Introduction
Events play a pivotal role in nonprofit associations by bringing people together for a common purpose: networking, learning, or celebrating. They offer unique opportunities for engagement, connection, and impact. This post defines events, discusses their essential characteristics and functions, and explores how to design and manage them effectively in a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) world.
Definition of Events
Events are scheduled occasions designed to bring people together for a specific purpose. They are time-specific and goal-oriented, often involving interactive and engaging activities.
Key Characteristics of Events
- Time-Specific: Events occur at designated times and often within a defined duration, such as a day, weekend, week, or annual.
- Interactive and Engaging: Events involve active participation from attendees, fostering interaction and engagement.
- Goal-Oriented: Each event has specific objectives, whether it’s education, networking, fundraising, or celebration.
- Public or Private: Events can be open or restricted to members and guests.
Functions and Examples
To illustrate the concept of events, let’s review some functions and real-world examples from successful associations:
- Conferences: Large-scale events focused on education, networking, and professional development.
- Example: The Annual Conference of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), which brings together association professionals for learning, networking, and collaboration.
- Workshops: Smaller, interactive sessions focused on skill-building and hands-on learning.
- Example: The Project Management Institute’s workshops on project management methodologies provide practical training and certification opportunities.
- Fundraising Galas: Social events aimed at raising funds for the association’s initiatives.
- Example: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s annual fundraising gala, which combines entertainment, auctions, and donor recognition to support research and services.
Strategic Thinking and BANI
In a BANI world, events must be flexible to adapt to uncertainties and changing conditions. Here are some strategies to ensure your events are successful:
- Hybrid Formats: Incorporate in-person and virtual elements to enhance accessibility and participation. This approach allows you to reach a broader audience and adapt to unexpected changes in circumstances. Since COVID, this approach has gained currency, but associations are still learning to make these events valuable.
- Participant Engagement: Focus on creating interactive and engaging experiences that captivate attendees. Use technology like live polls and virtual breakout rooms to foster interaction and collaboration.
- Contingency Planning: Develop detailed contingency plans to address potential disruptions. This includes backup venues, alternative formats, and communication strategies to keep attendees informed. Not every venue has internet power that permits the creativity required in the new environment.
- Sustainability and Impact: Design events with sustainability in mind, considering environmental and social impacts. Incorporate practices such as reducing waste, supporting local businesses, and promoting inclusivity.
Coda
Events engage and energize the community within nonprofit associations. Being strategic and incorporating flexibility and resilience, associations can design and manage successful events even in a BANI world. Stay tuned for our next post, where we will explore the fourth pillar of the PPEC framework: Campaigns.
BLOG 4 in PPEC Framework