How can an organization host multiple signature fundraising events throughout the year that engage various segments of its donor community?

Today, I talk with Karissa Condoiania, Senior Vice President of Public Relations for the State Fair of Texas to talk about the upcoming Texas State Fair and other signature fundraising events the organization hosts throughout the year.

While many know the State Fair of Texas as a place of family fun that draws over 2 million visitors to the fair each year, it is actually a 501 (c)3 organization. Operating on three core pillars to serve the Texas community: economic development, building capacity, community support, it offers support to many nonprofit organizations to positively impact communities around the state.

In this episode, Karissa discusses a wide range of topics including establishing a process to select nonprofit collaboration partners, how the organization hosts different fundraising events targeted at different segments of their audience, obtaining top musical headliners for events, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does an organization successfully work with an event producer regardless of the size of your budget?

Today, I talk with Mia Sims, Founder of Mia the Event Diva and event producer for many notable events of all sizes in and around Central and North Texas.

Over the years, Mia has been a go-to event producer for everything from organizations hosting their first gala to longstanding, million-dollar events such as the upcoming Texas Advocacy Project's Black & White Ball. Her can-do attitude and ability to execute on budgets of all sizes has helped many organizations of all sizes achieve their fundraising goals.

In this episode, Mia discusses a wide range of topics including what organizations should look for when hiring an event producer, the similarities and differences in planning events with large and small budgets, developing strong relationships with organizations and event chairs, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss..

What are the keys to creating a successful foundation arm for your organization that allows you to create a broad impact on the community it serves?

Today, I talk with Kaitlin Mauro, Executive Director of the 4ATX Foundation to talk about the organization's signature fundraising event, the A Night In Verde Gala.

Celebrating its 5th year, the A Night In Verde Gala has quickly become one of Austin's top signature fundraising events. The foundation arm of the Austin FC soccer team, the 4ATX Foundation uses the power of soccer to help communities socially, emotionally, and physically thrive.

In this episode, Kaitlin discusses a wide range of topics including how to create strong partnerships with other nonprofits to expand your reach, developing a unique theme that is both fun and ties to the mission of the organization, how the organization selects honorees for each year's gala, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does an organization host a successful kickoff party to keep guests excited about...and sets the tone for your upcoming gala or signature fundraising event?

Today, I talk with Jenny Todd, Vice President at the American Cancer Society to talk about one of their upcoming signature fundraising events: The 2025 Houston Cattle Baron's Ball.

The American Cancer Society is the nation's leading cancer fighting organization. Their innovative approach of effectively tapping into the spirit local communities is evident with the Houston Cattle Baron's Ball. One of Houston's top annual galas, the event draws well over a thousand attendees each year, raising well into seven figures for the organization.

In this episode, Jenny discusses a wide range of topics including creating strong event committees to carry out your events vision, tips on selecting the right theme to connect with your audience, innovative event activations to keep your audience engaged, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What are the keys to getting your board fully engaged in an annual gala or signature fundraising event?

Today, I talk with Sarah Gilbreath, Central Texas Board Chair for Imagine A Way, to talk about their upcoming annual Imagine A Way Gala: Mad Money for A Mission.

Imagine A Way provides critical services for families who have children living with autism. Since its founding in 2007, the organization has helped many families ease the financial burden of the care required for children who have autism. Founded in Austin, the organization also has a second successful chapter in Houston.

In this episode, Sarah discusses a wide range of topics including tips on leveraging your board to find an effective chair for your gala or signature fundraising event, things to consider when considering opening a chapter in another market, how to keep your audience engaged throughout the entire night at your gala, and so much more.

How can an organization effectively utilize event software to elevate the experience for your event guests?

In today's episode, I talk with Co-Founder and CEO of BetterUnite, Leya Simmons to talk about how event software is a core, critical component to any successful event.

Since its founding in 2017, BetterUnite "helps the helpers" in taking their nonprofit fundraising events to new heights. In addition to providing software that has helped elevate the event and event guest experience for thousands of organization, BetterUnite also hosts A Better Conference, a multi-day event that provides valuable tools and resources to help nonprofits take their events...and their organizations to new heights.

Leya provides countless valuable insights on what it takes to effectively market and promote your event including utilizing software to elevate your auction or raffle, how galas are an important part of the nonprofit fundraising pipeline, trends in how nonprofits are utilizing event software, what to expect at this year's A Better Conference, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What are the keys to creating an effective media and promotion strategy for your event?

In today's episode, I talk Vice President of Public Relations for Children's Museum Houston, Henry Yau.

Hosting over 90 events per year ranging from community family events, to million-dollar black-tie galas, Henry and Children's Museum Houston are the gold standard in creating effective event publicity for events large and small. Henry also serves as Children's Museum Houston's Marketing Communications Spokesman where she shares the organizations mission to everything from morning TV show appearances to podcasts.

Henry provides countless valuable insights on what it takes to effectively market and promote your event including, tips on understanding and pitching to different types of media outlets, how to create strong long-term partnerships with media and corporate partners, the importance of having a pre-event and post-event media strategy and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

What are the keys to creating a menu for a gala or signature fundraising event that is both delicious and cost-effective?

In today's episode, I talk with one of Texas's top event caterers, Cameron Lockley, Founder of Flavor Hospitality Group.

Over the past several years, this top Austin restaurateur has expanded his offerings to include event catering. During this time, Cameron has developed strong relationships with many top Austin philanthropic organizations through offering elevated, delicious meals for guests of all budgets and sizes.

Cameron provides countless valuable tips and insights on what it takes to create a great gala meals such as creating a menu that resonates with your audience, tying a meal to your event theme, selecting wine and spirits pairings for your food, the benefits of family-style meals at events, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.