The New York Institute of Art and Design offers an online event planning course and because we do, we like to provide free tips for event planners. Enjoy!
If you’re planning a non-profit event for a client, a live auction can be a fun, entertaining way to get your guests more engaged and active throughout the night. As we’ve mentioned before, when facilitating a comfortable, interactive social dynamic at a sizable occasion, it’s important to plan organized activities for partygoers rather than to rely on conversation to unfold organically. Not only can a live auction accommodate that need, it’s also perfect for not-for-profits because of its lucrative yet enjoyable fundraising capacity.
As the event planner, there are several things you’ll need to organize in order to execute a successful live auction. Most importantly, it will be your job to secure a number of donated prize items. These can usually be maintained via large business supporters of the charity. Depending on the size of the event, it’s usually important for more upscale, greater sized parties to offer at least one or two ‘big ticket’ prizes. These are usually valued at around 3,000 or more (think vacations, spa packages, a catered dinner for 15 guests, etc.).
By successfully securing these big ticket items from sponsors, you’ll make the promotion aspect of your job much easier. Advertising these fun, elaborate prizes is a foolproof way to get guests excited leading up to the big day.
Want to learn more? Learn how to become an event planner with NYIAD’s online event planning courses. Request your free course catalog today!
