Creating Immersive Event Experiences with Joey Goone, Utopia Experience

It’s time for some festive fun! In this special holiday episode of Elevate Your Event, the Handbid team trades fundraising tips for a rollicking round of holiday trivia. From classic Christmas movie questions to New Year’s Eve traditions (did you know about the twelve lucky grapes?), this episode is packed with laughter, friendly competition, and a surprising amount of biblical deep dives.Who reigns supreme in trivia? Will Jeff find a new team for next year? And what exactly do the carolers demand in “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”? Tune in to find out and test your own holiday knowledge along the way!What You’ll Hear in This Episode: • 🎥 Holiday Movie Trivia: Who remembers where Buddy the Elf works or the angel’s choir name in How the Grinch Stole Christmas? (Hint: It’s not “The Who’s!”) • 🎵 Christmas Songs: Which tune has been streamed the most on Spotify? And what’s the snowman’s name in Winter Wonderland? • 🎄 New Year’s Traditions: From the grapes of luck in Spain to the staggering number of crystals on the Times Square Ball, these questions will have you saying, “Wait, what?” • 📖 Bible Trivia: The team tackles tough questions about prophecies, the Magi, and ancient genealogy—resulting in some wildly hilarious guesses. • 😂 Behind-the-Scenes Banter: From Jeff’s tough-love hosting style to Grinch costumes and grappling with ancient Roman trivia, the team keeps the holiday spirit alive.Listen, rate, and subscribe!

In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Sherry Quam Taylor dives into game-changing strategies to elevate nonprofit fundraising. She explores how diversifying revenue streams, building authentic relationships with major donors, and evolving board roles can drive sustainable growth. Sherry breaks down the power of balancing emotional storytelling with financial transparency to attract investment-level donors and secure larger gifts.The conversation emphasizes the importance of year-round donor engagement rather than relying solely on annual events. Sherry shares actionable insights on shifting focus from event-centric fundraising to personalized, one-on-one donor interactions. She also offers tips for navigating resistance to change within organizations and highlights the role of consultants in accelerating growth. This episode is packed with practical advice for nonprofits looking to cultivate meaningful donor relationships and implement a strategic fundraising approach.TakeawaysFundraising is sales, but people don't invest in training.Donors need to understand your plans and financial needs.Building relationships takes time and effort.We need to evolve our board roles to support fundraising.Events are an entry point, but not the end goal.Authentic relationships yield larger and longer-term gifts.Events should be part of a broader donor journey, not the sole focus.Consultants can provide valuable insights and strategies for growth.Understanding donor motivations is key to effective fundraising.Data collection at events is essential for follow-up and relationship building.Investing in fundraising strategies can lead to greater financial returns.Chapters03:01 Understanding Revenue Models for Nonprofits05:55 The Importance of Relationship Building in Fundraising09:00 Evolving Board Roles in Nonprofit Organizations11:59 Attracting Major Donors: Key Strategies15:04 The Role of Events in Fundraising17:56 Building Authentic Relationships with Donors23:36 The Financial and Emotional Narrative in Fundraising25:03 Building Relationships Beyond Annual Fundraisers27:20 The Shift from Events to One-on-One Engagements30:01 Reframing Events as Part of the Donor Journey32:58 Navigating Resistance to Change in Nonprofits39:10 The Value of Consultants in Nonprofit GrowthEpisode Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryquamtaylor/https://www.quamtaylor.com/  Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Heather Nelson, president and lead consultant at BridgeRaise, dives deep into the world of corporate fundraising. Heather highlights how to build sustainable partnerships between nonprofits and corporations by aligning values and objectives for maximum impact. She shares insights on creating compelling sponsorship packages, maintaining strong relationships beyond just the event day, and nailing the art of pricing and value propositions. Plus, Heather offers practical, actionable advice for organizations ready to kickstart or elevate their corporate fundraising game.TakeawaysCorporate partnerships can lead to more sustainable revenue for nonprofits.Alignment of values between charities and corporations is crucial for successful partnerships.Building relationships is key to securing corporate sponsorships.Events should be seen as part of a larger partnership strategy, not just standalone opportunities.Understanding what to offer and how to price it is essential for fundraising success.Engaging employees through volunteerism can enhance corporate partnerships.It's important to maintain communication with corporate partners throughout the year.Planning for corporate sponsorships should start well in advance of events.The fundraising process requires intention and strategic thinking.Small events can be effective for relationship building with corporate sponsors.Chapters03:02 Understanding Corporate Partnerships05:58 Building Sustainable Relationships09:06 The Role of Events in Fundraising11:50 Strategizing Corporate Sponsorships15:08 Pricing and Value Propositions17:51 Navigating Corporate Budgets20:48 The Art of Fundraising23:59 Maintaining Engagement Beyond Events27:05 Getting Started with Corporate FundraisingEpisode Links:https://www.bridgeraise.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsonheather/ Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

In this hilarious and practical episode of Elevate Your Event, Jeff Porter, CEO of Handbid, is joined by Elise Druckenmiller and the newest Handbid team member, Mikaela Roth, who brings her GenZ flair to the mix. Together, they dive into the power of AI (specifically ChatGPT) and explore how it can take the busywork out of planning auctions. From generating auction item descriptions dripping in GenZ slang to streamlining event spreadsheets, this episode will have you laughing and learning in equal measure.Along the way, the crew discusses auction themes, item bundling, and pro tips for placing the paddle raise at just the right moment to maximize donations. Whether you’re an event planner looking to spice things up or just here to learn what “Riz” and “big mood” mean, this episode has something for everyone!TakeawaysAI for Auctions: How ChatGPT can clean up your item spreadsheets, generate starting bids, and even suggest categories.GenZ Slang for Auctions: Transforming item descriptions to be lit with terms like “big mood,” “no cap,” and “flex.”Themes Galore: Brainstorming creative ideas like “Tropical Ties and Tacos” and “Gatsby on the Green” to keep events fresh.Pro Fundraising Tips: Why moving the paddle raise before the live auction could boost engagement and donations.AI Image Creation: Learn how ChatGPT can help generate item images.Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

In this insightful episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive into the transformative role of technology for nonprofits with Ashish Malik, co-founder and CEO of 108 Ideaspace. Ashish shares over 20 years of experience helping nonprofits and associations modernize their tech stacks, improve donor engagement, and achieve their missions. We explore everything from the importance of finding the right donor management systems to trends like AI that are reshaping nonprofit operations.Ashish emphasizes that nonprofits often struggle with the balance of investing in technology while maintaining cost efficiency. He offers practical advice on how nonprofits of all sizes can maximize their digital presence, manage donor relationships, and create a seamless fundraising experience. Plus, we tackle the ongoing challenge of capturing and leveraging donor data to make informed decisions that lead to greater impact.TakeawaysTech for Impact: Nonprofits need to view technology as an investment that drives greater returns in donor engagement and operational efficiency.Custom Solutions: Every nonprofit is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Ashish discusses the importance of choosing the right tech stack tailored to the organization’s specific needs.Donor Experience Matters: From optimizing the user experience on donation pages to using data to retain donors, nonprofits can unlock significant potential with the right strategies in place.AI’s Emerging Role: While still developing, AI offers exciting possibilities for improving fundraising efficiency and predicting donor behaviors.Data is King: Capturing, storing, and using donor data effectively is crucial for long-term success in nonprofit fundraising.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview05:24 Building and Improving Nonprofit Systems09:22 The Importance of Investing in Nonprofit Technology13:43 Measuring Impact and Communicating with Donors20:08 Trends and Changes in the Nonprofit Sector24:04 Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Nonprofits26:36 The Power of Data and Analytics29:17 Preparing for the Future of Nonprofit Technology33:10 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsEpisode Links:https://www.108ideaspace.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishmalik2/ Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Howard Adam Levy, founder of Red Rooster Group, dives into the critical role of storytelling and strategy in event marketing. He stresses the importance of clearly conveying your organization’s mission and impact to forge stronger connections with donors. Levy also recommends reframing your cause to resonate more deeply with your audience. Additionally, he highlights the importance of gathering and using data to build ongoing relationships with donors after the event. His advice encourages organizations to think outside the box and track the success of their events effectively.TakeawaysClearly communicate your organization's mission and impact to donors and attendees.Reframe the issue or cause to create a stronger connection with your audience.Capture and utilize data to cultivate relationships with donors beyond the event.Think creatively and measure the effectiveness of your events.Chapters02:02 Maximizing Events and Engaging the Audience06:39 Understanding the Purpose of Events08:48 Engaging the Community and Cultivating Relationships10:43 Developing a Strategy for Events13:14 Using Storytelling and Mission Moments17:48 Showing Donor Appreciation and Cultivating Relationships25:28 Reframing the Issue: Creating a Stronger Connection29:59 Thinking Creatively and Measuring Event Effectiveness34:18 Parting Words of Advice and Contact InformationEpisode Links:https://redroostergroup.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardadamlevy/Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive into the world of capital campaigns with Sarah Plimpton, Director of Client Happiness at Capital Campaign Pro. Sarah breaks down the seven key phases that every nonprofit should know when planning a capital campaign. From early-stage planning to the all-important “quiet phase” and the art of the big public kickoff, Sarah offers actionable insights to make your next campaign a success. Whether you’re building a new facility or expanding programs, these tips will help you secure those big donations while fostering donor confidence. Plus, we talk about the importance of a well-thought-out stewardship phase, ensuring long-term donor relationships!If you’re looking to take your nonprofit’s fundraising to the next level, you won’t want to miss this episode! 🎙️Takeaways:What is a Capital Campaign?: A special fundraising initiative designed to propel an organization to a new level, often for building expansions, program growth, or endowment boosts.The 7 Phases of a Capital Campaign:Pre-Campaign Planning: Get your ducks in a row before announcing anything.Feasibility Study: Test the waters with potential donors to gauge support.Campaign Planning: Refine your plan based on donor feedback.Quiet Phase: Secure 65-80% of your goal before making a public announcement.Kickoff Phase: Announce your campaign to the broader community.Public Phase: Close the fundraising gap with public events and outreach.Stewardship Phase: Thank donors, share successes, and keep the momentum going.Kickoff Events: Tailor your event to reflect your organization’s culture—whether it’s a school playground or a formal gala, keep it authentic.Avoiding Pitfalls: Don’t overlook guest experience, and always have a solid follow-up plan ready before your event.Episode Links:https://capitalcampaignpro.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahplimpton/ Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Welcome back to another episode of Elevate Your Event! Today, we’re thrilled to have Jay Strear in the studio—a nonprofit veteran with over 30 years of experience. Jay’s here to share his journey from leading a statewide nonprofit to becoming an EOS implementer. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your big ideas into actionable steps, this episode is for you.We’ll dive into the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and how it can help nonprofits like yours stay focused and get results. Forget about those strategic plans that end up collecting dust—Jay explains how to keep your team on track, day by day, and quarter by quarter. We also chat about the importance of dynamic strategic planning and how to stop your team from constantly “putting out fires” so you can actually move forward.Whether you’re a nonprofit leader or just looking for ways to streamline your operations, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real-world examples to help you make a bigger impact.TakeawaysFrom Planning to Doing: Why most strategic plans fail and how EOS can help you keep your nonprofit moving in the right direction.Setting Quarterly Goals (Rocks): How to set meaningful objectives that keep everyone on the same page.One Team, One Voice: The importance of healthy leadership dynamics and how to avoid those dreaded “side conversations.”Getting Ahead of Problems: Learn how to predict and prevent issues before they turn into crises.Engaging Your Board the Right Way: Tips on keeping your board focused on strategy and governance, not micromanaging.Episode Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-strear/https://www.eosworldwide.com/jay-strearIf you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

In this episode, Stephanie Davern, Vice President Sales and Marketing for Read-A-Thon, shares insights on school fundraising and the importance of fostering a love for reading among students. She delves into the challenges of promoting reading in today’s digital age and how making it fun and inclusive can make all the difference. Read-A-Thon offers a unique platform that helps schools track reading minutes and donations, all while students participate in a global reading event. The built-in competition and incentives motivate kids to read more while raising money for their schools.Stephanie also highlights the effectiveness of peer-to-peer fundraising and how a little friendly competition can boost donations. The discussion shifts to the rise of virtual fundraisers and their advantages over traditional in-person events. With platforms like Read-A-Thon, fundraising becomes easier and more successful, thanks to the simplicity, engagement, and ease it brings to everyone involved. From the use of incentives to the power of competition, this episode explores how to maximize participation and fundraising results.TakeawaysPromoting reading in the digital age requires making it a fun and inclusive activity.Read-A-Thon provides a platform for schools to track reading minutes and donations.Competition and incentives motivate students to read more and raise funds for their schools.Peer-to-peer fundraising and friendly competition can drive donations and increase participation. Virtual fundraisers have proven to be successful and sometimes even more effective than traditional in-person fundraisers.Read-A-Thon offers an easy and efficient way for schools and organizations to raise funds through reading.Providing incentives and creating a sense of competition can motivate participants and drive fundraising efforts.Making fundraising easy for everyone involved, including schools, students, and donors, is crucial for success.Main Topics06:23 Changing the Fundraising Narrative08:13 Read-A-Thon's Platform and Features11:27 Inclusivity and Participation in Read-A-Thon15:55 Competition and Leaderboards20:30 Overcoming Resistance to Change in Fundraising24:13 Read-A-Thon: Easy and Efficient Fundraising27:10 Motivating Participants with Incentives and Competition29:38 The Importance of Easy FundraisingEpisode Links:https://www.read-a-thon.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-davern73/ If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Join Joey Goone from Utopia Experience as he delves into the art of creating immersive events in this engaging episode. Joey introduces the 3C model, highlighting why people attend events: content, connection, and community. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the neuroscience and psychology behind gatherings to create environments where attendees feel safe and valued.Discover exceptional arrival experiences and innovative uses of technology to personalize events. Handbid shares insights on the crucial role of check-in in making guests feel known and welcomed. This episode underscores the importance of considering every detail of the event experience, from parking and signage to entrance ambiance and overall atmosphere, aiming to make attendees feel appreciated.Joey also touches on the costs of crafting immersive experiences and the necessity of measuring their return on investment. Real-world examples include guided art museum tours, interactive video showcases, and themed entrances. The conversation wraps up with a reminder to continually listen to attendees and improve the event experience. Tune in for valuable tips on elevating your events to the next level!TakeawaysCreating immersive experiences at events involves understanding the neuroscience and psychology behind why people gather.The 3C model (content, connection, and community) explains why people come to events.Exceptional arrival experiences, such as personalized greetings and interactive activities, can help attendees feel safe and appreciated.Technology can be used to capture information and personalize the event experience.Check-in is an important part of the connection piece and should make guests feel known and welcomed. Event planners should consider the entire experience, from parking to the entrance, to create an immersive and exceptional event.Immersive experiences can create a sense of community and connection among attendees.The cost of creating immersive experiences can vary, but there are ways to design impactful experiences without breaking the budget.Measuring the return on investment and attendee satisfaction is crucial to ensure the success of immersive events.Continuous improvement and listening to attendees' feedback are essential for creating exceptional event experiences.Main Topics01:16 Creating Immersive Experiences: Understanding the Why03:32 The 3C Model: Content, Connection, and Community09:24 Exceptional Arrival Experiences: Making Guests Feel Safe and Appreciated13:17 Personalization through Technology: Capturing Information and Enhancing the Event Experience17:00 Check-In as a Connection Piece: Making Guests Feel Known and Welcomed25:01 Thinking About the Entire Event Experience26:01 Creating Immersive and Exceptional Experiences27:04 The Importance of Intentional Connection Moments28:43 Examples of Immersive Experiences33:28 Measuring the Return on Investment38:23 Listening to Attendees and Continuous ImprovementEpisode Links:https://www.utopiaexperience.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-goone-58225758/If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts