The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

Episode #95 | Unlocking The Million Dollar Event with Brandon Lenzi

In this episode Brandon Lenzi, founder of Bowtie Strategies, shares his transformative approach to fundraising rooted in authentic relationships. Brandon defines fundraising as an opportunity for individuals to realize their vision for the community they want to live in, emphasizing the importance of sitting on the same side of the table with donors to solve problems together. He discusses navigating current challenges by focusing on individual giving and being transparent with donors about funding gaps while inviting them to be part of the solution.
The episode also features a compelling case study of how Brandon transformed a $500,000 event into a million-dollar fundraiser using an innovative anchor gift strategy. By securing a $100,000 anchor gift and strategically matching it multiple times he created collective momentum that inspired broader participation. Brandon emphasizes that fundraising isn't a water pump but rather a flywheel that gains momentum through consistent relationship building. As year-end approaches, he advises organizations to focus on authentic storytelling and treating donors as team members, recognizing that donors are consolidating their giving to fewer organizations that matter most to them.
Breakdown of the Million Dollar Strategy:
https://swaimstrategies.substack.com/p/how-to-turn-your-fundraising-event
 
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
 
This Episode Brought to You by: 
 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 
 
The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 
 
Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw
Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level.
 
Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/
Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click.
 
Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
Brandon Lenzi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-lenzi-992955138/
 
| RESOURCES |
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/
Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/
Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
Connect with The AV Department:  https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Bowtie Strategies: https://www.bowtiestrategies.co/
 
Willamette Week’s Give!Guide: https://giveguide.org/ 
Tabor Dance: https://www.tabordance.org/
Bike Bus PDX: https://www.bikebuspdx.org/

Episode #94 | Capital Campaign Playbook with Amy Eisenstein

In this episode we talk with Amy Eisenstein, CEO and co-founder of Capital Campaign Pro, about what it really takes to launch a successful capital campaign. With over 25 years of experience in major gift fundraising, Amy shares practical advice for organizations ready to dream big—and fund those dreams sustainably.
Amy explains that a capital campaign is more than a fundraising goal, it’s a long-term investment in an organization’s future. She walks through the key phases of a campaign, from early planning and feasibility studies to the quiet and public phases, emphasizing that success begins with thoughtful preparation and authentic donor engagement.
She talks about how annual fundraising and campaign efforts can strengthen one another rather than compete, and also introduces her modern approach to feasibility studies, where nonprofit leaders engage directly with donors to build stronger relationships and deeper trust. Her final advice is simple but powerful: have one meaningful conversation with a donor every single day. It’s a reminder that great fundraising isn’t just about dollars—it’s about relationships that sustain impact for years to come.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
 
This Episode Brought to You by: 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 
 
The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 
 
Bloomerang: https://bloomerang.com/learn/demo-live/?utm_medium=referral_partner&pscd=try.bloomerang.co&ps_partner_key=OGI3NDc1MzkxZmEx&ps_xid=ASf9UvjXjU56ES&gsxid=ASf9UvjXjU56ES&gspk=OGI3NDc1MzkxZmEx
Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level.
 
Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/
Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click.
Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
Amy Eisenstein
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capital-campaign-pro/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyeisensteinacfre/
 
| RESOURCES |
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/
Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/
Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
Connect with The AV Department:  https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Capital Campaign Pro: https://capitalcampaignpro.com/subscribe/
Free Strategy Session to Discuss Your Capital Campaign Plans: https://capitalcampaignpro.com/start/

Episode #93 | Why Your Brain Craves Community with Kristin Steele + Samantha Swaim

In this powerful episode, hosts Kristin and Sam make an urgent case for why now is exactly the wrong time to cancel your fundraising events. They explore the neuroscience behind why gatherings work: shared experiences literally sync our heartbeats, create neural alignment that enhances trust and cooperation, and generate collective effervescence—that bubbly, transcendent energy that individuals simply cannot achieve alone. When we watch stories unfold together, oxytocin flows, bonds form, and donors can look around a room and see tangible proof that they're part of a movement.
For event planners deep in the logistics trenches right now, the episode offers both inspiration and practical guidance: get specific with storytelling rather than trying to cram every program into one night, remove transactional clutter in favor of genuine connection, and always include a clear ask—because not inviting people to give actually tanks satisfaction scores. This episode is a rallying cry to gather with intention, host like the world depends on it, and remember that a room full of people holding up paddles isn't just raising money—they're building the safety net your organization needs to weather whatever comes next.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
 
This Episode Brought to You by: 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 
 
The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 
 
Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/
Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click.
 
Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
| RESOURCES |
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/
Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/
Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
Connect with The AV Department:  https://theavdept.com/
Podcast with Dr. Paul Zak, Part 1 :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HWAwlEVz5M&t=3s
Podcast with Dr. Paul Zak, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSKDbgNSxZk&t=1706s
Audience Members Hearts’ Beat Together at the Theatre: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-sciences/news/2017/nov/audience-members-hearts-beat-together-theatre
“Beyoncé Isn’t Giving Up on America” Cannonball with Wesley Morris: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyonc%C3%A9-isnt-giving-up-on-america/id1151436460?i=1000721020745
“Quantifying Collective Effervescence”: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3306345/
Safety Protocols:
https://swaimstrategies.substack.com/p/event-safety-recommendations-and
 

Episode #92 | Simple Secrets to Raise More with Reggie Rivers

In this power-packed episode, former NFL player turned professional benefit auctioneer Reggie Rivers tackles topics head-on: ditch the tall centerpieces that create barriers between auctioneers and donors, stop at $100 minimum gifts to train donors upward rather than nickel-and-diming them, and skip the fundraising thermometer unless you can set it with surgical precision. Most importantly he breaks down why the paddle raise is the only moment at your event when you're purely selling your mission not engaging in retail transactions. 
Rivers explains why dinner galas outperform breakfast events and golf tournaments. He emphasizes that pre-committed gifts aren't just revenue, they're leadership and role modeling that teach audiences trust and create momentum. The paddle raise transforms events from transactional experiences into collective action moments where 500 people celebrate together, "We did this!" Reggie shows us why the best idea is to hire a professional benefit auctioneer who understands the neuroscience of giving and can read a room in real-time to maximize that mission-critical moment. Don’t miss this episode full of actionable advice from a professional who has seen a lot on and off the field!
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
 
This Episode Brought to You by: 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 
 
The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 
 
Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/
Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click.
 
Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
Reggie Rivers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggierivers/
 
| RESOURCES |
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/
Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/
Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
Connect with The AV Department:  https://theavdept.com/

Episode #91 | Future-Proofing Your Mission: Voices from the Raise Conference

In this special episode of The Fundraising Elevator, host Samantha Swaim takes listeners behind the scenes at the Raise Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Recording live from the Raise Nation Radio studio, Sam talks to six industry leaders, gathering their insights on what fundraisers should focus on right now and busting common fundraising myths.
Featured Guests:
Barbara O'Reilly - Founder and Principal, Windmill Hill Consulting
Nathan Chappell - Author and Chief AI Officer at Virtuous
Susan Kramer - Founder/CEO of Susan Kramer Consulting
Christina Jones - Founder of Command Joy
Matt Bitzegaio - CEO of DonorDock
Bradley Martin - VP of Growth Marketing at Feathr
This special episode offers you actionable insights and inspiration from leading voices in the fundraising sector all recorded in the energetic atmosphere of a live conference setting. Special thanks to GSF Media, OneCause, and Raise Nation Radio.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
 
This Episode Brought to You by: 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 
 
The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 
 
Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/
Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click.
 
Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
| RESOURCES |
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/
Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/
Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
Connect with The AV Department:  https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Barbara O’Reilly: https://whillconsulting.com/
Connect with Nathan Chapell: https://virtuous.org/
Connect with Susan Kramer: https://susankramerconsulting.com/
Connect with Christina Jones: https://www.commandjoyco.com/
Connect with Matt Bitzegaio: https://www.donordock.com/
Connect with Bradley Martin: https://www.feathr.co/
Thank you to GSF Media: https://gsfmedia.com/
Thank you to OneCause: https://www.onecause.com/
Thank you to Raise Nation Radio: https://www.onecause.com/raise-nation-podcast/

Episode Episode #90 | The Breakthrough Research That Can Double Your Event Impact (Part 2): The Science of Immersion + Joy with Paul Zak

In this episode of The Fundraising Elevator, we continue our fascinating conversation with neuroscientist and author Dr. Paul J. Zak, diving deeper into the brain science behind fundraising storytelling, donor engagement, and happiness. If you missed part one, be sure to start there, this continuation builds on insights into why stories inspire generosity and action in the nonprofit sector.
Dr. Zak explains his groundbreaking concept of neurologic immersion which is a blend of attention and emotional resonance in the brain that predicts which stories move people to act. He introduces the SIRTA framework (Staging, Immersion, Relevance, Targeting, Action), a practical tool that nonprofits can use to design donor experiences that increase connection, engagement, and giving. We explore real-world research on how immersive storytelling in fundraising videos drives donations, why staging matters for successful fundraising events, and how to lower barriers for donors by building camaraderie and relevance. 
The conversation also shifts into the science of happiness, exploring Dr. Zak’s newest book, The Little Book of Happiness. He shares how high-value social experiences not only strengthen donor relationships but also enhance well-being, increase generosity, and even extend our lives. With wisdom rooted in both neuroscience and the practices of Benjamin Franklin, Dr. Zak offers a roadmap for living more connected, fulfilled, and generous lives.
If you’re a nonprofit professional looking to improve donor retention, boost fundraising results, and create more impactful donor experiences, this episode is packed with actionable insights at the intersection of neuroscience, storytelling, and nonprofit fundraising strategies.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
 
This Episode Brought to You by: 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 
 
The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 
 
Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/
 
Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
Dr. Paul J. Zak
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-j-zak-91123510/
 
| RESOURCES |
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/
Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/
Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
Connect with The AV Department:  https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Paul Zak: https://pauljzak.com/
Immersion: https://pauljzak.com/books/
The Little Book of Happiness: https://pauljzak.com/books/
Paul Zak TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFAdlU2ETjU

Episode #89 | The ONE Episode Every Fundraiser Must Hear (Part 1): Game-Changing Research on Storytelling That Will Transform Your Events Forever with Dr. Paul J. Zak

Welcome to Season Three of The Fundraising Elevator! In this special two-part opener, hosts Sam and Kristin sit down with world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Paul Zak, a pioneer in neuroeconomics, neuromanagement, and neuromarketing. Best known for discovering oxytocin’s role in trust and human connection, Dr. Zak brings cutting-edge insights on donor psychology, empathy, and storytelling in fundraising.
In Part One, we explore the science of giving: why humans are wired to cooperate, how oxytocin fuels generosity and trust, and why storytelling is the most effective tool for donor engagement. Dr. Zak breaks down how attention, emotion, and immersion inspire people to act—and shares proven strategies for fundraisers to design high-impact campaigns and events. From crafting stories that spark empathy to creating immersive donor experiences, this episode offers practical applications backed by neuroscience.
If you’re a nonprofit professional, fundraiser, or development leader looking to increase donor trust, deepen engagement, and inspire generosity, this episode delivers evidence-based strategies to elevate your fundraising success.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
 
This Episode Brought to You by: 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 
 
The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 
 
Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/
 
Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
 
Dr. Paul J. Zak
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-j-zak-91123510/
 
| RESOURCES |
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/
Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/
Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies
Connect with The AV Department:  https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Paul Zak: https://pauljzak.com/
Empathy, Neurochemistry, and the Dramatic Arc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1a7tiA1Qzo
Immersion: https://pauljzak.com/books/
The Little Book of Happiness: https://pauljzak.com/books/
No One Wants to Read Your Sh*t: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30556551-nobody-wants-to-read-your-sh-t
SIX: your6.com
“Virtual Reality Education Increases Neurologic Immersion and Empathy in Nursing Students”:
https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4403/15/9/336
Paul Zak TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFAdlU2ETjU
The Value Measurement: https://www.getimmersion.com/

ENCORE | Episode #59 | Event Content Capture with Christine Campbell

In this episode Christine Campbell, the Marketing Manager at The AV Department, dives into strategies for effectively capturing and utilizing content from live events. Hear  insights on simple tools and techniques to ensure you maximize the value of your event content. Learn the fundamentals of capturing high-quality content during live events and why it's crucial for your marketing efforts. Find out how to repurpose event content across various platforms to extend its reach and lifespan. Hear Christine’s advice on overcoming common challenges in event content capture and distribution. This episode offers actionable tips to enhance your content strategy and boost audience engagement.
 
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. This podcast is a production of elevatenonprofit.com.
 
This Episode Brought to You by: 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 
 
The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 
 
Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com
 
Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Instagram (Swaim Strategies): https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/
 
Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Instagram (Swaim Strategies): https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/
 
Christine Campbell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-av-department
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avenueportland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theavdepartment
 
Resources
Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin:
Sam - https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Kristin - https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
 
Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
 
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
 
Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
 
The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
 
AVENUE: https://avenueportland.com/
The AV Department Video Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theavdepartment

ENCORE | Episode #73 | Easy Auctions with Jason Allen Champion

In this episode we talk to Jason Allen Champion, Vice President of National Partnerships for Winspire, to discuss how consignment auctions can be a strategic tool for nonprofit fundraising. Consignment auctions offer nonprofits a low-risk way to enhance fundraising efforts while creating memorable donor experiences that reinforce organizational missions. Jason shares his expertise on maximizing revenue through consignment auction packages and provides insights on creating mission-aligned experiences that resonate with donors. We explore online auction strategies, creating packages, creative fundraising ideas, and the critical work of donor stewardship that can be a part of the experience of the packages they win at your auction. 
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
 
This Episode Brought to You by: 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 
 
The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 
 
Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com
 
Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Instagram (Swaim Strategies): https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/
 
Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Instagram (Swaim Strategies): https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/
 
Jason Allen Champion
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-allen-champion-802a7b13/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamwinspire/
 
Resources
Book Consulting Time:
Strategy Consulting with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Story Consulting with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
 
Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
 
Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
 
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
 
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
 
Winspire: https://www.winspireme.com/

ENCORE | Episode #51 | Event Menu Magic with Chef Kiara Hardy

In this episode, we chat with Chef Kiara Hardy of Kitchen Killa Culinary Solutions about the powerful role food plays in creating unforgettable event experiences. Learn how to collaborate with your event caterer to design an immersive atmosphere that aligns with your vision and budget. Chef Kiara shares her expert insights on the seasonality of food, different types of service, venue kitchen logistics, and how to tailor your menu to match your crowd’s dynamics. Don’t miss this chance to discover how thoughtful food choices can elevate your next fundraising event and create lasting impressions.
 
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. This podcast is a production of elevatenonprofit.com.
 
This Episode Brought to You by: 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 
 
The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 
 
Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com
 
Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Instagram (Swaim Strategies): https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/
 
Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Instagram (Swaim Strategies): https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/
 
Kiara Hardy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiara-hardy-265836270/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitchen_killa/
 
Resources
Book Consulting Time with
Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Book Consulting Time with 
Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
 
Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
 
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
 
Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
 
Kitchen Killa Culinary Solutions: https://kitchenkilla.com/
 
Kitchen Killa Fry Seasoning: https://www.kitchenkillashop.com/product-page/fry-seasoning
Kitchen Killa at Multnomah Whiskey Library: https://mwlpdx.com/event/kitchen-killa-brunch-series/