Virtual events took off in 2020 for a funny reason I can’t put my finger on without having to go wash my hands. Covid changed a lot, but fortunately we were able to meet those challenges with some help from our tech-savvy friends at Greater Giving and the AV Department.
You have two options for a virtual event:
Virtual Options:
Pre-Recorded Event - No Live Elements or donor recognition because it is fully pre-recorded with an optional online auction, no live auctions. You’ll need an appeal host and maybe an MC. You’ll need videos and slideshows to break up the giving so the night isn’t just your appeal host staring at a camera. And if you have any pre-committed donors, we are happy to recognize them in the recording session.
Virtual Studio Event - All attendees at home or at Watch Parties and the Auctioneer broadcasts live from a studio. This type of event has the option of an online auction - which we love, and no live auction - it just doesn’t work. You’ll need an appeal host and maybe an MC as well as video and photo digital collateral, because we don’t want the appeal host blinking at the camera all night.
What does staffing look like for a virtual event? 🥳💻 Well, here’s what Artisan brings to the party:
Production Manager: Your Production Manager is your Grand Central Station for your event night. For instance, if you need to get information to your Fundraising Host, text Donor Support and share your news. They will get your information to the Production Manager. The Production Manager will follow your script closely to make sure all cues are being followed and executed. If something needs to be addressed, they will bring it to the attention of the proper event team member. It’s a game of telephone, but when you need anything, the production manager will be your facilitator to get the information to the right person ASAP.
Fundraising Host: Your Fundraising Host will be your revenue leader on event night and will work closely with the Production Manager to make sure all elements of your event are executed according to plan. They lead the fundraising and host the entire program.
Donor Support: Not everyone is tech savvy, so our Donor Support Team is there to answer any questions that come up from attendees who may have trouble with the live stream or bidding platform. We hope that everything runs smoothly, but if a giving issue arises, these folks have you and your bidders covered. Donor Support is also your direct link to the Production Team on Virtual Gala night.
Chat Room Cheerleader: Your chat room cheerleader is your literal cheerleader. They interact with your online audience while also relaying critical information via the chat window. Your Chat Room Cheerleader makes sure every guest is seen and encourages engagement (and giving!) in the chat window.
Data Clerk: Your Data Clerk will be responsible for making the virtual mercury rise in the virtual thermometer. Their sole responsibility is to listen to the Host during the program so that they can record every matching gift accurately and keep the giving momentum strong. They are cued by the Production Manager and can add offline gifts in real time. We can provide a data clerk depending on your chosen giving software platform.
Interested in hearing more? Just reach out!