Events are the Vehicle, Not the Destination | Kristen Bowles

Most fundraisers treat events like the finish line. Kristen Bowles treats them like the starting point.In this episode, Trevor sits down with Kristen — a development pro who's worked across the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, peer-to-peer fundraising, and now the National MS Society — to unpack why sponsorship sales isn't transactional. It's strategic matchmaking.We get into:Why "plan, post, and pray" is killing your sponsor retentionThe mindset shift from "sponsor of an event" to "investor in your mission"How to segment donors by engagement, not dollar amount (and why a $100 donor might be your next major gift)Mission nuggets: the research habit every frontline fundraiser needsFree tools Kristen uses to research sponsors (hint: it's not a fancy database)Why events are really about how you make people feelIf you're a frontline fundraiser, event planner, or auctioneer, this one's full of takeaways you can use Monday morning.Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questions/🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗Connect with Kristen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-mckay-bowles/Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/Follow Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers: https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/