Top Ten Excuses for the Failed Event-
a.k.a Situations to Avoid when Planning
1. “It rained!”
You planned a special outdoor event and didn’t prepare a backup plan in case of inclement weather. And guess what? It poured. Like tornado poured. Next time, just to be safe, have a backup plan.
2. “The invitations went out too late.”
Always leave plenty of time for your invitations to arrive, sit on somebody’s counter for a few days, and be responded to. Always give a RSVP window, and assign a volunteer to call donors who have not responded within a few days of the event.
3. “We didn’t send out enough invitations.”
This is a common invitation faux pas for first time events. If you need 100 people to show up to the event, send out 1000 invitations. If you always bank on a 10 percent return, you’ll be banking in the red on your event.
4. “The high school basketball team had a big game that night.”
Try not to plan an event at the same time as another important event in your area. What can you do if it happens? Capitalize on the situation as much as you can- think about media opportunities, and try to tie your mission to the interest of the other community affair.
5. “Timing, Timing, Timing!”
Nobody wants bad press. And yet bad things happen—like someone’s children contesting their bequest to your organization. Try not to plan a big event during these times. You don’t want everyone walking around discussing the story, or worse, avoiding the issue by not showing up at all.
6. “Location, Location, Location!”
Is your event being held in an easily accessible part of town? One that donor will be comfortable with? And if you hold an event that is far away, be prepared to provide maps and directions.
7. “We had the wrong leadership for the event.”
Who’s in charge? If the leadership is not a take-charge, I-can-do-anything-and-love-it! Kind of person, your event may flounder and lack enthusiasm. The people-person will be able to enliven the group and keep things moving, even when struggles arise.
8. “Someone lost focus.”
You probably are realizing that fundraisers have to wear many hats. If you get stretched too thin, or don’t have the help you need, your event may suffer.
9. “There wasn’t enough planning.”
Always lead guests throughout the event, with an eye toward (1) keeping guests involved; (2) spotlighting your mission and programs; (3) encouraging them to learn more; (4) keeping them interested by showing how they can become involved (and why they’d want to).
10. “It was the wrong event for the audience.”
If your constituency is made up primarily of construction workers and service industries, you may be shooting over their heads with a black-tie event. Think carefully of your constituency and the interests they represent before planning your event.
Source: Fundraising for Dummies