Carolyn Woodard explores the technology behind nonprofit fundraising events with Justin Goodhew, CEO and co-founder of Trellis. Galas and in-person events have come roaring back since COVID, and they have changed — guests expect and enjoy more experiential, mission-centered evenings. 

But the pressure on staff has not let up. As AI begins to reshape data entry and reconciliation, the nonprofits that thrive will be the ones who have already built the right technology foundations under their events.

Justin brings years of experience helping nonprofits run galas that integrate cleanly into their existing systems — and he has seen firsthand what separates a smooth, energizing event from one that leaves staff burnt out. The conversation covers how to think about technology adoption the right way, how to make smarter asks on the big night, and how to use post-event data to deepen donor relationships before the window closes.

Justin and Carolyn discuss:

• Why events have become more experiential since COVID, and how nonprofits can use that shift to bring donors closer to their mission.
• The three Ps of event technology adoption: procedure, people, and product — and why most organizations get the order wrong.
• How seamless integration between your event platform and your CRM or ERP protects staff from burnout and keeps donor data actionable.
• How the right data quickly allows you to identify your highest-value attendees and make the right asks at the right moment. And how data helps you plan the right type and right-sized event for your highest value donors. 
• Why moving reconciliation and data planning to the front end of your event planning cycle - the three months in advance of your date - changes everything about the days that immediately follow your gala.

Resources Mentioned:

• Trellis — https://www.trellis.org

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