How to deliver an A+ guest experience at your fundraising events with Amy Ziser

#002 – Amy is the owner and founder of Amy Ziser Events – Nonprofit event planning from A to Z. Amy has over 13 years of nonprofit event planning and fundraising experience. Amy is passionate about doing great work for incredible causes. She is resourceful and loves focusing on the details to make each event unique and different.

Amy gives you some easy, practical, and cost-effective ideas you can use to provide your guests with an A+ guest experience at your next fundraising event.

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Resources

Here are some resources mentioned in this episode

The Guest Experience Checklist

Amy Ziser Events

Survey Monkey

The Guest Experience Checklist: Consider and plan for these elements to ensure an A+ Guest Experience

3 Key Takeaways

Create a written plan and assign captains to critical areas
OVERCOMMUNICATE – send several pre-event communications so your guests know what to expect. Unless your event is a magic show, there should be no surprises.
A+ guest experiences are about the little thoughtful gestures and do not require a lot of money

Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode

[2:38] 2 categories of guest experience 1. Basic and 2. 5-Star.
[5:16] It all starts with being organized in the beginning.
[6:09] Assign captains to each critical area. Make sure there is a point person for each critical aspect.
[7:13] Registration is HUGELY important to guest experience.
[7:43] Make a written registration and check-out plan.
[10:06] Create a pre-event promotional / communication calendar.
[16:22] Don't be afraid to shake it up.
[17:30] Providing clarity may mean over communicating.
[19:10] Creativity does not require you to break the bank.
[20:45] Get post event feedback.
[23:13] In the post event feedback, ask them if you can call and talk to them.
[24:25] Disneyland is a great example of an A+ guest experience.
[25:55] A WOW experience does not have to be fancy or expensive.
[28:00] How much planning should I put into the guest experience?
[28:52] Create planning documents and outlines.
[29:59] A day of event timeline is HUGE!
[31:33] Events don't run themselves.
[32:55] Having a coat check frees up guests hands for food and beverage.
[33:50] A successful event is like starting a new business.
[35:50] Select good vendors and they can help you troubleshoot.