Post-Holiday wintertime in Chicago is the perfect time to hold your Gala Fundraiser. You might think the weather is a negative factor, but as long as the facility you choose is accessible by major roads, there is only going to be a very slight chance that the weather could effect attendance. On the contrary, most people are anxious to dress up, get out of the house & have some fun between January & May.
We just finished a tremendously successful event last week. We have done it several years in a row & it’s always been good, but this year was the very best & our Client was ecstatic. What was the difference? They listened to our common advice for party planning: 1. Keep the party area as contained as possible. You may be in a venue with lots of distraction such as a museum, but make sure food & beverage is in the same room as the dancing. 2. Make sure your dance floor is small & directly in front of your music. People are uncomfortable with a large dance floor. 3. Hold the largest, most desirable gifts, raffle or prizes to the very end. This brings everyone together & builds excitement. 4. As soon as your raffle/awards are over, make sure you’ve coordinated with the entertainment & hit it immediately! Grab your guests & compel them to stay & party! They will go home & mark their calendars for next year’s event.
This advise goes across the board for party planning. Maximize your potential for making a night your guests will never forget.
