We know it’s cliche, but wow did this year fly by! That certainly happens when you are busy planning and executing more than 85 events and staffing an additional 20! As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for all that was accomplished. Communities united, essential funds were gathered, lasting memories were made, and celebrations were cherished! Now, one of our favorite parts: pause to reflect on this year!
Steady Start
As usual, Q1 was light on event execution as organizations prepared for the year ahead. Do Good Events leveraged this lull by hosting our annual event Raise + Arrange for non-profit event planners, vendors, and clients. This networking and educational conference allowed us to root into our community, and learn while listening to dynamic conversation around the non-profit event landscape. Hot tip – Join us in 2025 for RAISE + ARRANGE at Quincy Hall!
2024 Trends Emerge
As events began to ramp up, it quickly became clear we would be navigating late RSVPs and ticket sales – the trend of people hesitant to commit continues! Many events forecasted significantly low attendance numbers, only to have 20% of sales come through in the final ten days!
Budgets were a bit stale this year – no huge increases in revenue or big swings in expenses either. Attendees were mindful of their spending and the giving moment continued to be the most important on-site revenue stream for our non-profit partners.
Sponsors have continued to be a very meaningful part of both the budget and nurturing community as well. Corporations were generous this year, but often slow to respond or needed reminders to commit. Sponsors were grateful for creative ways to be recognized and more digital recognition on-site and social media shoutouts ahead of the event.
Lessons Learned
As we reflect on our events, there are a handful of things that were once considered trends or best practices that have now become customary expectations:
- Mindful of Sustainability – Sustainability is no longer a buzzword, but an expectation. Attendees expect the event to make a noticeable effort in making climate friendly choices. We even had our first event that strived to be carbon neutral!
- Event Brand – Your event should have a look and feel that is cohesive from first event communication to the last! Guests expect to be able to recognize your event’s design.
- Shorter Programs – Guests continued to anticipate and expect a meaningful program. They value both their experience and their time and appreciated programs that were kept to one hour or less.
- Photo Opportunity Spot – If our clients did one bigger decor investment – this was it. Event attendees expect to be able to remember the moment and this is how they want to do it!
2024 was truly an incredible, memorable year at Do Good Events! We feel great momentum heading into 2025 and hope you do, too! Cheers to taking time to reflect and celebrate and for the exciting moments that lie ahead!
