Identity will help streamline bidder verification and agreement processesHandbid’s upcoming interface updates are focused on usability and guest experienceAI-powered image resizing, customizable emails, and white-label options are enhancing both branding and efficiencyThe team’s philosophy: Solve real problems with smart, intentional feature updatesFinal Thought: Whether you're running a school auction, charity gala, or massive corporate event, the tools you use should work with you—not against you. Stay tuned to hear how Handbid is building the next wave of features to help elevate your event.

    54 min
  7. Unlocking the Power of Donor-Advised Funds

    2 JUL

    Unlocking the Power of Donor-Advised Funds

    Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this insightful episode, Jeff is joined once again by Mitch Stein from Chariot to break down the often misunderstood world of donor-advised funds (DAFs). From debunking myths to sharing real-life success stories, they dive into how DAFs can revolutionize giving at your fundraising events—and how the Handbid and Chariot integration makes it easier than ever. In This Episode: What a donor-advised fund (DAF) is and why it’s not just for the ultra-wealthyHow DAF donations compare to credit card donations—spoiler: they’re often 8–10x larger!Why Chariot’s integration with Handbid is a game-changer for simplifying DAF givingCommon DAF donation restrictions (and how to stay compliant at events)Tips for identifying and encouraging DAF donors to support your causeA look ahead to DAF Day on October 9 and what it means for nonprofitsWhy It Matters: DAFs aren’t just a tax tool for major donors—they’re a growing giving vehicle for everyday philanthropists. By making it easier for donors to give through their DAFs, nonprofits can unlock more generous gifts, reduce donor friction, and stay compliant without the paperwork headache. Key Takeaways: DAF users often give to more charities—on average, 12 per year vs. 2 for typical donorsDonors give more when using “set-aside” funds from their DAFs, much like spending a gift cardA smooth, integrated DAF experience can eliminate donor confusion and maximize giftsMaking your EIN easily accessible and talking about DAFs at events can drive engagementFinal Thought: Donor-advised funds don’t have to be intimidating or complex. With the right tools and a little education, you can make DAF giving easy, accessible, and highly impactful for your organization. Tune in to find out how—and why now is the perfect time to get on board.

    34 min
  8. The Future of Event Check-In: Apps, App Clips, and Arrival Innovation

    18 JUN

    The Future of Event Check-In: Apps, App Clips, and Arrival Innovation

    Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this forward-looking episode, Jeff, Elise, and Shania take a deep dive into how mobile app technology can transform the arrival experience at fundraising events. In This Episode: The evolution of mobile and native app technology since the early iPhone days—and why it matters for eventsThe difference between “lean forward” and “lean back” user engagementWhy native apps provide a significantly better guest experience than mobile web solutionsHow features like facial recognition, app clips, and smart check-in systems can streamline entry and reduce linesA look at how technology can help guests pre-register, check in, and even donate with just a gesture Why It Matters: For many event planners, the arrival experience sets the tone for the entire evening. If guests are stuck in line or fumbling with outdated systems, it can take the energy out of your event before it even begins. This episode explores how to remove friction, improve personalization, and use technology in ways that feel seamless and thoughtful—not invasive. Key Takeaways: Mobile apps give you a level of control and interaction that mobile web simply can’t matchPre-event engagement through apps can eliminate check-in bottlenecksEmerging tools like app clips and facial recognition create fast, secure entry pointsEven donations can be modernized with creative app features—no paddles required Final Thought: If you’re still relying on basic check-in tools and printed guest lists, it might be time to elevate your arrival experience. Tune in for a fresh take on what’s possible when tech works with you, not around you.

    30 min
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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.

Información

  • Creador
    Handbid
  • Años de actividad
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodios
    103
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Elevate Your Event

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