Elevate Your Event: Recent Episodes

Handbid

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.

It’s 2023 and time to upgrade your donors’ bidding experience! In the past, event coordinators used paper bid sheets for each item. But as mobile bidding apps continue to improve their efficiency and effectiveness, the team at Handbid discuss a variety of reasons paper actually decreases revenue at auction events. While mobile bidding allows for real-time updates on items, establishes fairness and anonymity, and provides scalable data from each event, some people still need convincing that paper bid sheets are a thing of the past.

Physical bid sheets limit the window of time attendees have to bid on items since they have to be present in order to participate. Once someone bids on an item, they must continue checking the sheet to ensure their bid is still the highest. Including remote bidders opens up opportunities for greater participation, which leads to an increase in donations. Using bid sheets also allows room for error, whether it’s because of cheating, bidder intimidation, poor handwriting or miscommunication. One of the most important aspects of the event is making sure bidders enjoy their experience. Using paper bid sheets can create conflict and confusion that ultimately impact charitable organizations in negative ways. Making the switch to a mobile bidding system frees hosts and guests to enjoy socializing while staying connected to the auction. Overall, more money is raised for the organization, attendees enjoy themselves, and human error is eliminated when it comes time to close the auction.

Main Topics

What is a paper bid sheet? (05:05)
Paper creates higher bid increments (09:00)
Limited windows for bidding (13:40)
Inviting remote bidders to your auction (17:45)
Cheating and stealing at auctions (21:30)
Bid intimidation impacts charities’ revenue (28:00)
Poor handwriting creates confusion (29:35)
Bidders can change the bid increment (30:40)
Paper bid sheets negatively affect donor experience (31:30)
Performance data is inaccessible (36:00)
Keeping the auction personal (38:30)
Mobile bidding increases revenue (42:15)

Episode Links

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In the newly saturated market of mobile bidding software, it can be overwhelming to find a company that is the right fit for your event. The success of any event hinges on several specific factors of which the average person might not be aware. The team from Handbid wants to empower you to ask the right questions so that there are no surprises or regrets when it comes to your decision. Straight from leading experts in the industry, here are the best questions smart, successful people are asking when it comes to choosing a bidding software company—

Why is one package free while another package is so costly?

When a software package is free, most likely the donors are paying for it. The team at Handbid strongly discourages this approach as it may sever the trusting relationship between the organization and the donor. Higher priced packages invest in the end user experience and overall satisfaction for everyone involved.

How accessible is your software?

All software must adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) which create equity for all levels of ability.

How do you protect your donors’ private information?

Companies are required to follow specific guidelines via the payment card industry. Some companies may say they are compliant, but it’s important to verify that your donors can trust the software to protect their data.

Is the software able to integrate other platforms easily?

Since many event coordinators will be using multiple applications, it’s important to know the steps required to combine them on one interface.

What type of support does the company offer and do they have expertise in fundraising?

Some companies provide on site employees who will help run the event. If you require this assistance, you want to be sure they have experience doing so. Other types of support include establishing processes and procedures before, during and after the event.

With these valuable questions in your toolbox, you are guaranteed to find the mobile bidding software that is best for your event’s unique needs. Empower yourself with information so that your event runs smoothly and efficiently.

Main Topics

How to choose the best bidding software for you (01:40)
Questions to ask to find the right software for your event (06:30)
The downfall of “free” packages (09:00)
User experience drives the cost of software (17:30)
Prioritizing accessibility for all abilities (24:15)
Addressing data privacy and PCI compliance (26:45)
API’s and third party integration (33:05)
Choose a company that offers the level of support you need (38:50)
Finding companies with expertise in fundraising events (43:43)

Episode Links

https://www.handbid.com
https://1password.com

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If you're tired of auctioning off Uncle John's cabin at your charity event for the 10th year in a row and you're looking for something new, this podcast episode is for you. Jason Champion from Winspire teaches us how consignment items can add value and excitement to your nonprofit auction. Further legitimize your auction and make your donors want to get their pocketbooks ready! Listen to this episode to find out how easy consignment can be.

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Winspire provides highly sought after, hard to find, unique experiences for use in charity auctions or fundraisers. They are the exclusive provider of Masters passes to nonprofit auctions. For more about Winspire and their services, visit www.Winspireme.com

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We are thrilled to present to you a power-packed episode of our podcast that explores the latest trends and strategies in fundraising for 2024.

In this replay of the NXUnite panel discussion, we delve deep into the world of event prep strategies for fundraising events. This was an engaging conversation led by an exceptional lineup of moderators and panelists who are experts in their field. Together, they share invaluable insights, lessons learned, and game-changing strategies that will revolutionize your fundraising efforts.

Tune in to this remarkable episode and get ready to take your fundraising strategies to the next level. Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to learn, grow, and make a real difference in the world of fundraising.

Please share this episode with someone who could use it!

NXUnite connects leaders in the mission-driven space with the resources and people they need for their organization to thrive. From hosting panels with industry experts to providing curated listings of nonprofit learning opportunities, NXUnite helps organizations get their important questions answered. Gain insight, share knowledge, and connect with the people you need to accomplish your mission. NXUnite brings nonprofit leaders together in an unstoppable community that facilitates valuable connections.

We all want that autographed baseball or guitar signed by our favorite athlete or celebrity in our silent auction. There's no doubt that they are hot auction items to add to your next fundraiser. However, it's important to make sure that the item you've received - or in some cases, bought and paid for yourself - is actually authentic.

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Today's guest, Ray Schulte, is an expert in authentication and gives us tips on what to look for when you want to auction off memorabilia. It's important to know where you should be purchasing items or getting them donated from, descriptions you should have, and the type of authentication that you need in order to have full confidence in what you're presenting to your donors to bid on. All of these questions are answered in this episode.

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To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit these websites:

https://www.pristineauction.com/
https://www.beckett-authentication.com/
https://www.spenceloa.com/
https://www.psacard.com/cert/

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We're taking questions from you - our listener! We're covering seating arrangements, the logistics of a paddle raise (including what color your paddle should NOT be), and is "free" event software really free?

We want to hear from you! Please send us an email at hello@handbid.com with your questions, and we might read yours on the podcast.

Find out how Handbid can help you dazzle your guests and raise more money at your next event! Talk to us at handbid.com/talk-to-us

In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Olds, co-founder and CEO of BoodleAi, to explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize fundraising your efforts. Shawn shares his insights on how nonprofits can leverage AI to better understand and engage with donors, as well as how it can help to streamline fundraising processes and increase efficiency. This episode is a must-listen. Tune in now to discover the power of AI in fundraising!

To learn more about BoodleAi, visit their website

Talk to us to learn how Handbid can help you put on your best event ever!

Logan Foote, from Golf Status, shares his expertise on how to elevate your charity golf tournament. Logan discusses the importance of creating a memorable experience for golfers and sponsors, and shares practical tips on how to raise more money and communicate your mission to your golfers. Additionally, Logan offers insights on how technology can enhance the golf tournament experience. He even weighs in on silent auctions at golf tournaments.

Whether you're a seasoned golf tournament organizer or planning your first event, this episode is packed with valuable advice that can help you take your charity golf tournament to the next level.

‍To learn more about Golf Status and how they can help you run your golf tournament, visit golfstatus.com

Let Handbid help you raise more money at your next golf tournament. Learn how by talking with us! Handbid.com/talk-to-us

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Learn how to attract more attendees and donations to your fundraising event by engaging them through the power of storytelling. Join our conversation with story expert Danny Peavey to discover effective strategies for positioning your event and mission.

Let Handbid help you raise more money and smash your fundraising event goals! Visit handbid.com/talk-to-us to learn more.

We’re diving into the critical topic of budgeting for fundraising events. Whether you're planning a large gala or a small community fundraiser, it's essential to have a clear understanding of where your money is going and how you can maximize your return on investment. We break down the major costs of fundraising events, highlighting where you should expect to spend the most money and identifying key areas where you can drive more revenue for your organization. Tune in to this episode to learn how to make the most of your resources and take your fundraising efforts to the next level.

Handbid makes every event a smash and helps you raise more money. Find out how at Handbid.com/talk-to-us

We sat down with philanthropy coach Hannah Berger to discuss how to take your donors to the next level of engagement through events.

Hannah brings 20 years of progressive experience and fundraising success to her consulting and coaching practice. Hannah enjoys creating and facilitating "big Aha!" learning opportunities for fundraising professionals and nonprofit executive leaders.

Hannah shares her expertise in building relationships with donors and turning one-time event attendees into lifelong supporters.

To learn more about upcoming teaching engagements and coaching services, visit ThePhilanthropyCoach.com.

Let Handbid help you raise more money at your next event! Visit handbid.com/talk-to-us to learn more.

In this podcast episode, the team covers common questions they get related to event management; including check-in and collecting information from VIPs. They cover the concept of a tiered check-in, and whether or not to have name tags at your registration table. They also discuss what a solutions table is, and how it can be exponentially beneficial to the successful execution of your fundraising event.

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Let Handbid help you maximize your fundraising efforts! Learn how at handbid.com/talk-to-us

http://In this episode we're joined by Liz Scull who shares her success story of increasing fundraising dollars by switching to mobile bidding. We'll discuss the benefits of using technology at your fundraising events and how it can enhance the guest experience. We'll also provide tips on how to convince your board that technology is a worthwhile investment for your organization. Don't miss out on this informative episode that could help take your fundraising efforts to the next level. Tune in now!

So many moving parts have to come together for one night to make a fundraising event successful. But these events can be unpredictable, and sometimes things don't go as planned. In fact, you should plan for things to go wrong at your event. Even though there will be mishaps, your event does not have to be a total failure.

In today’s episode, the team shares about when things went totally wrong at their events, and they talk about how they handled it, and how you can turn setbacks into successes.

Other episodes mentioned:

How to Create a Run of Show for Better Fundraising

Nonprofit Board Members: Friend or Foe?

Prevent common mishaps at your event by getting auction software you can count on. Let Handbid help you with your auction, donation, ticketing, and more. Talk to us at handbid.com/talk-to-us

One of the most common questions we get is about the event check-in process, which we are no strangers to. Check-in is part of the first impression and sets the stage for your guests, so it needs to be smooth and efficient.

In this episode, we discuss the goals, setup, volunteer positions, and tactics to keep your event check-in line moving quickly and effectively.

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Let Handbid help you make check-in a breeze. Find out more at handbid.com/talk-to-us

In this episode, attorney Ed Chanskey helps us dive into the laws and guidelines for nonprofits to run raffles at their events. Raffles can be a popular fundraising tool for nonprofits, but there are important legal considerations to keep in mind. Ed spells out the elements of an illegal lottery and discusses how nonprofits can stay compliant with regulations while running successful raffles. From understanding the difference between games of chance and games of skill to obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, we cover it all. Join us as we provide insights and tips for nonprofits to navigate the world of raffles and raise funds for their worthy causes in a legally compliant manner.

Join us in this informative episode as we discuss:

The legal framework for nonprofit raffles
Understanding the elements of an illegal lottery
Tips for running successful and compliant nonprofit raffles

Don't miss this episode if you're a nonprofit looking to leverage raffles as a fundraising tool, while staying on the right side of the law. Tune in now and learn how to raffle for a cause!

To learn more about the services Ed provides, you can find him here.

Handbid can help you with all the fundraising elements of your event. Learn more at Handbid.com/talk-to-us

Our own CEO, Jeff Porter, spoke on a panel recently hosted by NXUnite called, “Engaged in Education: Community Engagement Strategies for Schools." Today's episode is the replay of that lively discussion!

The panelists are experts in their field, and offer great advice about how to get your school community more involved in your efforts.

NXUnite connects leaders in the mission-driven space with the resources and people they need for their organization to thrive. From hosting panels with industry experts to providing curated listings of nonprofit learning opportunities, NXUnite helps organizations get their important questions answered. Gain insight, share knowledge, and connect with the people you need to accomplish your mission. NXUnite brings nonprofit leaders together in an unstoppable community that facilitates valuable connections.

The stress of trying to run a successful event, along with the anxiety of choosing the proper caterers or planning the menu for your event can be overwhelming. In this episode, Brandon Cant, a professional caterer and owner of Coast2Coast Caterers joins us to share his food and communication tips for hosting a memorable event.

The Elevate Your Event Podcast is powered by Handbid. Learn more at handbid.com

If you want to increase your donations in one night, you need to know how to use effective strategies that keep your audience’s attention and engage them in meaningful ways. In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we have Benefit Auctioneer Specialist, Dean Crownover to talk about 3 proven event strategies that will help you increase your donations while entertaining your audience.

Dean Crownover, My Benefit Auctioneer, is a benefit auction specialist, profit consultant and author with a track record of raising millions of fundraising dollars for his nonprofit clients. Jane Fonda said “Dean Crownover is a dynamic auctioneer with the fast-talking pizzazz needed to rake it in!”

Download Dean’s book, Paddles Up, for FREE

Connect with Dean

Let Handbid help you with your auction bidding needs! Talk to us about how we can help you raise more money: handbid.com/talk-to-us

Volunteers are the backbone of any successful fundraiser event. Without them, you would probably run around like a chicken with its head cut off if you could execute the event at all.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about effective ways to recruit, train and most importantly, THANK your volunteers so that your event runs smoothly and you have a faithful and capable group of people to help you run your event, year after year!

Let Handbid help you make your event a smash! Learn how by talking to us at handbid.com/talk-to-us

There are many ways to raise money at your event, whether you have a silent auction or not. Today the team talks about creative ways to boost your fundraising that will give your guests something fun to do and raise even more money for your cause.

Let Handbid help you get the most out of your event! We can help you with everything we talk about in this episode, and more. Talk to us: Handbid.com/talk-to-us

If you're part of a nonprofit organization or charity, you know how important fundraising is for your cause. One effective way to raise funds is to organize an auction. However, getting items donated for the auction can be a challenging task, especially when relying on a committee of volunteers to secure donations.

In this podcast, we will provide you with practical tips and strategies to motivate your committee members and help them to secure auction items that can make a significant difference in your fundraising efforts. We will discuss the importance of making it easy for potential donors to say ‘yes’ to your committee, as well as leveraging the power of personal networks and developing creative ways to encourage participation from committee members and sponsors alike.

Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or a first-time fundraiser, this podcast is designed to provide you with valuable insights and actionable advice to help you succeed in your auction item procurement efforts. So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the world of nonprofit fundraising and how to motivate your committee members to get auction items donated for your cause.

Let Handbid help you raise more money at your next event! Learn more by talking to us at Handbid.com/talk-to-us

The timing of your event and the order of your program can have a dramatic effect on your audience’s engagement, and potentially the amount of money that you raise. Knowing when to make an appeal, when to close your silent auction, and when to hold your live auction is an art form to be mastered!

The team talks today about the run of show, from days leading up to the event, all the way to the after-party, and how you can use it to your advantage when raising money for your organization.

Let Handbid help you dazzle your guests with our software. We help event managers like you raise a ton of money for your organization. Talk to us at handbid.com/talk-to-us

The more people you can get to your event, the better, right? How you promote your event matters, and to be successful, you have to hit the target audience that you are trying to reach.

There are many different strategies to market your event. In this episode, the Handbid team will help you decide what promotional tactics are best for your organization and how to take the next steps to make sure your whole community knows about your event!

Handbid is more than just auction software. We can help you with event promotion, too! Find out how by talking to us at Handbid.com/talk-to-us

The Show Notes for this episode can be found here: www.handbid.com/podcast/how-to-promote-your-event-and-get-more-people-to-attend

One of the best ways to get people to donate to your organization is to host a fundraising event. There are many different types of events and themes, and the Handbid team is talking through over two dozen different ideas to help get your creative juices flowing, so you can host your best fundraising event ever!

Let Handbid help you take your event to the next level. With features like mobile bidding, ticketing, and text-2-give, Handbid will help you dazzle your guests and raise more money for your organization. Visit Handbid.com and talk to us today!

The Show Notes for this episode can be found here: www.handbid.com/podcast/9-types-of-events-and-19-creative-event-themes

Your event could be a total success from start to finish: Your first impressions wowed your guests, your program was flawless, and you might have raised more money than ever. But there’s one thing that could make or break the overall impression of your event: Checkout. If people are waiting in a long line to pick up their auction items or pay their pledged donations at the end of the night, you could send them home feeling frustrated. Have a detailed plan for your checkout process, from start to finish, so you can keep things running smoothly until the last guest leaves. Don’t let a long or disorganized checkout dampen all your hard work and the success of the evening.

We’re describing some best practices for your event checkout process, so you can have less stress and get your guests out the door with all their purchased items and a smile on their faces.

Handbid's software will make your checkout a breeze. Tap here to find out how!

Show Notes for this episode

Your nonprofit board is crucial to your event's success and to advancing your organization’s mission. Board members are the ones who provide you with guidance and advice and who bring money, connections, and other resources to the table. But managing that board and finding the right board members can be tricky.

We brought in special guest Mike Papi, founder of the OneGoat Foundation, to talk with the Handbid team about figuring out what types of people may be suitable for your Board and how they can help to make your event successful. The group talks about the strengths and woes of board members and offers a little advice if you’re already on a nonprofit Board.

Let Handbid help you raise more money, dazzle your guests, and pull off a fantastic event with mobile bidding software that makes every event a smash. Tap here to learn more.

To connect with the OneGoat Foundation, visit onegoat.org

You’ve spent months planning and preparing for your silent auction, and you’ve recruited all of your items. Maybe you even have a really good-looking auction setup. Now what? How do you get people to bid on your silent auction items? The goal is to raise as much money as possible at your event, so how is that done through your auction? Our team believes that how you name, describe, and market your auction items is essential to the overall success of your silent auction.

In this episode, Jeff, Lori, and Diana talk about how item descriptions and even your bid increments can be used as powerful tools that will motivate your bidders to bid high and often, so that you can raise as much money as possible in your auction.

Let Handbid help you raise more money, dazzle your guests, and pull off an amazing event with mobile bidding software that makes every event a smash. Tap here to learn more.

We’ve been doing events even before Handbid was born in 2011. We’ve been involved in hundreds of them, so we’ve seen a thing or two! We all have stories about the good, the bad, and the ugly. We’ve been there, schlepping in the extreme heat and checking in guests in the extreme cold. We know that event planners and managers wear many hats and have to be willing to do anything and everything to make an event successful. You’re the main problem solver of the day, and you have to be ready to jump into action whenever there's something that needs fixing, whether it's rolling silverware or serving food to hungry attendees (or both!).

Today the Handbid team is sharing some of their best (and worst!) event moments, and they give 4 practical tactics you can start implementing today that will make your event a success.

Let Handbid help you raise mo’ money for your organization. Talk to us!

The Show Notes for this episode can be found here: www.handbid.com/podcast/4-practical-tactics-that-will-make-every-event-a-success

In this first episode of the podcast, we’re introducing ourselves. The Elevate Your Event Podcast podcast is powered by Handbid, a mobile bidding software company (and so much more!) Kristen, our Marketing Manager, interviews Jeff Porter, Handbid’s co-founder and CEO

Jeff created Handbid out of a critical need to improve his own event: a fundraiser for a charity he also founded. He tells us the funny story of the very first event that used Handbid’s mobile bidding software, and what Handbid’s ultimate goal really is.

Jeff explains what he has seen across hundreds of events since creating Handbid, the elements needed to exponentially increase your auction revenue, and THE one thing that will determine the success of your silent auction.

You will also learn what you can expect from the Elevate Your Event Podcast in the episodes to come.

Want to learn more about Handbid, our Story, and what we offer? Talk to us!

The Show Notes for this episode can be found at: https://www.handbid.com/podcast/why-were-freakin-awesome-at-events

Your guests’ arrival experience - from the moment they buy a ticket to the moment they enter the venue - is the most important part of setting your event up for success. When it comes to fundraising events especially, you want to create an environment that will put your guests in a giving mood!

In this episode, Jeff, Lori, and Elise break down all the ways you can give a superb first impression. They tell stories about the checkin disasters they’ve seen at events, their best volunteer tips, and even when you should hand out nametags (the answer might surprise you!)

Want to learn more about Handbid, and event software that will blow your socks off? Talk to us!

The Show Notes for this episode can be found here: handbid.com/podcast/how-to-give-your-event-guests-the-best-first-impression

Silent auctions are hugely popular at fundraising events. When done well, they can help you raise a lot of money, but there are some critical mistakes that can have a negative impact not only on your auction, but on how much money you raise and possibly even impact your organization.

In this episode, Jeff, Lori, and Diana talk about key silent auction mistakes and how to avoid them. They give advice about auction item display, starting bids and bid increments, and ways you can make your auction better (or worse!) overall.

Let Handbid help you raise mo’ money for your organization. Talk to us!

The Show Notes for this episode can be found here: www.handbid.com/podcast/silent-auction-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them

Welcome to the Elevate Your Event Podcast, 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 trending 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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