The North Star Meeting: A One-Hour Session That Aligns Every Decision for Event Night

Before the theme. Before the program. Before the ask.

Your fundraising event needs one thing clearly defined: its North Star.

The North Star Meeting is a focused, 1-hour working session that helps your team define the true purpose of your fundraising event before any major decisions are made. Together, we clarify the single guiding goal that drives everything—from messaging and program flow to on-stage moments and the final ask—so every element works in alignment.

Instead of relying on opinions or last-minute course corrections, your team gains a clear decision filter that removes confusion, shortens debates, and keeps the event donor-centered. The result is an event that feels intentional, cohesive, and compelling—one where every choice supports the outcome you want guests to leave with.

Why This Matters

Fundraising events are complex animals—they require time, attention to detail, and teams that can make decisions in the best interest of the mission.

Most fundraising events don’t underperform due to lack of effort. They underperform because those decisions are made without a shared purpose.

Without a North Star:

• Programs can feel disconnected

• Messaging drifts

• The ask feels forced

• Teams debate opinions instead of making decisions

With a North Star:

• Every element serves a clear goal

• The donor experience feels intentional

• Decisions become faster and more confident

• Your event feels cohesive and compelling

What Happens in the Meeting (1 Hour)

In one focused session, we will:

• Define the one primary purpose your event exists to serve

• Clarify what success truly looks like for this event

• Identify the emotional and behavioral outcome you want for guests

• Establish a clear decision filter for event night

• Create shared language your team can use to guide choices

No pre-work required. No follow-up meetings needed.

Who Should Attend

A small group of decision makers for your event which could include: 

• Executive Director

• Development staff

• Event committee leadership

• Key stakeholders influencing event decisions, including your event planner

The people in the room leave aligned, with everyone on the same page when it comes to the goal of your fundraising event, the strategy you'll use to accomplish that goal, and a plan for making the small decisions that add up to a successful event.

What You Leave With

• A concise, written North Star purpose statement

• A practical decision-making filter for event planning and execution

• Confidence that your event is focused, intentional, and donor-centered

The Result

Fewer debates. Stronger messaging. A more compelling ask. Better decisions—every time.

A more cohesive planning process leads to a more compelling event for donors—one that spurs emotional involvement and gets guests on board with your mission so that your final ask lands in an unforgettable way.

One hour. One clear purpose. One aligned event.

Artisan Auctions Is Booking North Star Meetings Now

Our North Star fundraising strategy meeting is a $500 investment in the success of your upcoming event. If you choose book your 2026 event with Artisan Auctions, the cost of the meeting will be reduced from your final billing.

Ready to define your event's North Star? Book your North Star meeting today to ensure your 2026 event is intentional, cohesive, and compelling.

Book Now