Hey 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 nonprofit's digital game through killer website design. No boring online brochures here! We're talking about creating websites that are dynamic,...

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 high-quality donor data for fundraising success. Join us as we explore strategies for personalized communication, database management, and the...

Welcome 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 Founder, Jeff Porter, recently participated in another insightful NXUnite panel, where he explored the transformative impacts of integrating...

In 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 digital platforms, and sharing impactful stories. We'll highlight the significance of an open, interactive setting, transparent communication, and...

Jeff 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 event tech solutions to transparency in the industry, the importance of exceptional customer service, understanding the true costs and risks involved,...

Welcome 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. We'll also talk about the art of crafting experiences that really connect with your donors on a personal level. Imagine auction items that not only...

Welcome 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-of-the-mill analysis of auctioneering; it's a journey into how auction dynamics can supercharge the impact of your fundraising events. We'll be...

Welcome 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, considerate and well-planned can count for more than expensive decor or gourmet dining. In this episode, you will also learn about rethinking...

Hey 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 the world of easy goals and how they play a pivotal role in building consistent momentum. We'll also explore the BHAG principle, which is all about...

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 fostering growth in the upcoming year. In this comprehensive 2023 recap episode, Jeff and the HandBid team analyze the data, distilling it into a...

In 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 prioritizing revenue generation over cost-cutting. Discover how effective team organization and communication are essential for event...

In 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 fundraising tools and the need to focus on the return on investment they can generate. The benefits of technology and open bars at events are also...

Great 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 designed to utilize volunteers to their greatest potential.   The recently released PlanHero 2.0 highlights its features for event management. The...

In 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 your event will be engaging, profitable, and unforgettable. Several common themes emerge on key elements for a successful event. Events need a...

Initiated in 2012, Giving Tuesday goes beyond borders, uniting over 90 countries in a collective celebration of generosity. Last year witnessed a remarkable 35 million adults participating worldwide, contributing an astounding $3.1 billion in cash alone. However, the essence of Giving Tuesday goes beyond financial contributions; it encompasses donated time, services, and goods. Nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to leverage this day of benevolence in many ways to bolster their...

For younger generations, long gone are the fundraising days of the ballroom style, sit-down dinner with white tablecloths and full waitstaffs. As older generations pass the philanthropic torch, organizations must learn to adapt their approach to appeal to the new demographic of guests. Millennial and Gen Z donors appreciate meaningful experiences worthy of their social media pages over the traditional gala. They’re still willing to spend large amounts of money on charitable causes, but...

In this special episode, listeners have the opportunity to tune into an insightful webinar on the trends for fundraising in the nonprofit sector moving into the new year. Moderated by Colleen Carroll, lead of NXUnite from Nexus Marketing, Jeff Porter joins the discussion with AJ Steinberg of Queen Bee Fundraising, Jennifer Rubin from 360 Philanthropy Group, and Tosha Anderson with The Charity CFO. This powerhouse of professionals with various experience in the nonprofit world delivers an...

The team at Handbid welcomes a new member to the podcast for this special episode—Chat GPT! They prompt the language bot to provide fun, creative, and informative questions for the team addressing all the topics listeners need to know to host an epic event. Shocking and comedic stories roll as they discuss their most memorable moments from the wide variety of events at which Handbid has worked. From public celebrity outbursts to outrageous items auctioned off, the scope and breadth of their...

Lauren Batterby has built her career on ensuring events run as smoothly as possible for the greatest benefit of the organization. As founder and CEO of Life Event Staffing, Lauren and her team provide trained experts to run large events. Hiring professional event staff can make all the difference in the flow of the event and guests’ overall experience. The guests’ enjoyment can directly impact the amount of charitable donations received and their likelihood of returning for another event. The...

At any event, the team of people making it all happen is the most important foundation for success. Drawing from Patrick Lencioni’s The Working Genius, the team at Handbid discuss the six different types of working styles and how to utilize them to maximize profitability. Typically people are innately gifted in two types, resistant to two types, and competent in the remaining types. Here is a breakdown of the working geniuses as applied to running a charitable event: People with the Genius...

After playing many different roles within the nonprofit world, Carly Euler now serves as the marketing manager at Memory Fox. Memory Fox is a technology platform that helps nonprofits collect impact stories directly from the community and use them to meet their goals. While these goals are typically to raise more funds for the organization, Memory Fox helps clients think outside the box to use video testimonials for a wide variety of purposes. Videos from the population of people the...

Jessica King is dedicated to helping nonprofits expand the reach of their mission by maximizing their marketing. She works for Getting Attention, an organization that uses optimal strategies for managing Google’s Ad Grant for nonprofits. From determining eligibility to applying and setting up campaigns, Getting Attention does it all for those working diligently to promote important causes. They help declutter websites and redesign them so that they are user-friendly and lead visitors to an...

The objective at most events is to make as much money as possible for the represented cause or organization. For this reason, coordinators must prioritize the donors’ experience over anything else. Several factors can lead to donor fatigue, which can negatively impact the overall success of the event. Some pitfalls to avoid are hosting an auction that runs too long and asking for financial transactions too frequently. Remember, guests are there to have fun as well as support a great cause....

Katherine Lacefield combines her gifts for strategic fundraising with her love for philanthropy, especially animal organizations. Founder of Just Be Cause consulting, she helps nonprofits weave intentional fundraising into their culture and everyday operations. In this way, she helps those with big hearts for vulnerable populations ensure financial stability and develop efficient fundraising. The best way to do this is by helping organizations maximize the return on their investment at...

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...