Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Volume 15 | Issue 16

ISSN 2155-787X

Welcome new readers! In this newsletter I share resources to help you plan a fun-filled, profitable auction.

Friend, last week I took Amtrak’s AutoTrain, which runs people AND their cars north and south between Virginia and Florida. Though I’ve traveled the AutoTrain before, I’ve never upgraded to a room. In past trips, I slept all night in a regular seat, which is better – but still comparable – to an airline seat.

After a friend raved about the rooms, I sprang for a small room called a “Roomette.” It was fun! I liked it. It felt like an adventure.

I made friends with a few other folks in the car, ate decent food, had unlimited hot coffee / hot chocolate, etc. The two seats in the roomette folded down into a twin-style bed. Though the bed was fine, the herky-jerky train didn’t let me sleep soundly, but I watched the night sky roll by.

Here’s a tour of my roomette, if you’d like to see it.

Sherry

Gala start times: Your audience’s age can play a factor

Some galas attract an older guest base, while events like primary school auctions skew the opposite direction, attracting a young donor base. Consider this when deciding your opening time and overall program/schedule.

As I work different events, I've noticed that retired Seniors arrive and leave events early. So if your cause attracts many guests in that demographic, opening your doors earlier than other galas in your city might be a smart move.

Additionally, I'd recommend scheduling the fundraising pieces (EG: the paddle raise and/or auction) early in the program to ensure any guests leaving early are still part of that activity.

If your crowd tends to arrive late and you want them onsite earlier (perhaps to participate in fundraising activities like a raffle or silent auction), offering an early arrival incentive might be a good approach.

Early arrival incentive activities might be a physical prize or an experience. What will tempt your guests to arrive a bit earlier? Some examples I’ve seen include a special sampling of locally made spirits, a drawing for a compelling prize, and a chance to participate in a private tour of the venue.

Here’s the video.

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