Are Your Guests Raising Their Paddles?

Each year, the Valley of the Sun is host to numerous galas and events for the benefit of extraordinary nonprofits. Countless volunteer and staff hours are spent to create an impactful evening for donors, sponsors and guests.
Managing RSVPs, silent and live auctions is especially time consuming. So when it comes to the big night, you must make the most of what you have built. You need a professional auction management company along with a professional auctioneer to make sure you are making the most to keep your nonprofit prosperous.
The first goal is relationship building.  Make sure you are properly thanking sponsors, introducing new guests to your mission and making sure each person leaves with a strong and lasting impression of the important work you are doing.
There is no one better to do the job than your development staff and other advocates like board members, volunteers and program staff. That’s where their time is best spent — not staffing registration, organizing bid sheets or even serving as the auctioneer when public speaking ranks among most peoples’ top fear! Let the professionals make you look sharp.
With the introduction of technology into fundraisers, like touchpad and SmartPhone bidding, earning potential of auctions are maximized. Real-time bidding becomes a competitive game, and serves as entertainment for patrons. Since 2009, most organizations in Phoenix who have chosen a technology package earn at least 15 percent more off of their auctions. It only grows from there in the years ahead with detailed reporting and post-event analysis.
Hire a professional, certified auctioneer and you have made the conscious choice to invest in a more profitable and interactive experience for your guests. Come next year, your event will be among their must-attend functions.
The best auctioneers take the time to become true ambassadors for an organization, building a relationship with leadership and beneficiaries of the work you do. That way, when it comes time to make money in the live auction and cash call, they can work the room to the best of their ability: where people are having fun and reaching for their wallets.
As you plan your next event, remember to look for auction management teams that put service and relationships before business. You represent a nonprofit organization after all. We recommend attending another event in the Valley where the technology and/or auctioneer that you’re considering is working.
Afterall, the goal in fundraising is hearing that auctioneer boldly shout, “SOLD!”
 
Robyn Broshears is the owner of Auction & Event Solutions Arizona.  Robyn has helped the Phoenix nonprofit community build their fundraising events as owner of Auction & Event Solutions Arizona since 2004. Her proven ability in full-circle event planning, streamlining event night processes and cost-consciousness has made AES Arizona a strong partner for more than 80 organizations.
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