Get This Party Started!!!

Kenny Browder
Kenny Browder
Ninth Anniversary Kudos 2 Name Dropper Participant
in Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT® Blog

Can I brag on myself for a bit?

Last week I threw a birthday party for a dear friend at my house which I would consider a glowing success. In the moment, it was easy to see why? There was a decent spread of food, three signature cocktails and freaking live music playing in my backyard. Thank you, Texas weather for your cooperation and a special thanks to my neighbors for not calling the cops.

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Most importantly, there was a palpable buzz you could cut with a knife. Strangers were becoming friends; laughter was abundant, and people left knowing what my wife and I are all about. We love friends, we value connection, and we believe being generous with your time and resources is a consistent path to happiness. The party effectively told our story.

Truth be told, a bulk of the work was done before the party even took place. Invites were sent, RSVPs were returned, and this simple data collecting pursuit helped set the wheels in motion for a great event. We were able to follow up with those who responded yes (good to know for last minute ice runs, amirite?), nudge those who didn’t respond at all, and create a little bit of FOMO for the maybes. It also helped me do a little connecting the dots of relationships for the people I didn’t know.

For those people entering my house for the first time, I wanted them to be comfortable from the start. Knowing my attendees helped me ensure as a host they all felt welcome. But I’m preaching to the choir. All of you are efficient event planners who know a well-planned event is a powerful way to tell your mission and connect with constituents.

What if some components of managing an event, specifically participants, was easier? Do you like the idea of shorter event check-in lines? Would throwing away a printed check-in roster be a dream? What about avoiding a bulk of your manual post-event data entry? Sounds good, right?

Do you want to hear more?

Join me for An Adoption Affair: Shifting Event Management Routines to Web View. We’ll cover the new features for Events you should start using and why. Choose the best date for you to join the party HERE.

Peace Out, Party (Planning) People!

Comments

  • Diana Turner
    Diana Turner
    Ninth Anniversary Kudos 1 Participant Facilitator 1
    Nice blog and I love the segue to event planning. 
  • Kenny Browder
    Kenny Browder
    Ninth Anniversary Kudos 2 Name Dropper Participant
    Thanks, Diana Turner‍! I appreciate the feedback.  
  • Diana Turner
    Diana Turner
    Ninth Anniversary Kudos 1 Participant Facilitator 1
    I am hoping to get our users to utilize Events in Web View. So the more that I understand, the better I can convince them. :)
  • Vicky Wendt
    Vicky Wendt
    Sixth Anniversary Participant Facilitator 1 Blackbaud Champion
    Sounds like a great party! Perfect event planning. I hope you will someday share the steps you took to have such a successful party. 
  • Megan Shackle
    Megan Shackle
    Tenth Anniversary Participant Facilitator 1 Boomerang (2024)
    The timing for this couldn't be better. I've been wanting to learn about the web view event functionality!
  • Kara OShaughnessy
    Kara OShaughnessy
    Sixth Anniversary Name Dropper Participant Facilitator 1
    I agree with Megan Shackle, you have perfect timing!
  • Claire Mathias
    Claire Mathias
    Seventh Anniversary Participant Facilitator 1
    Sounds like a very Austin party! I love "Strangers were becoming friends; laughter was abundant, and people left knowing what my wife and I are all about." Fundraising events need to go beyond dollars. Donors become true stakeholders when they feel a strong connection to the organization as a group with a shared goal in common AND they truly "get" the organization's mission.
  • Kenny Browder
    Kenny Browder
    Ninth Anniversary Kudos 2 Name Dropper Participant
    I return from being Out of Office to some lovely posts on this blog.  Vicky Wendt‍ I think a follow up post is a possiblity.  In the interim, I will say I learned a lot about event planning when reading the The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker.  There are some wonderful actionable tips in there if you a looking for a read.  Megan Shackle‍ and @Kara OShaugnessy.  We have a couple of upcoming webinars about the Events feature in Web View coming running through October.  You can find dates at https://hello.blackbaud.com/RENXT_Road_to_Success_Registration.html. Claire Mathias‍ It was a very Austin party.  And you are right! It is of the utmost of importance to build strong connections with donors so they become true stakeholders in your mission.  I've found being authentic to your true self is the best way to do that.  Speaking boldy about what you believe in and your tribe will find you!

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