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How to Create Successful Virtual Fundraising Events

September 9, 2020

COVID-19 has thrown non-profit fundraising for a loop in 2020. Many not-for-profit organizations that rely on fundraising events to fund their mission are scrambling to move their fundraising online. If you are one of those organizations, take a deep breath. With a little preparation, planning, and the right fundraising event partner, your next virtual fundraiser will be a success.

Tailor Your Fundraiser to Your Audience

One of the secrets to hosting an effective virtual fundraiser is having a well-defined audience. The better defined your event audience the more focused you can make your fundraiser to drawing donations from your audience. The easiest way to accomplish this is to make sure the WHY of your fundraiser is front and center. Don’t get distracted by transitioning to a virtual event. You can find success in this new medium by keeping your organization’s WHY at the center of your event.

Virtual Fundraiser Ideas

With your event’s WHY and target audience at the front of your mind, it’s time to determine what sort of virtual fundraiser will work best. What type of event best suits your audience and allows you to reinforce your event’s WHY? Below are few example types of virtual fundraisers you can run for your event.

Online Auction
Online Class
Online Contest
Online Open Mic
Online Raffle
TED-style Virtual Speaker
Virtual 5k
Virtual Concert or Festival
Virtual Tour
Watch Party

Drive Engagement Through Audience Participation

Without the stimuli of an in-person event your audience may feel disconnected to the content presented. There are many ways to stimulate an interactive connection. One of these ways is by encouraging audience participation. Ideas to add audience participation to your event include creating quiz questions for the audience to answer, operating online polls, or encouraging the audience to submit questions on social media for you to answer during the event.

How to Achieve Your Fundraising Goals

With the transition to virtual fundraising many organizations are worried about falling short of their fundraising goals. The first thing you can do to increase your donations is to make sure to follow up on potential attendees and RSVPs. Treat your virtual fundraiser like you are organizing an in-person event.

Another thing is to make sure you choose a donation goal that’s achievable. The silver lining of virtual events is they tend to have lower overhead compared to in-person events. This means you will keep a larger percentage of each donation. This helps to counterbalance the stigma from attendees that they don’t “get as much” out of a virtual event.

The single best advice to avoiding falling short of your fundraising goal is to make it easy to donate. This ensures you capture 100% of the donations people want to make. Make sure to choose a donation avenue that accepts many types of payment. Payment types your want to be prepared to receive include credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, etc.

What Makes for a Successful Online Fundraiser

Planning is the key to online fundraiser success. The earlier you start planning your event, the better. You should begin planning a one-time event at least four weeks before the date. For more complex virtual events, like multi-day simultaneous channel fundraisers start your planning 12 weeks out. Because virtual fundraisers live online, it’s important you create a well-designed event page with registration, agenda, and donation capabilities. Your virtual event also needs to be optimized for mobile. It’s likely a significant percentage of your attendees will be interacting and donating to your fundraiser via phone.

And of course, to ensure your online fundraiser goes smoothly, spend the time to pick out the right platform, tools, and event partner.

Virtual Fundraiser Additional Considerations

Additional considerations for your fundraising event should include event promotion. For your fundraiser to be a success people have to know about it and show up. Get your event information out early and often. You can reach out directly using email, social media, and SMS. You should also create a press release to generate media interest and coverage of your virtual fundraiser.

After the event make sure to follow up and thank attendees for their participation. This is a good time to solicit feedback to improve your next virtual event.

Virtual Fundraiser Example: March for Babies StepUp!

For an example of a large non-profit changing their fundraiser see the March of Dimes, March for Babies StepUp! The March of Dimes annual walkathon “March for Babies” was transformed due to COVID-19 concerns into March for Babies StepUp! The virtual fundraiser allowed participants to track their steps individually through a pedometer phone app. They also created a TikTok dance challenge and hashtags to share individual progress on social media.

Virtual Fundraiser Event Production Partner

Just like producing an in-person fundraiser, there is a lot of technical work that goes into producing virtual events. Virtual fundraising events also have the added difficulty of making sure your fundraiser looks and sounds great over broadcast.

Trust an experienced, virtual event production partner to make your online fundraiser a success. Onstage Systems has 30 years of event production experience, including virtual event and live streaming expertise. Onstage Systems can help you with lighting, stage design, audio, and multi-feed setups.

Onstage Systems Virtual Event Production

See how Onstage Systems can help make your virtual fundraiser a success: Sonic Soul Tribe Virtual Concert. Onstage Systems produced the 12-hour international, virtual concert event. The event included on-location concert production and coordinating remote, international performances over the event’s 12-hour duration.

More Virtual Experiences by Onstage Systems

Boxing Events
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s America Strong Concert
DAS Ultimate Typing Championships
Stitch House Dallas
And More

There is still time to meet your 2020 fundraising goals with a well-planned virtual fundraiser and the right event production partner. Visit HERE to see more of Onstage System’s featured work. Or, CONTACT US to get started with planning your next successful virtual fundraising event.

Political Event Production Solutions

May 8, 2020

Event Production Solutions for Political Events

As your campaign prepares for November, your message will need to get in front of the public in a clear, concise, and professional manner. If your political values are all about hard work, family values, and achieving the American Dream, Onstage Systems is the perfect political events solutions partner.

Since 1978, we’ve built our business as a family-oriented culture. Our grit and hard work are unmatched, while our kindness and compassion are more than just our company values. They represent how we treat one another and our clients.

Onstage started in a small warehouse in Dallas, but has become one of the biggest and most innovative event production companies in the US. We use our extensive knowledge and state-of-the-art tools to help you get the most from your budget while leaving a lasting impact on constituents.

When you select us to handle the audio visual services for your political event, you can focus on your message instead of all the details. Here’s a brief overview of how we can help:

Virtual Event Production for Political Events Amidst COVID-19

As we navigate these unprecedented times, Onstage is already experienced in the art of live streaming. We will work with you to design and create professional online stage sets that are aligned with your brand and live stream your presenter(s), without losing the impact of your message. If your message has to be virtual, we’re ready to lend our expertise.

Political Rallies

No matter how solid your message is, if your attendees can’t hear it, it will be lost. Onstage has the technical know-how and one of the biggest inventories of audio and visual equipment ready to be installed at your political event. Additionally, we understand how to provide strong security measures and crowd control equipment, as well as ADA ramps that ensure that everyone can attend.

Press Conferences

Ensuring that the media gets the best possible version of your message is incredibly important. After all, any technical issues or poor audio visual quality will be instantly judged and reported on. We’ll ensure that your audio, visual and graphics are presented in the most professional way possible. Whether you need this event completely produced by us or simply need to rent equipment, we have you covered.

Political Debates

When two candidates may have major differences of opinion, they can agree on one thing: Being able to properly hear and see every word is the most important challenge of any political debate. From the right audio visual equipment to properly setting the stage, Onstage will check every box allowing you to stay on message.

Town Halls

Answering the questions of voters is a time-honored tradition. Instead of worrying about the technical and event space challenges, Onstage is ready to handle every single detail. Plus, we’re also experts at ensuring that seating, crowd control, and ADA-approved ramps are installed.

Onstage Systems has more than 40 years of experience handling the audio visual needs of political events of all sizes and scope. Our industry-leading team of production managers, riggers and stage designers, and audio and video engineers are ready to help in any way possible.

Connect with us today by phone at 972-686-4488 or via email at info@onstagesystems.com.

onstage-systems-political-event-production-solution-set-up

COVID-19: How Virtual Concerts and Live Stream Events Can Help

April 1, 2020

There hasn’t been an event like the coronavirus in our lifetime. Millions of Americans are quarantined at home, seeking some form of escape from their fear and worry. And musicians and entertainers are frustrated that they can’t provide the euphoric release that so many need – at least in person.

While VR (Virtual Reality) concerts have been on the industry’s radar, now the adoption of this technology has been accelerated at a lightning pace. From the simple, such as social media live streams and virtual concerts, to complex fully VR-enabled concert experiences, the time is now to rock the crowd from their couches.

Dallas-based Onstage Systems is leveraging decades of live show experience and technical know-how to lead the charge.

Taking the virtual stage will bring new challenges. It’ll take more than just amazing performances and great content to keep the energy going. How will performers feel the energy of the crowd when they’re not performing in front of one? And how will audiences feel dancing, singing along and getting loud when they’re self-isolated?

Artists and their audiences may struggle at first to find the same raw energy they get from being there in person. And real-time events allow no room for mistakes, production snafus or connectivity issues. Audiences have come to demand pitch-perfect audio, perfect lighting, and cutting edge special effects. These virtual events must match – or even eclipse – their expectations. These acts need to hire professionals who are just as concerned with perfection as they are.

Despite the stripped-down nature of many of these performances, audiences will soon demand the level of concert experience that they’ve come to love. Perfect audio. Dramatic lighting. Dynamic staging. Explosive special effects. And multi-camera setups that may create an even more intimate experience than attending a show in person.

Despite the uncertainty of when live events will return, there remains plenty of opportunity. Live streams and virtual concerts will be the perfect way for artists worldwide to work with one another and corporate partners to create entirely new fundraising streams for charities ready to help those impacted by this crisis.

For example, Josh Groban, JoJo and Russell Dickerson are working with Billboard to present live stream concerts that will help a variety of non-profit partners such as the American Red Cross, MusiCares, the National Coalition for the Homeless and more.

DJ D-Nice of Boogie Down Productions also created a buzz with his ten-hour Homeschool party, which also featured appearances by Oprah Winfrey and Joe Biden.

In an unprecedented move, the producer Diplo was able to convince nearly every major publisher and record label to allow him to use their music in his live-streamed DJ sets, with all royalties being paid to all those whose music is played in the shows.

Obviously, the world has changed quite suddenly. Yet it’s also the right time for artists, entertainers, musicians, non-profits, and corporations to come together and provide something special for those doing their part and staying inside during the quarantine.

There’s never been a more critical time to entertain America. Those that do so will create experiences and memories that will last forever.

Just as you need the right crew to ensure that live shows happen without a hitch, you need a virtual partner ready to answer these challenges. A virtual events production partner like Onstage Systems.

For more than forty years, Onstage has been an innovator at the forefront of event production innovation. While others are scrambling to perfect virtual concert and entertainment experiences, they’ve already helped world-famous artists like Willie Nelson and Bette Midler virtually thrill their loyal fanbases.

Our team of industry veterans is ready to help in any way possible. Connect with them today by phone at 972-686-4488, via email at info@onstagesystems.com or via our website onstagesystems.com.

Letter to Our Industry

March 30, 2020

Hyacinth Belcher, President, Onstage Systems

Our industry is experiencing devastating losses because of our inability to work and contribute to society. So many of us are small businesses, the heartbeat of America, and we are falling fast and hard. Our people—who are our friends, our family, and who make up our workforce—are suffering while we are trying to keep our businesses intact.

Many of us are grieving this loss while remaining at home and unable to do what we love. Unable to contribute. Our society depends and thrives on music, art, travel, and social interactions in restaurants and bars. Connection is vital for our society. Until now, our industries have been the pipeline of that connection.

Today, that is halted.

We must not fall into darkness at this time. Breakaway from the news, Netflix, and binge-watching. Take the time to think, discover, debate, and find interpersonal connections in new ways. Today, we must focus on helping people. Within our industries, we can find new ways to help people help other people. We are all beautiful people. We must remember now more than ever our strengths, our connections, and our purpose.

Our company is working with non-profits to help them connect with their audiences through live broadcasting, which allows them to engage with their sponsors and the people whom they are trying to help. Today, we are moving our trucks across the nation to deliver much-needed medical equipment, food, and essential supplies to communities in need. We are working with musicians to support them as they find ways to deliver messages of hope and love during this time.

I am honored to be a part of this shift in finding new ways for our industry to continue providing connections throughout our society. I am proud to see what others have done: delivering groceries—fresh food, cooking meals for service-industry professionals, and holding fundraisers to help those who are so affected by this pandemic and its fallout.

Pain either causes us to stop and freeze or to grow and rise up. When I look back at my life and what I have accomplished, I see that the most painful, stressful times are the times where I grew the most personally and professionally.

Stand, rise and recover. We can do this together.

Hyacinth Belcher
CEO, Onstage Systems

Cell: 214.676.5570

A Message From Our Leadership Regarding COVID-19

March 17, 2020

Dear friends, colleagues, and clients,

Many of you know us as your go-to resource for event production and AV solutions. We’re proud of our history of working with clients large and small to help them create highly successful events for more than 40 years.

Today, our industry, like yours, is being challenged by one of the greatest health crises of our lifetime. Health experts are recommending large events be postponed as a way to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. It’s up to all of us to heed these warnings to protect our health and the health of our loved ones and clients. Believe me, I know it’s tough for you because it’s tough for us when you have to postpone an event. The economic reality of the disease is hitting all businesses, especially those involved in event planning and production.

I want you to know that we are committed to helping you through these challenging times. We are constantly monitoring events and using the advice of health professionals to help us help you. While bringing people together for an event may not be feasible now, we are putting our creative ideas together for you to help you hold the event in a different, but still effective way.

Innovation has been a North Star for our business, and it is guiding us now to help you find an alternative. We are currently working with clients to utilize live streaming technology, remote presentation approaches, and virtual meeting options to be able to hold their events. Our experience enables us to work across platforms ranging from Facebook Live, YouTube Live, all the way to Enterprise Solutions to accomplish this change in meeting or event formats.

While we’re known for working with large-scale events, we are equally adept at helping stage smaller events, including in-home events. Breaking your large event into smaller gatherings in smaller venues is certainly an option several of our clients are considering.

If you should decide to postpone your event to a later date, we are here to work with you every step of the way to handle rescheduling and logistics seamlessly so that you can be assured that your future event will be successful. In the face of this current health crisis, we remain more committed than ever to be an indispensable resource for our clients, providing them unparalleled service and experienced counsel to create events that are exhilarating experiences that provide everlasting impressions.

My team and I are ready to support your event needs. Please feel free to contact me at any time. Here’s my contact information – via phone at 972-686-4488, via email at info@onstagesystems.com, or via our website onstagesystems.com.

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe during this challenging time.

Hyacinth Belcher,
President, Onstage Systems