VIRTUAL GALAS & FUNDRAISERS - SERIES #2 - Event Ideas & Recommendations
Karen Zinn • May 26, 2020
Navigating through the new normal in the Event Industry.
As we all navigate through how Covid-19 restrictions have impacted the Live Event industry; Virtual Events are quickly becoming a viable option to help you still meet your annual fundraising goals.
Below are some of MTAV's Virtual Event Planning RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Keep it short, 45-60 minutes.
b) Adjust your AV budget to accommodate the extra equipment required, including possible pre-production. More than ever, the AV component of this type of event is crucial for flawless execution.
c) Don't cancel an annual event; continue to grow your audience and sponsorship relationships.
d) Include impactful, captivating visuals and video.
e) Opt-out from playing any video material in Zoom. Hire an AV team to produce seamless switching between all media, including any remote presenters, creating a professional and polished look.
f) To streamline testimonials and messaging - consider pre-recording this content.
g) Your communication and marketing plan is critical, be concise with your messaging and Fundraising ask.
Fundraising drastically impacted by COVID-19 - Large group gathering restrictions:
Below are some of MTAV's Virtual Event Planning IDEAS:
a) Attract Sponsors with the same format as a Live Event - offer 30-sec commercials and logos on event banner.
b) The main focus during the Virtual Gala should be to communicate the Fund-A-Need, Ask!
c) Post-Editing will allow for titling, additional media, keeping within timeframe and giving video a polished look.
d) Consider using any additional pre-recorded messaging and testimonial videos in an email campaign or social media campaign leading up to the Virtual Event.
e) Create an event landing page, including a donate button. Be Creative!
f) Consider monetizing an exclusive pre-show or virtual after-party.
g) If you are gathering video content independently, let's chat about additional suggestions.
h) Utilize Social Media to promote the Virtual Event. Reach broader audiences through Premiere's on Facebook and YouTube with automated reminders to subscribers and their friends. You will need to set up a (Brand Account) on YouTube.
i) If you are streaming for the first time on YouTube, you must get permission. This process can take up to 24hrs for permission to be granted. Any further videos after the initial upload on your channel skips this process.
j) Focus on growing your Youtube subscribers and social media pages months before the Virtual Event, if you wish to capture a new, broader audience.
k) Make sure your presenters are rehearsed and prepared. Keep a high-importance on good lighting and appropriate location, camera quality and technical support.
l) Your goal should be to keep your audience viewing the broadcast. Consider asking for pledges in the chat field instead of a donate button that encourages your audience to stop viewing your event and go to another page. Your Fundraising team can follow up with pledges.
m) Our team can facilitate and manage remote presentations if required; keep in mind, engaging content is paramount.
n) Sell tickets? Consider selling/delivering meals supporting local restaurants, include a gift, coupons, thank you cards or wine?
o) Consider team captains (main supporters) who try to fill virtual tables to help fundraising efforts. Create a "contest" or create a fun challenge to help drive attendance to your event. ie photo contest, #HASHTAGNew Paragraph
Contact MTAV today! It's never too late to get started.
If your team is considering moving this year's face-to-face event to an audience-free fundraising event; consider leaving the technical aspects to the experts. Experience the benefits and peace of mind of having access to professional equipment and production to produce a broadcast-quality virtual event. We are all competing for audiences attention. Quality matters!
www.MTAV.ca
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In this 4-part Series, MTAV describes the benefits of hosting a fundraising gala virtually. We have compiled a list of key points to help you determine if during your event from live to audience-free makes sense for your organization. Contact MTAV.ca
Unlike a Face-to-Face Event, we recommend in order to produce a successful, engaging Virtual Gala; it should only be approximately 45-60 min long, putting a high priority on the Fund-A-Need Ask. Content Strategies: By being strategic in your messaging and content, you can take your audience on an emotional journey all while sharing information about your organization, success stories, video content, testimonials, possible entertainment and circle back to your Fundraising ask. Hire an entertaining Host, Professional Speaker or Emcee and/or Professional Auctioneer.
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