Elevate Your Event

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event!

This week, Jeff Porter sits down with Shilpa Alva, founder and executive director of Search for Water. What started as a party-loving 20-something’s social gatherings grew into a global nonprofit tackling water access, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health in Haiti, Uganda, and Indonesia. Shilpa’s journey shows how a single event can spark an international mission—and why events remain central to her organization’s impact today.

In This Episode:
How Shilpa’s very first event at the Weisman Art Museum launched Search for Water
The creative, scrappy, and manual ways early events came together—think hand-swiped credit cards and DIY branding
Why ticket sales aren’t your biggest revenue driver (and where to focus instead)
The unique two-part event model Shilpa uses today: VIP dinner + high-energy afterparty
Smart uses of technology—and what nonprofits really need next from their platforms
The annual silent auction debate: Keep it or kill it? Shilpa’s surprising perspective

Why It Matters:
Shilpa’s story is proof that you don’t need a huge budget or fancy tools to make a lasting impact. With creativity, persistence, and the right people, even small events can drive big change—locally and globally.

Key Takeaways:
Think beyond ticket sales—other revenue streams can outpace them
Your first event doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful
Tech can save time and improve guest experiences when paired with solid processes
Creative event formats can keep supporters coming back year after year

Final Thought:
From swiping cards by hand to running high-tech, high-impact events, Shilpa Alva proves that the heart of fundraising is about connection, creativity, and vision. Your next event could be the start of something bigger than you ever imagined.

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event!

We’ve hit triple digits—and we're celebrating big. In this 100th episode, Jeff and Mark reflect on the journey so far, revisit fan-favorite moments, and take you behind the scenes with hilarious stories, heartfelt lessons, and a brutally funny AI-generated roast of Handbid's own Jeff Porter.

In This Episode:

• A nostalgic look back at standout episodes and special guests
• An AI-written roast that pulls no punches (boots, bourbon, and all)
• What Chick-fil-A, Disney, and concert venues can teach us about arrival experiences
• Real event mishaps—from inebriated honorees to impromptu Heimlich maneuvers
• The evolution of check-in, mobile bidding, and creating frictionless guest experiences

Why It Matters:

100 episodes isn't just a number—it's a testament to the creativity, resilience, and humor required to thrive in the fundraising world. Whether you're planning your first gala or your 50th, the stories and insights in this episode are a reminder that the event must go on—and it can be awesome.

Key Takeaways:

• Arrival experiences start in the parking lot—plan accordingly
• You can’t prevent every hiccup, but you can be ready to adapt
• Tech empowers your team—especially when paired with good processes
• The best stories (and solutions) often come from the most chaotic moments

Final Thought:

Here’s to 100 episodes of elevating fundraising, solving real-world challenges, and laughing through the madness. Thanks for being on this journey with us—we can’t wait to bring you the next 100.

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this behind-the-scenes episode, Jeff sits down with David Farmer, Area Director for FCA South Denver, to explore how intentional event design, bold decisions, and donor-focused experiences have transformed FCA’s fundraising efforts.

In This Episode:

• The early days of FCA South Denver events—from small golf tournaments to first attempts at galas
• Why cultivating donor relationships takes more than one big event a year
• The power of “micro-events” like Conversations with Champions to engage the community
• How upgrading venues, raising ticket prices, and rethinking sponsorship levels can elevate both the guest experience and your fundraising
• Lessons learned from event hiccups (and why nobody noticed the auctioneer missed the paddle raise!)

Why It Matters:

Fundraising events aren’t just about raising money—they’re about building relationships, telling your story, and creating an experience people want to support. David’s journey shows how taking risks, elevating the experience, and leaning on the right team can turn average events into impactful ones that drive long-term support.

Key Takeaways:

• Elevating your event often means elevating your venue, pricing, and expectations
• Don’t overlook the small “relationship-building” events that lead to bigger donations
• Strategic sponsorship tiers can unlock more high-level support
• You can’t do it alone—surround yourself with experts, volunteers, and a plan
• Great donor experiences come from attention to detail—and a willingness to learn from mistakes

Final Thought:

If your events feel stuck in neutral, maybe it’s time to elevate your strategy. Tune in for real-world lessons on risk, relationships, and building events that grow both your donor base and your mission.

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this episode, Jeff and Elise sit down with Dan Donovan from Stratoscope to unpack the often-overlooked world of event security—and why getting it right is critical for both guest experience and event success.

In This Episode:

• How decades of experience at the Olympics, Formula One Las Vegas, Dreamforce, and other major events shaped Dan’s approach to security
• Why event security isn’t just about safety—it’s about protecting your brand and reputation
• Practical, budget-friendly steps smaller events can take to improve security
• The critical role of access control, perimeter management, and vetting vendors
• Why communication tools like radios (yes, even at small events!) are a game-changer for safety

Why It Matters:

Security can feel like an afterthought—until something goes wrong. Whether it’s a large-scale festival or a small charity gala, every event has vulnerabilities. This episode explores how thoughtful planning, the right staffing, and simple precautions can reduce risks while keeping the guest experience smooth and welcoming.

Key Takeaways:

• Even small events should consider security as part of the guest experience, not separate from it
• Visual deterrents like law enforcement presence can dramatically increase peace of mind
• Access control, credentials, and staff awareness are your first line of defense
• Radios beat text threads every time when quick, coordinated action is needed
• You can elevate security and keep the event fun—it's all about balance

Final Thought:

No event is too small to be a target. From lost auction items to major safety risks, proactive security planning protects your guests, your reputation, and your peace of mind. Tune in for real-world advice from someone who’s seen it all—and learn how to make safety a seamless part of your event.

Connect with Donovan:
https://stratoscope.com
https://stratosk9.com/
https://ingressotek.com/

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this episode, Jeff, Elise, and the Handbid team come together for an insider conversation on what’s coming next for Handbid and the most requested features from clients and the team alike.

In This Episode:

• The top feature requests from Handbid clients—what’s coming and why it matters
• How custom questions for for-sale items can simplify merchandise sales
• The demand for scheduled broadcast messages and how they can improve event communication
• Why purchase add-ons for tickets are a game-changer for upsells and guest convenience
• Sneak peeks into new features: multi-guest lists, DocuSign integration, Stripe Identity, and more
• How Handbid’s redesign and tech upgrades aim to simplify the event experience
• Behind-the-scenes chatter on real client use cases and feedback

Why It Matters:

Great technology doesn’t just show up—it evolves through real-world feedback and constant improvement. This episode gives you a transparent look at how the Handbid team listens to users, prioritizes new features, and keeps innovating to make fundraising events smoother, faster, and more successful.

Key Takeaways:

• Scheduled broadcasts, ticket add-ons, and multi-guest lists are all high-priority features in development
• DocuSign and Stripe Identity will help streamline bidder verification and agreement processes
• Handbid’s upcoming interface updates are focused on usability and guest experience
• AI-powered image resizing, customizable emails, and white-label options are enhancing both branding and efficiency
• The team’s philosophy: Solve real problems with smart, intentional feature updates

Final Thought:

Whether you're running a school auction, charity gala, or massive corporate event, the tools you use should work with you—not against you. Stay tuned to hear how Handbid is building the next wave of features to help elevate your event.

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event!
In this insightful episode, Jeff is joined once again by Mitch Stein from Chariot to break down the often misunderstood world of donor-advised funds (DAFs). From debunking myths to sharing real-life success stories, they dive into how DAFs can revolutionize giving at your fundraising events—and how the Handbid and Chariot integration makes it easier than ever.

In This Episode:

• What a donor-advised fund (DAF) is and why it’s not just for the ultra-wealthy
• How DAF donations compare to credit card donations—spoiler: they’re often 8–10x larger!
• Why Chariot’s integration with Handbid is a game-changer for simplifying DAF giving
• Common DAF donation restrictions (and how to stay compliant at events)
• Tips for identifying and encouraging DAF donors to support your cause
• A look ahead to DAF Day on October 9 and what it means for nonprofits

Why It Matters:
DAFs aren’t just a tax tool for major donors—they’re a growing giving vehicle for everyday philanthropists. By making it easier for donors to give through their DAFs, nonprofits can unlock more generous gifts, reduce donor friction, and stay compliant without the paperwork headache.

Key Takeaways:

• DAF users often give to more charities—on average, 12 per year vs. 2 for typical donors
• Donors give more when using “set-aside” funds from their DAFs, much like spending a gift card
• A smooth, integrated DAF experience can eliminate donor confusion and maximize gifts
• Making your EIN easily accessible and talking about DAFs at events can drive engagement

Final Thought:
Donor-advised funds don’t have to be intimidating or complex. With the right tools and a little education, you can make DAF giving easy, accessible, and highly impactful for your organization. Tune in to find out how—and why now is the perfect time to get on board.

Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this forward-looking episode, Jeff, Elise, and Shania take a deep dive into how mobile app technology can transform the arrival experience at fundraising events.

In This Episode:

• The evolution of mobile and native app technology since the early iPhone days—and why it matters for events
• The difference between “lean forward” and “lean back” user engagement
• Why native apps provide a significantly better guest experience than mobile web solutions
• How features like facial recognition, app clips, and smart check-in systems can streamline entry and reduce lines
• A look at how technology can help guests pre-register, check in, and even donate with just a gesture

Why It Matters:

For many event planners, the arrival experience sets the tone for the entire evening. If guests are stuck in line or fumbling with outdated systems, it can take the energy out of your event before it even begins. This episode explores how to remove friction, improve personalization, and use technology in ways that feel seamless and thoughtful—not invasive.

Key Takeaways:

• Mobile apps give you a level of control and interaction that mobile web simply can’t match
• Pre-event engagement through apps can eliminate check-in bottlenecks
• Emerging tools like app clips and facial recognition create fast, secure entry points
• Even donations can be modernized with creative app features—no paddles required

Final Thought:

If you’re still relying on basic check-in tools and printed guest lists, it might be time to elevate your arrival experience. Tune in for a fresh take on what’s possible when tech works with you, not around you.

Starting a nonprofit can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff with a parachute you’ve never packed. In this episode, Jeff, Inga, and Mark sit down with Matt Stockman to unpack his six-part framework—the Nonprofit Launch Plan—that helps emerging nonprofits go from overwhelmed to organized.

 
What You’ll Learn:

• Why most nonprofit founders are driven by mission, but held back by a lack of structure.
• The six critical areas every nonprofit must address to thrive: development, leadership, operations, finances, marketing, and programs.
• How to craft a mission statement that’s clear, confident, and actually useful (not just pretty words on paper).
• Fundraising 101: The five elements of a successful ask—from the problem to the call to action.
• Why board composition matters and how to choose members who push your org forward (not just nod along).
• The truth about events: how great guest experiences drive revenue—and why not all tech is created equal.

Matt’s Big Takeaway: The difference between a nonprofit that survives and one that thrives often lies in having a simple, flexible framework and the courage to stick to it.

Connect with Matt:

Email: [email protected]

Website: nonprofitlaunchplan.com

Hosts: Jeff Porter, Inga Weiss, and Mark

Presented by: Handbid

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In this fun and candid episode, Mark, Elise, and Jeff recap Handbid’s 19th annual Derby Fundraiser, highlighting what went well, what could be improved, and how they continue to elevate their signature event each year. From logistical tweaks to food upgrades, the team walks us through the behind-the-scenes moments that made this year’s Derby Day a hit.

Episode Highlights:

• New Betting Software: Handbid rewrote its betting software from scratch, creating a smoother, faster experience for guests.
• Elevated Food and Drinks: Coast to Coast catering returned with delicious bites, while Rocker Spirits and Breckenridge Brewery kept the drinks flowing.
• Event Layout Improvements: New seating arrangements and reconfigured fire pits improved flow and comfort for attendees.
• Tech Hiccups: A moment of panic struck when NBC’s livestream of the Kentucky Derby briefly went down – hear how the team handled it.
• Community Feedback: Discover what guests loved and what they suggested for next year, including more shade, better table placement, and more diverse auction items.
• Musical Performances: Mitch Rossell, a Garth Brooks collaborator, headlined the event, impressing attendees with top-tier country tunes.

Tune in now to hear how Handbid continues to refine and elevate their events, ensuring every year is better than the last!

In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we’re joined by Kimberly Tittle, Executive Director of 15|40 Productions, who brings over two decades of expertise in crafting unforgettable events. Kimberly dives deep into what it really takes to elevate guest experiences—from arrival to farewell. She shares how a thoughtful blend of technology and human connection can make or break an event, and why guest comfort should always be center stage.

We also explore the unique dynamics of balancing celebrity privacy with charitable engagement, adding interactive elements that leave lasting impressions, and the behind-the-scenes magic of coordinating teams and volunteers. Kimberly highlights the irreplaceable value of professional event planners in pulling all the pieces together and delivering events that guests won’t stop talking about.

Top Takeaways:

• Events should align with organizational goals and guest expectations.
• A seamless guest experience builds community, comfort, and awareness.
• The arrival moment sets the tone—clear signage and direction matter.
• Tech enhances events when it’s intuitive and non-intrusive.
• Balance is everything: celebrity privacy vs. engagement, innovation vs. comfort.
• Know your audience’s tech tolerance before going high-tech.
• Experiential and interactive elements boost engagement and fundraising.
• Strong teams, clear communication, and organized volunteers make the magic happen.
• Pro event planners keep logistics smooth so the mission stays front and center.
• In-house skills can stretch budgets and simplify execution.