PODCAST · business
Elevate Your Event
by Handbid
The Elevate Your Event Podcast is where we talk about how to plan and execute an unforgettable event that will dazzle your guests and generate more income for your organization.From fundraising and securing trendy auction items, to event production and logistics, get the best tips and advice from seasoned fundraising and event professionals who have been in your shoes.
Episodes
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The Age of Agentic AI: How One Fundraiser Can Now Do the Work of Five
AI isn’t just writing emails anymore—it’s reshaping how nonprofits plan events, engage donors, and run their entire fundraising operation. In this episode of Elevate Your Event, Jeff Porter and Mark Laba are joined by Handbid’s VP of Software Development, Taylor Romero, to unpack what “agentic…
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What Most Organizations Will Get Wrong About Events in 2026
Most fundraising events won’t fail in 2026 because donors changed. They’ll fall short because the experience didn’t. In this “home team” conversation, we call out what organizations are still getting wrong—and what the best teams are already doing differently. From the death of the “hybrid event”...
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Events Are Not the Strategy: Building a Donor Pipeline That Actually Works
Jeff Porter is joined by Jeff Schreifels, Principal and Owner of Veritas Group, a fundraising consulting firm that helps nonprofits build stronger donor pipelines—from donor acquisition and retention to mid-level growth, major gifts, and planned giving. With nearly four decades of fundraising...
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Creating Immersive Event Experiences with Opus Event Rentals
Episode summary If you’ve ever wished your fundraiser felt less like a hotel ballroom and more like an immersive, memorable experience, this episode is for you. Jeff Porter sits down with Nezhdeh Parsanj, co-owner of Opus Event Rentals, to talk about how thoughtful design, specialty rentals,...
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Jingle Bells & Brain Fails: The Handbid Holiday Trivia Episode
It’s back! In Handbid’s third annual holiday episode, the Handbid Team go head-to-head in a Christmas trivia showdown. From classic movies and carols to oddball folklore and Bible deep cuts, this episode is pure festive chaos—in the best way. Play along, keep score, and steal a few trivia ideas…
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Matching Gifts 101: Turn “Free Money” Into Real Revenue with Colleen Carroll, Double the Donation
Matching gifts are one of the fastest ways to grow event revenue—without asking donors for more than they’ve already given. Colleen Carroll from Double the Donation breaks down how employer matching works, why up to $4–$7B goes unclaimed every year, and simple ways to bake matching into your...
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Holiday Hits: Year-End Events That Actually Work
Episode summary ’Tis the season… to plan smarter. The Home Team swap holiday menu takes (turkey wars!) and then get practical about running fundraising events between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. From low-lift “open house” formats to creative themes and revenue add-ons, they break down how to cut...
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Adapt or Die: Keeping Your Fundraising Events Fresh and Engaging
Adapt or Die: Keeping Your Fundraising Events Fresh and Engaging Welcome to Elevate Your Event—the ultimate podcast for fundraisers, event planners, and nonprofit pros who want to take their events to the next level. Hosted by the team at Handbid, this show dives into real-world fundraising...
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Creating an Immersive Event Experience: Art, Music, and Guest Magic with Sky Madden
Creating an Immersive Event Experience: Art, Music, and Guest Magic with Sky Madden This week on Elevate Your Event, we are joined by Sky Madden—owner of Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre and Executive Director of the Museum of Outdoor Arts in Greenwood Village, CO—for a conversation about creating...
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Know your Crowd: The Secret to Auction Item Success
Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! This week, the Handbid Home Team digs into a topic every auction planner needs to hear: why some items soar—and others totally flop. Spoiler alert: it all comes down to knowing your crowd. Whether you're tossing in zoo passes, weekend getaways, or a family…
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From Party Planning to Purpose-Driven Fundraising
Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! This week, Jeff Porter sits down with Shilpa Alva, founder and executive director of Search for Water. What started as a party-loving 20-something’s social gatherings grew into a global nonprofit tackling water access, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health…
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Centennial Celebration: Lessons and Laughs From 100 Episodes
Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! We’ve hit triple digits—and we're celebrating big. In this 100th episode, Jeff and Mark reflect on the journey so far, revisit fan-favorite moments, and take you behind the scenes with hilarious stories, heartfelt lessons, and a brutally funny AI-generated…
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Golf Tournaments to Galas: Inside FCA’s Event Evolution
Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this behind-the-scenes episode, Jeff sits down with David Farmer, Area Director for FCA South Denver, to explore how intentional event design, bold decisions, and donor-focused experiences have transformed FCA’s fundraising efforts. In This Episode: The…
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Securing Your Event: Insider Tips from a Pro
Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this episode, Jeff and Elise sit down with Dan Donovan from Stratoscope to unpack the often-overlooked world of event security—and why getting it right is critical for both guest experience and event success. In This Episode: How decades of experience at the...
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Home Team: Roadmap Reveals & Top Feature Requests
Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this episode, Jeff, Elise, and the Handbid team come together for an insider conversation on what’s coming next for Handbid and the most requested features from clients and the team alike. In This Episode: The top feature requests from Handbid clients—what’s...
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Unlocking the Power of Donor-Advised Funds
Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this insightful episode, Jeff is joined once again by Mitch Stein from Chariot to break down the often misunderstood world of donor-advised funds (DAFs). From debunking myths to sharing real-life success stories, they dive into how DAFs can revolutionize...
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The Future of Event Check-In: Apps, App Clips, and Arrival Innovation
Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this forward-looking episode, Jeff, Elise, and Shania take a deep dive into how mobile app technology can transform the arrival experience at fundraising events. In This Episode: The evolution of mobile and native app technology since the early iPhone…
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Kickstart Your Cause with Confidence
Starting a nonprofit can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff with a parachute you’ve never packed. In this episode, Jeff, Inga, and Mark sit down with Matt Stockman to unpack his six-part framework—the Nonprofit Launch Plan—that helps emerging nonprofits go from overwhelmed to organized.…
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Derby Day Recap – A Winning Event with Handbid!
In this fun and candid episode, Mark, Elise, and Jeff recap Handbid’s 19th annual Derby Fundraiser, highlighting what went well, what could be improved, and how they continue to elevate their signature event each year. From logistical tweaks to food upgrades, the team walks us through the...
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Creating Memorable Guest Experiences with Kim Tittle, 15|40 Productions
In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we’re joined by Kimberly Tittle, Executive Director of 15|40 Productions, who brings over two decades of expertise in crafting unforgettable events. Kimberly dives deep into what it really takes to elevate guest experiences—from arrival to farewell. She…
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Derby Day Done Right – Behind the Scenes of a 19-Year Legacy
This episode flips the script. No guests. No panels. Just Jeff and Mark diving deep into the history and evolution of one of Denver’s most unique fundraising events: Derby Day at Fiddler’s Green. What started as a backyard party nearly two decades ago is now a full-blown, high-end experience with...
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The Power of Clarity in Nonprofit Goal Setting with Graeme Watt
In this episode, our guest Graeme Watt introduces the Strategic Inevitability Framework—a powerful tool designed to help nonprofits bring clarity, focus, and follow-through to their strategic plans. Graeme shares why it’s crucial to set clear goals, build accountability, and focus on fewer,...
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Making Wishes Come True: Inside Make-A-Wish Colorado
In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we sit down with Scott Dishong, CEO of Make-A-Wish Colorado, to explore how his team brings hope and joy to children with critical illnesses. From unique wishes (like a robotic dragon!) to the massive impact of student-led fundraising, Scott shares insights...
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Keep Donors Engaged & Coming Back: Retention Strategies That Work
Episode Summary: Your event was a hit—but how do you keep donors engaged after the night is over? In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive into the must-know strategies for donor retention. From capturing donor data at check-in to creating meaningful touchpoints throughout the year, we’re...
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Staffing Smarter: Texting for Fundraising Success with James Martin, RallyCorp
Episode Summary: Welcome back to the Elevate Your Event podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into the power of text messaging for fundraising with special guest James Martin from RallyCorp. If you’ve ever struggled with low email open rates or declining donor engagement, you’ll want to hear how...
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Staffing Smarter: How Freelance Talent is Elevating Events with Tracy Judge & Nikki Gonzales, Soundings
In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we welcome Tracy Judge and Nikki Gonzales from Soundings to explore the evolving world of event staffing and management. They discuss how skilled freelance talent can enhance fundraising events, the importance of aligning the right people with the right…
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Elevating Guest Experiences with Cutting-Edge Tech
Episode Summary: Step into the future of events with Jeff, Mark, and Elise as they break down the latest innovations from AXIS Drive and Stripe Tour. From personalized LED screens that greet guests by name to face-recognition check-ins and walkout payment systems, we’re exploring how next-gen...
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Master the Art of Public Speaking and Storytelling with Johanna Walker
Episode Summary: Ready to turn those nerve-wracking speeches into mic-dropping moments? In this episode, public speaking coach and storytelling expert Johanna Walker shares all her best tips on public speaking and storytelling to help you rock the stage at your next event. From crafting…
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New Year, New Goals!
Episode Summary: As we bid farewell to a fantastic year, join us for this special New Year’s episode where we reflect on 2024 and set sights on elevating events in 2025. From lessons learned at memorable fundraisers to setting impactful resolutions, this episode is packed with actionable insights...
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Holiday Trivia Extravaganza!
It’s time for some festive fun! In this special holiday episode of Elevate Your Event, the Handbid team trades fundraising tips for a rollicking round of holiday trivia. From classic Christmas movie questions to New Year’s Eve traditions (did you know about the twelve lucky grapes?), this episode...
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From Transactional to Transformational: Evolving Fundraising Approaches with Sherry Quam-Taylor
In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Sherry Quam Taylor dives into game-changing strategies to elevate nonprofit fundraising. She explores how diversifying revenue streams, building authentic relationships with major donors, and evolving board roles can drive sustainable growth....
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Engaging Corporations Beyond Events with Heather Nelson, BridgeRaise
In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Heather Nelson, president and lead consultant at BridgeRaise, dives deep into the world of corporate fundraising. Heather highlights how to build sustainable partnerships between nonprofits and corporations by aligning values and objectives for...
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Spreadsheets, GenZ Slang, and Snappy Auctions – Fun with AI at Handbid!
In this hilarious and practical episode of Elevate Your Event, Jeff Porter, CEO of Handbid, is joined by Elise Druckenmiller and the newest Handbid team member, Mikaela Roth, who brings her GenZ flair to the mix. Together, they dive into the power of AI (specifically ChatGPT) and explore how it…
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Harnessing Technology for Nonprofit Success with Ashish Malik, 108 Ideaspace
In this insightful episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive into the transformative role of technology for nonprofits with Ashish Malik, co-founder and CEO of 108 Ideaspace. Ashish shares over 20 years of experience helping nonprofits and associations modernize their tech stacks, improve donor...
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The Power of Storytelling in Event Marketing with Howard Adam Levy
In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Howard Adam Levy, founder of Red Rooster Group, dives into the critical role of storytelling and strategy in event marketing. He stresses the importance of clearly conveying your organization’s mission and impact to forge stronger connections…
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The 7 Phases of a Successful Capital Campaign with Sarah Plimpton
In this episode of Elevate Your Event, we dive into the world of capital campaigns with Sarah Plimpton, Director of Client Happiness at Capital Campaign Pro. Sarah breaks down the seven key phases that every nonprofit should know when planning a capital campaign. From early-stage planning to the...
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From Vision to Action: How EOS Can Transform Your Nonprofit with Jay Strear
Welcome back to another episode of Elevate Your Event! Today, we’re thrilled to have Jay Strear in the studio—a nonprofit veteran with over 30 years of experience. Jay’s here to share his journey from leading a statewide nonprofit to becoming an EOS implementer. If you’ve ever wondered how to…
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Turning Pages, Raising Funds: How Read-A-Thon is Revolutionizing School Fundraising with Stephanie Davern
In this episode, Stephanie Davern, Vice President Sales and Marketing for Read-A-Thon, shares insights on school fundraising and the importance of fostering a love for reading among students. She delves into the challenges of promoting reading in today’s digital age and how making it fun and...
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Creating Immersive Event Experiences with Joey Goone, Utopia Experience
Join Joey Goone from Utopia Experience as he delves into the art of creating immersive events in this engaging episode. Joey introduces the 3C model, highlighting why people attend events: content, connection, and community. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the neuroscience and...
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Building Affinity and Community through Events with Queen Bee Fundraising
Join A.J. Steinberg, a seasoned fundraiser and event producer, as she unveils her distinctive approach to nonprofit event planning. A.J. underscores the significance of events as pivotal moments to foster community and build affinity for organizations. She delves into the post-event stewardship...
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Unlocking School Fundraising Potential with Schoolfundr
In this episode of "Elevate Your Event," we chat with Connor Thinnes from Schoolfunder about making school fundraising a breeze. Schoolfundr is a game-changing online platform designed to help schools and their groups raise more money and keep more of what they raise. They do this with a unique...
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After the Derby: Transforming Events with Tech and Creativity - Derby Day Part 4
Tune in to this special episode of "Elevate Your Event," where we wrap up the Derby Event series with a final behind-the-scenes look at the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Derby event. We'll revisit how cutting-edge tech and creative pre-event fundraising ideas turned this event into a huge...
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Auction Mastery: Tips and Tricks with Kevin Spykerman
Join us as we sit down with Kevin Spykerman to chat about all things auction items and the secrets to getting them. We dive into why presentation and service can make or break your auction packages. Kevin shares some top-notch tips on how to get board members involved and leverage their...
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Adopting New Technology for Established Nonprofits
In this episode of "Elevate Your Event," we dive into the exciting world of advanced technology strategies and their transformative impact on nonprofit events. Join us for another NXUnite panel discussion on using cutting-edge tools to elevate your events and boost donor engagement for maximum...
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Why Your Fundraising Event Needs a Professional Planner with Adrienne Coffey
Tune in to this engaging episode of "Elevate Your Event" where we chat with event planning expert, Adrienne Coffey. Adrienne shares her insights on how a professional event planner can transform your fundraiser from standard to standout. We discuss the importance of strategic planning, enhancing...
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Creating Authentic Partnerships with Influencers - Nick Lynch, Collidescope
Hey folks! Welcome back to another episode of Elevate Your Event. Today, we're diving into the world of influencer marketing for nonprofits with Nick Lynch, the mastermind behind Collidescope. Nick's here to share some insider insights on how Collidescope is shaking things up by connecting...
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Fundraising Event Series: Derby Day Part 3
Welcome to another thrilling episode of "Elevate Your Event," brought to you by the Handbid team! Today, we're back with the third part of our series, and we're getting pumped for the upcoming Derby Day bash. Get ready to turn your run-of-the-mill events into jaw-dropping experiences! We're...
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Simplifying Silent Auctions with Mobile Bidding
On today's episode of Elevate Your Event, we're chatting with the Colorado Springs Conservatory about their recent event success story. They'll be sharing how they made it happen, thanks to Handbid's mobile bidding solution. Imagine ditching those old-fashioned paper bid sheets and diving into…
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Fundraising in the Digital Age: Embracing Tools and Trends for Nonprofit Success
Welcome back to "Elevate Your Event"! Today, we're diving into the dynamic world of nonprofit fundraising in the digital age. But don't worry, folks, we're not getting lost in the tech jargon without a guide! Our featured speaker, the one and only Jeff Porter recently shared his wisdom at the...
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Harnessing the Power of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) with Mitch Stein of Chariot
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and their game-changing impact on philanthropy! Every year, billions of dollars are granted through DAFs, making them a powerhouse in charitable giving. In this episode, we're joined by special guest Mitch Stein from…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Elevate Your Event Podcast is where we talk about how to plan and execute an unforgettable event that will dazzle your guests and generate more income for your organization.From fundraising and securing trendy auction items, to event production and logistics, get the best tips and advice from seasoned fundraising and event professionals who have been in your shoes.
HOSTED BY
Handbid
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Elevate Your Event have?
Elevate Your Event currently has 112 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Elevate Your Event about?
The Elevate Your Event Podcast is where we talk about how to plan and execute an unforgettable event that will dazzle your guests and generate more income for your organization.From fundraising and securing trendy auction items, to event production and logistics, get the best tips and advice from...
How often does Elevate Your Event release new episodes?
Elevate Your Event publishes regularly with 112 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Elevate Your Event?
You can listen to Elevate Your Event on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Elevate Your Event?
Elevate Your Event is created and hosted by Handbid.
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