Greater Giving Blog

AFP Massachusetts 2017 Conference - Boston, MA
2017-11-29 07:30 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Boston Marriott Copley Place, 110 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02116, United States
Attending the 2017 AFP Massachusetts Conference? Be sure to stop by Greater Giving’s booth to visit with Shane and Marty who will be on hand to chat with you! They will have giveaways, Auction Planners, and you can enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card. If you’ll be in Boston, don’t miss us!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Auction Profits - Webinar
2017-12-12 10:00 - 11:00 | WA
Learn practical tips to describe, display, promote and sell auction packages more effectively.
Step 1: Procure “WOW” worthy auction packages. Step 2: Put each item’s best foot forward.
The holidays are the busiest shopping time of year. How do stores attract throngs of customers? By advertising good deals, offering must-have items and creating a smooth shopping experience.
Just like a brick-and-mortar retailer, the charity auction is your organization’s “one night only” storefront. It’s critical to position every item in the very best light.
How can you motivate bidders to stop, look and buy?
Greater Giving is teaming up with Winspire for a webinar sharing proven best practices to frame and position every auction item for success. In the free 1-hour session, you’ll learn how to:

Write engaging auction item descriptions
Design promotional materials (like display sheets and live auction slides)
Create an online marketplace
Promote items via email, social media and more
Increase revenue with pre-event online bids

…and lots more! This webinar will be chock-full of practical tips to benefit auction planning newbies and seasoned pros alike. We hope you’ll join us!
If you can’t make it but are still interested in the content, register anyway and we will send a recording of the webinar after it’s over.

Colorado Auctioneers Association Annual Conference
2018-01-04 - 2018-01-07 | Crowne Plaza Hotel, 15500 East 40th Ave., Denver, CO, 80239, United States
Do you want to help your nonprofit clients be better organized, digitize their fundraising efforts and increase their revenue? Are you looking for a partner who sends business back to you? Come see us at Colorado Auctioneers Association 2018 Annual Conference. Greater Giving will be in Colorado to demonstrate Greater Giving Online Bidding and Go Time for fundraising events and you’ll learn about the latest fundraising trends. We will also have Auction Planners, Best Practices for Online Bidding Events, and a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card.
Don’t miss our session “To be Social or NOT to be? THAT is the Benefit Auctioneer’s Question” on Friday, January 5 at 10:00 AM.
This interactive class will help the benefit auctioneer determine what platform/s are best for their business. Why you should be social, how to create content that gets responses – with examples from your peers. We’ll also cover leveraging your partners for more impact, having a plan for trolls on social media and we’ll touch on tools to help automate the workload.

Rinse & Refresh, Don't Rinse & Repeat - Webinar
2018-01-17 11:00 - 12:00 | WA
Wednesday, January 17th, 2018
11:00 am Pacific
Presented by Heather Frank and Sarah Obialero of STUDIO 4Forty
Annual events can get stagnant, boring, ho-hum. Keep your event fresh and captivating, and guests will come back year after year. This webinar will give you tips and ideas to keep events interesting and updated with new graphics, visuals, and entertainment.
In this webinar, we will cover:

Ideas for updating your graphics and branding to keep it looking fresh
Creating fun, interactive experiences that change from year to year
Keeping your step and repeat visually interesting so pictures look fresh and you get lots of engagement on social media
Adding entertainment and elements for guest engagement
Updating your music
Changing your food and beverage offerings
Adapting revenue-generating programs like raffles, sponsorships, and auction opportunities
Refreshing your VIP guest experience

Can’t make the live version? Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording!

Arkansas Auctioneers Association 2018 Annual Conference
2018-02-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Hotel Hot Springs & Spa, 305 Mavern Ave, Hot Springs, AR, 71901, United States
Do you want to help your nonprofit clients be better organized, digitize their fundraising efforts and increase their revenue? Are you looking for a partner who sends business back to you? Come see us at Arkansas Auctioneers Association 2018 Annual Conference. Greater Giving will be in Arkansas to demonstrate Greater Giving Online Bidding and Go Time for fundraising events and you’ll learn about the latest fundraising trends. We will also have Auction Planners, Best Practices for Online Bidding Events, and a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card.
Dates: February 2-3, 2018
Location:
Hotel Hot Springs & Spa
305 Mavern Ave
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Don’t miss our session “To be Social or NOT to be? THAT is the Benefit Auctioneer’s Question”. Saturday, February 3rd, 1:30 pm.
This interactive class will help the benefit auctioneer determine what platform/s are best for their business. Why you should be social, how to create content that gets responses – with examples from your peers. We’ll also cover leveraging your partners for more impact, having a plan for trolls on social media and we’ll touch on tools to help automate the workload.

Forum on Nonprofit Effectiveness-Tucson, AZ
2018-03-02 09:30 - 15:30 | Tucson Convention Center, 260 S Church Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85701, United States
Join us at ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation’s 19th Annual Forum on Nonprofit Effectiveness set to take place March 2nd, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, AZ. This year’s theme is “Leading in an Age of Disruption” and will feature a keynote presentation by Rusty Stahl, the founder, president and CEO of Fund the People, and will also include an engaging panel discussion to take place during the lunch-hour.

The afternoon will offer attendees a choice of four highly engaging and unique workshops presented by our community’s most influential leaders.
Nonprofit professionals, board members, philanthropists, funders, community volunteers and business leaders attend the event, which will mark the 7th consecutive year the ASU Lodestar Center has held a spring event in the Greater Tucson-area.

$75 Regular Rate (ends March 1, 2018)
$85 At-the-door Registration Rate (March 2, 2018 only)

Registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, presentations and convenient parking in Lot A.

Leveraging Technology, Consulting & Entertainment for your Golf Tournament-Webinar
2018-03-07 11:00 - 12:00 | WA
*This webinar has passed. However, you can view the recording of the session on-demand.
Over the past 19 years, Great Golf Events has assisted their charity clients in achieving their financial goals. Collaborating with each of their clients, they leverage the latest technologies, entertainment, and protocols that best fit each unique event – the ultimate goal being to maximize profits and enhance both the player and sponsor experience.
On this webinar, find out how your tournament can:

Build a strategic plan to raise more
Streamline golfer arrival
Bundle tournament add-ons
Add-in top tournament revenue generators
And much more

Live Webinar – Wednesday, March 7th, 2018
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Pacific
*Can’t attend live? Register anyway and receive the recording after the webinar!
Your Presenter:
Roger Caldwell, Owner & Founder, Great Golf Events
Having conducted over 900 golf events with both national and international organizations, Roger Caldwell is the ultimate golf pro and trick-shot entertainer. His company, Great Golf Events was founded in 1998. Their core services provide a single-vendor resource to facilitate all the marketing, administration and logistical tasks associated with a golf tournament. Great Golf Events has been associated with generating over $5 Million of additional profits for their clients. Roger is a certified gold event consultant, a graduate of Grand Canyon University, and proud father of two.

Corporate Giving Network Conference - Seattle, WA
2018-03-08 07:30 - 17:00 | Sky View Observatory – Columbia Center
The only conference for nonprofits that focuses on corporate giving and sponsorships.
Greater Giving is pleased to be a Presenting Sponsor of the 2018 Corporate Giving Network Conference!
March 8th, 2018 – Seattle, WA
This annual conference focuses on helping nonprofits identify and pursue corporate giving and sponsorship opportunities with the aim to increase their revenue and grow their organizations. Learn from executive level speakers with deep, applicable knowledge from the corporate sector who are decision makers in approving funds, providing volunteers and authorizing sponsorship and cause-related marketing requests.
The following five topics will be covered in detail:
1. Corporate Philanthropy
2. Sponsorships, Endorsements & Underwriting
3. Cause-Related Marketing
4. Employee Engagement & Workplace Giving
5. Corporate Social Responsibility
For more information, or to register, visit the conference page here.

Nonprofit Technology Conference #18NTC
2018-04-11 - 2018-04-13 | Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA, 70130, United States
Have you registered yet for the #18NTC?
The Nonprofit Technology Conference features over 100 educational sessions, an exhibit hall highlighting the latest nonprofit products and services, and networking events each day.
We’ll have a booth in the exhibit hall and we can’t wait to join you and 2,200 other nonprofit pros in New Orleans this April! Greater Giving will be in booth #730 and will be handing out some great giveaways and you can get a live demo of our updated Online Bidding platform.
For more information or for tickets, visit nten.org/ntc

AFP International Conference on Fundraising-Booth 619
2018-04-15 - 2018-04-17 | Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA, 70130, United States
Are you attending the AFP International Fundraising Conference in New Orleans?
AFP International Fundraising Conference features over 90 educational sessions spanning three days, covering all aspects of professional fundraising and nonprofit management.
Greater Giving team members will be on site in the Marketplace and want to chat with you about your fundraising efforts in Booth 619. Whether you’re already a customer or new to Greater Giving, our goal is to help you find ways to Raise More and Stress Less!
While at our booth, enter to win a ticket to attend the Elevate Fundraising Conference in Portland this June and a $200 American Express gift card to help get you there!
During the Marketplace Happy Hour Monday, we’ll be handing out 100 delicious frozen daiquiris and playing our own special version of “Glitz in a Glass” where you could win a hard copy of our 26 Proven Revenue Enhancers For Your Fundraiser Book and a $50 American Express gift card.
Another benefit to visiting our booth is our in-both mini-sessions! We’re bringing special 15-minute presentations from fundraising professionals right to you. Take a look at our schedule:
Sunday, April 15th
12:25-12:40 pm
5 Ways to Get 100% or More Return on Donated Items
Renee Jones, National Fundraising Solutions
3:15-3:30 pm
Ideas for Maximizing Travel in your Benefit Auction
Ian Lauth, Winspire
Monday, April 16th
9:25-9:40 am
Maximizing Bids on Your Live Auction Items
Ian Lauth, Winspire
12:10-12:25 pm
Creating Partnerships to Enhance the Guest Experience
Antonia Keller, Emeril Lagasse Foundation
3:15-3:30 pm
Three Proven Ways to Grow Your Fund-a-Need
Renee Jones, National Fundraising Solutions
4:30-5:30 pm
Marketplace Happy Hour
Tuesday, April 17th
9:30-9:45 am
Beyond the Raffle Ticket-Donor Enhancements for 2018
Chuck Mutz, The Black Tie Auctioneer
12:15-12:30 pm
How to Get Your Board to Put a Ring On It
Renee Jones, National Fundraising Solutions
We can’t wait to see you in New Orleans!

2018 AFPGV Regional Conference-Rochester, NY
2018-05-02 11:45 - 18:00 | Holiday Inn – Downtown Rochester, 70 State St., Rochester, NY, 14614, United States
Greater Giving will be on hand at the 2018 AFP Genesee Valley Regional Conference to chat about fundraising, so be sure to stop by our table! We are a Bronze Sponsor again this year and love to work with and connect with nonprofits in the Genesee Valley! We will have giveaways, Auction Planners, and you could win a $100 Amazon gift card and a hard copy of our 26 Proven Revenue Enhancers book for your organization. We look forward to seeing you in Rochester!

Texas Auctioneers Association Annual Convention
2018-05-05 - 2018-05-08 | Hilton College Station & Conference Center, 801 University Dr E., College Station, TX, 77840, United States
Texas Auctioneers, you don’t want to miss TAA’s Annual Convention!
Greater Giving staff members will be available to discuss how Greater Giving can support your business with our partner program and solutions to streamline your client’s events- helping both of you to raise more money! Be sure and stop by our table to speak with Debby Roth-Bush, and Aimee Haworth.
Enter our drawing for a $100 Amazon Gift Card and pick up a tasty treat from Goodman Sweets. We’ll have Auction Planners and more on hand!
For more info and to register visit: https://texasauctioneers.org/2018-convention-information/

The Art of the Gala Seminar-Denver, CO
2018-05-16 09:30 - 14:00 | Lowry Conference Center, 1061 Akron Way, Denver, CO, 80230, United States
Presented by Martin Auctioneering, Bolder Events, and Greater Giving
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn practical strategies that will increase revenues at your next fundraising event. Join benefit auction specialist, Don Martin of Martin Auctioneering and Linda Shaw of Bolder Events as they discuss best practices for a successful gala.

BONUS SESSION
This session will cover new trends in online and mobile bidding technologies. We will discuss how to drive participation and raise more funds with minimal effort using online bidding; how online auctions can be seamlessly integrated, and how to leverage social media to extend your fundraising reach.

At this nonprofit fundraising seminar, become an expert in “The Art of the Gala” gaining insight on:

Which part of your nonprofit fundraiser brings in the most money
Tips for drastically increasing your live auction revenue
How to craft your best special appeal strategy
Strategies to refresh your silent auction

Registration Fee: $19.95
*Includes lunch
Presenters:

Linda Shaw, Bolder Events Inc. Linda is the owner and CEO of Bolder Events. She started Bolder Events in 2007 to address a gap in services offered by most traditional event planners. She holds an undergraduate degree from Denver University as well as an MBA from the University of Colorado. Linda has extensive event planning experience and has also worked as a corporate trainer for Hallmark Cards. Bolder Events provides non- profit customers with “bold”, innovative and flexible solutions to take the stress out of planning a successful fundraising event. Offering consulting services and support through the entire planning process, then providing staff and equipment to run event night – Bolder Events will make your event a success with less stress!
Don Martin, Martin Auctioneering Don Martin founded Martin Auctioneering after retiring in 2001. Shortly after 9/11, he decided it was time to do something more fulfilling with a greater sense of community service. This gave rise to Martin Auctioneering. Since then the company has raised millions of dollars annually for a wide variety of charities that Martin feels personally aligned with. After 33+ years of auctioneering, he is still going strong and remains passionate when asked about the charities he serves. Exclusively serving nonprofits is something he is particularly proud of. Though raised in New York he has lived in Colorado for over 27 years and considers it to be his adopted home state. He lives with the love of his life, Victoria and their trusted best friend, Bodi in Frederick, CO. When they’re not at work you will find them on the golf course or traveling around the country in their motor coach.

Webinar: Generational Differences at Fundraising Events
2018-05-16 11:00 - 12:00 | WA
Generational Differences at Fundraising Events
Fundraising events are changing rapidly, both with technology and the differences between all the generations’ communication styles. Darron will discuss the various generations, their differences and share important tips to consider when planning your fundraising event.
Darron will cover:

What are the generations?
What do the generations value?
Communicating with the generations
Auction Procedures – live, silent and fund-a-need
And more

Live Webinar – Wednesday, May 16th, 2018
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Pacific
*Can’t attend live? Register anyway and receive the recording after the webinar!
Your Presenter:
Darron Meres, MBA, CAI, MPPA, BAS, Bowtie Benefit Auctions
Darron Meares is a licensed professional fundraising auctioneer in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Indiana and Florida. He currently serves as a member of the Education Institute of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) and previously served a three-year term on the NAA Board of Directors. In addition, he is a past president of the South Carolina Auctioneers Association and is the 2013-14 South Carolina Bid Calling Grand Champion. He was inducted into the South Carolina Auctioneer Association Hall of Fame in 2018.
Meares is a sought-after public speaker and a professional member of the National Speakers Association. In addition, he is an instructor at the Southeastern School of Auctioneering and the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

AFP Advancement NW Forum on Strategic Fundraising - Seattle, WA
2018-06-07 | Washington State Convention Center, 705 Pike St, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
Attending the AFP Advancement NW annual Forum on Strategic Fundraising in Seattle? Stop by our table during day one of the conference for a free pop-socket! Our team members Stephanie and Shane will be on hand to discuss all your organization’s fundraising technology needs. Our goal is to help you raise more, stress less! Drop in a business card and you could win a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of our 26 Auction Games book.

AFP Western New York Annual Networking and Fundraising Conference
2018-06-13 08:30 - 16:30 | Niagara University, 5795 Lewiston Rd, Niagara University, NY, 14109, United States
Greater Giving is excited to sponsor the AFP Western New York conference! If you’ll be on-site be sure to drop your business card into our drawing for a $100 donation to the organization of your choice and a copy of our 26 Proven Revenue Enhancers book.

AFP DFW Philanthropy in Action Conference
2018-06-15 | Irving Convention Center, 500 West Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving, TX, 75039, United States
Join us at…
AFP DFW Philanthropy in Action Conference!
Friday, June 15, 2018
Irving Convention Center – Irving, TX
Stop by and visit with Aimee and Nancy! They will be demonstrating Greater Giving Online Bidding and Go Time. You’ll learn about the latest fundraising trends for 2018. We will also have Auction Planners, giveaways and enter to win an Amazon gift card!

Planet Philanthropy-Fort Lauderdale, FL
2018-06-17 - 2018-06-19 | The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, 321 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304, United States
Join us at…
Planet Philanthropy 2018!
June 17th-19th, 2018
Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stop by and visit with Heidi! She will be demonstrating Greater Giving Online Bidding and Go Time. You’ll learn about the latest fundraising trends for 2018. She will also have Auction Planners, giveaways and enter to win an Amazon gift card!

Elevate Fundraising Conference-Portland, OR
2018-06-21 07:30 - 2018-06-22 16:30 | Hilton Portland Downtown, 921 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR, 97204, United States
Does your fundraising event need to go to the next level? Here is your opportunity.
We’re excited to sponsor Elevate!
Join us in Portland, Oregon on June 21 + 22 for a conference dedicated specifically to fundraising events. You’ll join development and nonprofit professionals to spend two days looking at events and how you can use them to boost your mission and fundraising.
Elevate is a different kind of fundraising conference. It’s like sending your event to school to rethink how it does or doesn’t serve your work.
This 2-day conference is a chance to hit the pause button on your event cycle and look at how you can create a bigger impact with your fundraising events. We’ll spend the first-day learning theory and best practices, and then we’ll demonstrate them in our demo signature event, where you get to be the guest. Day two will be the chance to dive into the details, create your plan and walk away with next steps that will put you on the path to event success.
Topics will include:

The psychology of giving
How to inspire audiences
Corporate sponsorship
Donor stewardship through events
Raising more money in your appeal
Data management
Sharing your story
Using videos to raise money
Auction strategy
And more…

Interested in joining and want to save a little money? Save 25% off the ticket price with our discount code: GREATERGIVING
1) Go to www.elevatenonprofit.com
2) Choose 1 ticket in the registration area

3) The system will prompt you to create a login
4) Once you’ve logged in, there will be a screen where you enter your information and there’s a grey box in the upper left-hand corner where you want to click on “Add Discount”
5) Once the discount code box appears, enter the code GREATERGIVING and then click “Add Discount”
6) The discount has now been applied

Bigger Impact-2018 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America National Conference
2018-06-25 - 2018-06-28 | Marriott St. Louis Grand, 800 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63101, United States
Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, visit us at…
Bigger Impact!
June 25-28, 2018
Marriot St. Louis Grand – St. Louis, MO
Stop by and visit with Lisa and Stephanie in booth 23! They will be demonstrating Greater Giving Online Bidding and Go Time. You’ll learn about the latest fundraising trends for 2018. And they will also have Auction Planners, giveaways and enter to win an Amazon gift card!
#BBBSTogether

Event Counseling with the Experts Seminar - Seattle, WA
2018-06-28 08:30 - 13:00 | Mercer Island Community Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States
A customized, interactive fundraising workshop
Your organization faces many unique challenges in the planning and execution of your fundraising events. Fundraising experts, Graham Crow and Tim Leahy want to learn about your specific events and tailor this workshop to your desires and needs. After registering, you’ll be able to complete a survey about your event and exactly what you’d like Graham and Tim to discuss during the seminar.

DIY Content
This session will feature the things you most want to learn! After registration, you will be sent a survey so we can learn all about your organization and the specific content you’d like to hear more about at the seminar.

During this custom seminar, you will learn about:

Streamlining check-in and check-out
New, and proven revenue-generating ideas
The importance of knowing your event attendees/donors — what they expect and what they like
Our experts’ five event-must-haves

Registration Fee: $19.95
*Includes lunch
Presenters:

Graham Crow, Graham Crow Benefit Auctions For the past 27 years, Graham Crow has been working with schools, charities, and organizations all over the United States and Canada, raising more than 75 million dollars through benefit auctions. His philosophy of encouraging people to “spend more than you had planned, but to feel really good about doing so,” has made him one of the most sought-after auctioneers in North America. He has never met an auction he didn’t love.
Tim Leahy, Leahy Benefit Auction Services Tim Leahy’s warmth, professional style, and sense of humor set the stage for your Auction guests to have a fun-filled and enjoyable evening while bidding very generously. He takes a personal interest in the financial and entertainment success of your event. He only services benefit auctions and works diligently to generate the maximum dollars to support your charities. Tim is a master at working with large or small auction committees while providing as much or little pre-auction support as each auction chair requests. Tim is equally talented at helping new auction chairs holding their first auction, or established auctions that need to generate substantial revenue for the continued success of the charity.

National Auctioneers Association 2018 Conference and Show-Jacksonville, FL
2018-07-17 - 2018-07-21 | Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, 225 E. Coastline Dr., Jacksonville, FL, 32202, United States
All our bags are packed and we’re leaving on a jet plane. We hope to see you at the 2018 National Auctioneers Conference & Show where we have a great set of mini-seminars, a giveaway and friendly faces to answer your fundraising event software questions. We are also hosting a team of amazing benefit auction seminars right in our booth, take a look at our packed schedule!
Wednesday, July 18th
10:45 – 11:00 AM Susan Johnson, Susan’s Auction Service – Consult or Not to Consult–When to Engage
12:00 – 12: 15 PM Ann Whitaker, Champion Fundraiser – Show Me the Money – Extra Revenue Generators
2:40 – 2: 55 PM Renee Jones, National Fundraising Solutions – Getting Your Board to Put a Ring on it!

Thursday, July 19
10:45 – 11:00 AM Michael Parker, Parker Benefit Auctions – Gala Innovations
12:00 – 12:15 PM Scott Robertson, SR Auctioneers – Strategic Giving Level Strategies for Fund-a-Need
2:40 – 2:55 PM Lance Walker, Walker Auctions – What to Look for in Selecting a Quality Auctioneer
View additional details and speaker bios here.
If you won’t be attending NAA but are interested in these sessions, we will be streaming each one live on Facebook so be sure to follow us to check them out!

Webinar-Focusing on What’s Important: The Secret to Maximizing your Benefit Auction
2018-07-18 11:00 - 12:00 | WA
Focusing on What’s Important: The Secret to Maximizing your Benefit Auction
Have you ever watched a novice swimmer in a freestyle race? Her desire to win is tremendous. Hundreds of calories expended. Splashing everywhere! But she’s not moving very fast through the water. Meanwhile, the swimmer in the lane next to her doesn’t look like she’s working very hard but glides across the pool with far less effort.
Does your benefit auction effort feel more splash than cash? Or at the very least, like it could be so much more efficient and effective? This webinar will focus on key strategies needed to increase your fundraising, turbo-charge your live auction, maximize your special appeal, and focus on what’s IMPORTANT, instead of what feels URGENT.
During this webinar, you will learn best practices for:

Which part of your fundraiser brings in the most money
Tips for drastically increasing your live auction revenue
How to craft your best special appeal strategy
How to tell your story to maximize impact
Tools to get you on track and ahead of the curve

Just a few elements virtually always comprise the lion’s share of benefit auction revenues. Let us share what we’ve learned over 2,000 auctions!

Live Webinar – Wednesday, July 18th, 2018
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Pacific
*Can’t attend live? Register anyway and receive the recording after the webinar!
Your Presenter:
Keith McLane, BAS, KLM Auctions
Keith L. McLane, BAS, is one of the country’s preeminent fundraising auctioneers, special appeal/fund-a-need experts, and event-based fundraising educators. Since 1995, he has specialized in organizing and conducting charity and fundraising auctions for schools, charitable organizations, and nonprofit groups from Honolulu to New York City. Never the shy one, Keith has become well-known for his fun and entertaining auctioneering style that frequently takes him out from behind the podium and deep into the audience! Keith holds an MBA from The UCLA Anderson School of Management and is a graduate of the world-famous Missouri Auction School, which Newsweek magazine dubs “The Harvard of Auctioneering.” He is also one of only a small number of auctioneers in the country–and only 20 auctioneers in California–to have achieved the National Auctioneers Association’s prestigious Benefit Auction Specialist (BAS) designation.

Insider Secrets of Fundraising Events Seminar - Denver, CO
2018-08-02 08:30 - 13:00 | Regis University, 3333 Regis Blvd, Denver, CO, 80221, United States
An interactive fundraising workshop
Fundraising events, and auctions, in particular, can be a tremendous way to raise both money and support for your cause. A well-planned auction means considering a multitude of variables, that most people, even experienced staffers, may overlook. This workshop is designed to be an interactive opportunity to learn about many aspects of a fundraising auction event, including event logistics (sound, layout, guest traffic flow), investment considerations (AV/sound support, catering, bands, decorations), mission and message (what to say, when to say it, and how long to keep talking), as well as a variety of other considerations. Your panel of presenters can answer questions on virtually every aspect from concept through execution and post-event details. You’ll leave with tips, ideas, and concepts that you can put to use immediately.

Special Session
Interested in finding out more about Greater Giving? Team members Debby and Grant will be on hand to talk about our solutions and how they can improve your fundraising efforts.

In addition, we will discuss:

Streamlining check-in and check-out
Event logistics
The best place to invest your event dollars
Mission and message on event night

Registration Fee: $19.95
*Includes lunch
Presenters:
Richard D. Schur, CAI, AMM, BAS, MPPA, CMEA, UCMA, Schur Success Group: Real Estate, Auctions, Asset Appraisals, Fundraising
Rich Schur is a recognized leader in the Auction industry. He is the Chief Operating Officer and Lead Auctioneer, and Employing Broker for the Schur Success Group, based in Monument, Colorado. Rich graduated from the Worldwide College of Auctioneering in 2005 and is the 2010 Colorado State Champion Auctioneer.
Rich and his wife Shannon, also an accomplished auctioneer, were among the first in the Nation to earn the coveted Benefit Auctioneer Specialist designation, and have helped non-profit organizations across the country raise millions of dollars. Rich excels both on stage, and as a consulting partner to his fundraising clients. His goal is not only to help his clients raise money but to help them raise friends and fun and further their missions.
Rich is a staff instructor for the National Auctioneers Association, teaching designation courses, workshops, and seminars at state and national conferences. He is also a staff instructor for the Texas Auction Academy and Worldwide College of Auctioneering.
Rich has earned his CAI (Certified Auctioneers Institute), his AMM (Auction Marketing Management), his BAS (Benefit Auctioneer Specialist), and his MPPA (Master Personal Property Appraiser) designations through the National Auctioneers Association (NAA). He has also earned his CMEA (Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser) and is a United Country Master Auctioneer (UCMA).
He is a Past President of the Colorado Auctioneers Association and has served on the Board of Directors for the National Auctioneers Association. Rich is the Chairman of his local Chamber of Commerce and has served as a Director or Board member for Training, Human Resources, and civic organizations across the country.
Rich has a Master’s Degree in Continuing Adult Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Workforce Training and Education
Kara Pappas
Kara Pappas has been managing nonprofit development initiatives for the past 12 years. Her most recent post was as chief development officer for Project Sanctuary, where she oversaw advancement initiatives fueling nationwide programming for military and veteran families. While with Project Sanctuary, Kara launched the OPS Gala, attracting supporters from across the country, and raising a total of $615,000 in just three years. Prior to joining Project Sanctuary, Kara was the director of development at Longmont Humane Society and managed development programming for Larimer Humane Society before that. Kara has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Technical Communication from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University.

International Live Events Association (ILEA) Live 2018 - Denver, CO
2018-08-16 - 2018-08-18 | Sheraton Denver Downtown, 1550 Court Place, Denver, CO, 80202, United States
ILEA Live 2018 brings together hundreds of creative event professionals for three days of high-level education, imaginative thought and legendary networking, all held in a truly inspiring location – Denver, Colorado. Nearly 60% of ILEA Live attendees are planners and producers. As a supplier, ILEA Live gives you the opportunity to create lasting business connections and network with planners and producers from around the globe.
Visit with Greater Giving at the Tech Hub – see what’s new in fundraising technologies, enter our drawing and attend our class session Friday from 3:30-4:30 PM!
Focus on your Fundraising with Fund-A-Need
Are your event night guests cross-eyed by the time you’re asking them to support your cause? Help them focus in on what really matters-funding your work! During this session we will discuss top tips for a successful fund-a-need, how to market it in advance, creating an emotional appeal, and utilizing matching funds. We will also cover how technology can have a positive influence on the giving experience of your guests. Be sure to join us as we provide the clarity your event has been missing!

Benefit Auction Summit 2018
2018-08-26 - 2018-08-28 | TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL, 33706, United States
Join your peers at the Tradewinds Island Grand Resort, in St. Pete Beach, Florida to deepen your fundraising knowledge and sharpen your skills.
Stop by the Greater Giving table and visit with Debby Roth-Bush, our Senior Strategic Relationship Manager. Pick up an Auction Planner and enter our drawing for an Amazon Gift card and a copy of our 26 Revenue Enhancers Book. We’re always looking for new partners to join our dynamic community, so pick up an application while you’re there!

Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute - Breckinridge, CO
2018-09-13 - 2018-09-14 | Beaver Run Resort, 620 Village Rd, Breckenridge, CO, 80424, United States
Join us at… Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute (RMPI)
September 13-14
Beaver Run Resort – Breckinridge, CO
AFP’s Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute
Join the Association of Fundraising Professionals Colorado Chapter for an engaging and informative conference, the Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute (RMPI) on September 13-14, 2018 in Breckenridge. Featuring several breakout sessions and keynote speaker, Kishshana Palmer – a sought-after strategist, speaker, trainer and coach — RMPI is packed with networking and the opportunity to learn best practices from experienced fundraisers.
Stop by and visit with Grant & Debby! They will be demonstrating Greater Giving Online Bidding and Go Time. You’ll learn about the latest fundraising trends for 2018. We will also have Auction Planners, giveaways and enter to win an Amazon gift card!
The conference is just $250 for AFP members, or $300 for non-members, but save another $40 with Early Bird pricing when you register before August 3, 2018.

Mastering Auction Challenges Seminar - Spokane, WA
2018-09-20 08:30 - 12:30 | Spokane Convention Center, 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
Making Everything Count
How can you reduce your fundraising stress while maximizing auction returns? This seminar will teach you how to enhance what you are already doing for your auction, avoid operational pitfalls, and streamline processes for maximum results. You’ll also learn how to make your event night and program run smoothly through best-practice technology planning. In this seminar, we will share the tips, tricks, and strategies learned at hundreds of benefit auctions. You’ll get the best practices compiled from the experience of thousands of Greater Giving Clients. You’ll also get some new strategies to help your paddle raise excel.

Special Session
Many organizations are looking for information about the next new thing in silent auctions: Mobile Bidding. During the seminar, we will cover new trends in fundraising using mobile bidding technologies. We’ll discuss how to drive participation and raise more funds with ease using Greater Giving’s Mobile Bidding.

At this seminar, you will learn how to stand out with tips on:

How to improve your silent auction performance
Procurement
Revenue generating ideas
Best practice technology
Streamline check-in/out
Mobile Bidding

Thursday, September 20th – Spokane, WA
8:30 am-12:30 pm
Location:
Spokane Convention Center
334 W Spokane Falls Blvd
Spokane, WA 99201
Registration Fee: $19.95
*Includes lunch
Presenters:
Stephen Kilbreath, BAS, Stephen Kilbreath Auctions & Events
Stephen has been a fundraising auctioneer since the early 90s, calling hundreds of auctions. Auction work has taken him across the country – with most of the auctions in the Northwest. Not only is Stephen a top benefit auctioneer – his name may be familiar because of his long broadcasting career. Stephen’s sincerity, authenticity and a terrific understanding of benefit auctions makes him stand out. His style is entertaining and conversational – making it an enjoyable and memorable evening for your guests. Stephen excels at connecting and reading his audiences, all resulting in generating the most revenue possible for his auction clients.
Kim Bauman, Area Marketing Manager, Greater Giving
Kim started using the company’s solutions as a parent volunteer for her children’s school auction in 2002. She was so impressed with the software and the company that she joined the team in 2005. Due to her commitment to area schools and nonprofits, Kim continues to volunteer to assist at a variety of fundraising events, honing her skills in using Greater Giving software to streamline event planning and execution and night-of-event check-in and checkout processes.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums Annual Conference 2018-Seattle, WA
2018-09-25 - 2018-09-26 | Washington State Convention Center, 705 Pike St, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
Do you work for a zoo or aquarium and are attending the AZA Annual Conference in Seattle? Be sure to stop by and visit Stephanie at Booth 402 in the exhibit hall! She’ll have some great giveaways and would love to talk with you more about your organization’s fundraising and how we can help streamline your work.

PTO Today Live-Atlanta, GA
2018-10-02 09:00 - 14:00 | Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarload Pkwy, Duluth, GA, 30097, United States
Are you a member of a PTO in or around the Atlanta area? Our team member Brad will be exhibiting at the PTO Today Live expo in Atlanta on October 2nd! Stop by his table and find out how Greater Giving can help your PTO streamline your next fundraising event with our solutions created to help you raise more, stress less!
