The Evolution of Fundraising Events, Part 2 with Kristin Steele + Samantha Swaim |Episode #132

Donors aren’t giving less, they’re going deeper with fewer organizations. In part two of our season-opening series, we look at where fundraising events are headed and how to design gatherings that make donors want to stay. Events are being rethought across every industry, from music to tech to family farms. We share what the research says about relevance fatigue and selective generosity, why the big gala still has its place, and how purpose and immersion are at the core of the most powerful events right now. In this episode: Why relevance fatigue ("what's in it for me?") is pushing events toward smaller, personalized gatherings Selective generosity: why donors are trimming their philanthropic portfolios, and what it means for your organization When the big gala is the right choice, and when a more intimate event does more Content dictates form: start with purpose, not "we've always done it this way" Three ways to upgrade the donor experience at a gala: tighter speaker scripting, auction items tied to your mission, and bringing your mission into the room A look inside an 80-guest immersive dinner that raised more than past events with big audiences and auctions -Storytelling now: the whole event as one story, from invitation to post-event stewardship Why corporate sponsors are investing more, how to treat them as partners, and a practical tip: list "tickets available" instead of prescribing tables The biggest opportunity right now: getting specific about who's in your room, and bringing committees back with clear roles Key takeaway: Don't ask what your event will look like, ask what you want to make possible when people are in the room together. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. This Episode Brought to You by: Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level. Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn:   / samantha-swaim-a28a9a4   Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Kristin Steele LinkedIn:   / kristin-steele777   Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies | RESOURCES | Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a... Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions... Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-c... Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions... Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ LINK TO PART 1 Windmill Hill Consulting: https://whillconsulting.com/ Priya Parker: https://www.priyaparker.com/ Chronicle of Philanthropy Events Article: https://www.philanthropy.com/solution...