The Big Book of Benefit Auctions

Why This Book Was Written.

Acknowledgments.

A Brief Introduction to Successful Auctions.

Phase I – Pre-Event Planning.

Chapter 1 Pre-Planning Activities.

The Auction Steering Committee.

Defining the Purpose of Your Event.

Setting Financial and Attendance Goals.

Planning Your Budget.

Chapter 2 Establishing Auction Committees.

Auction Committee Co-Chairs.

Chapter 3 Getting to Work.

The First Committee Meeting.

The Mission Statement.

Establishing Committee Responsibilities.

Selecting the Date for the Event.

Identifying Potential Themes.

Selecting a Preferred Venue.

Establishing a Goal.

Creating a Budget.

Setting Future Committee Meetings.

Phase I – Conclusion.

Phase II – Event Planning and Organization.

Chapter 4 The Five-Year Plan.

Managing Change.

Chapter 5 Planning the Details of Your Event.

Determining the Elements of Your Goal.

Finalizing Your Date and Location.

Hiring the Experts.

Tools for Getting Organized—Auction Software.

Holding the Kickoff Rally.

Chapter 6 Planning Your Silent and Live Auctions.

Effective Silent Auction Displays.

Effective Live Auction Promotion.

Chapter 7 Other Auction Activities.

Revenue Enhancers: Adding More to Your Bottom Line.

Handling Class Projects.

Summary for Revenue Enhancers.

Phase II – Conclusion.

Phase III – Procurement, Audience Development, and Event Preparation.

Chapter 8 Procurement.

Common Questions about Procurement.

The Procurement Form.

Once You’ve Received the Commitment.

The Case for Consignments.

Chapter 9 Promoting Your Event.

Table Captain Process.

Audience Development.

Save-the-Date Cards.

Web Site.

E-mail.

Invitations.

Chapter 10 Event Preparation.

Planning Your Event Space.

Auction Catalogs.

Phase III – Conclusion.

Phase IV – Event Execution.

Chapter 11 Preparing for Your Day-of-Event Needs.

Registration Packets.

Printing Other Guest-Related Collateral.

Bid Forms, Table Tents, and Auction Display Considerations.

Cashiering Requirements.

Arranging for Volunteer Help.

Chapter 12 Conducting the Event.

Managing Registration.

Managing Your Silent Auction.

Managing Your Live Auction.

End-of-Evening Cashiering.

Item Redemption.

Summary of Day-of-Event Logistics.

Phase IV – Conclusion.

Phase V – Post-Event Activities and Planning for the Next Event.

Chapter 13 Post-Event Activities.

Conducting the Post-Auction Audit.

Hosting a Post-Event Recap Meeting.

Generating Thank-You Letters to Guests and Donors.

The Volunteer Party.

Chapter 14 Planning for the Next Event.

Phase V – Conclusion.

Resources.

Glossary.

Index.