Elevate Your Event

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.

Elevate Your Event is a business podcast hosted by Handbid, with 112 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Handbid hosts Elevate Your Event, a business show with 112 episodes published.

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  Episode #111

  The Age of Agentic AI: How One Fundraiser Can Now Do the Work of Five

  Apr 29, 202650 minS0

  <p>AI isn’t just writing emails anymore—it’s reshaping how nonprofits plan events, engage donors, and run their entire fundraising operation.</p><p>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 AI” actually means—and why it’s a game-changer for lean nonprofit teams.</p><p>From automating sponsorship outreach and auction procurement to rethinking guest check-in and event analytics, the conversation explores how AI can make one fundraiser as effective as a team of five—without losing the human touch donors...

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  Episode #110

  What Most Organizations Will Get Wrong About Events in 2026

  Jan 28, 202635 minS0

  <p>Most fundraising events won’t fail in 2026 because donors changed. They’ll fall short because the experience didn’t.</p><p><br></p><p>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” as a livestream add-on, to why “simpler” events aren’t a trend (they’re a correction), this episode is a straight-up standard-setting breakdown of what excellent looks like next year.</p><p><br></p><p>What Most Organizations Will Get Wrong in 2026</p><p><br></p><p>1) Thinking “hybrid...

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  Episode #109

  Events Are Not the Strategy: Building a Donor Pipeline That Actually Works

  Jan 14, 202636 minS0

  <p>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 experience, Jeff shares a practical framework for how events should support (not replace) long-term donor development.</p><p><br>Together, they unpack how to turn event attendees into mission-driven donors, why events are often best viewed as a marketing function, and what it really takes to move supporters from a one-time paddle raise to meaningful, lasting ge...

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  Episode #108

  Creating Immersive Event Experiences with Opus Event Rentals

  Dec 17, 202524 minS0

  <p>Episode summary</p><p><br>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, creative lighting, and intentional photo moments can reshape any event—no matter the venue.</p><p><br>With 20 years in the industry, Nezhdeh shares how Opus uses elements like glass pool covers, uneven rooftop builds, LED sponsor walls, curated florals, and mission-driven décor to help nonprofits deepen guest engag...

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  Episode #107

  Jingle Bells & Brain Fails: The Handbid Holiday Trivia Episode

  Dec 3, 202530 minS0

  <p>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 for your own holiday party or year-end event.</p><p><br>Who this episode is for</p><p><br>Nonprofit leaders, event planners, and Handbid friends who:</p>Love holiday episodes and want something light, fun, and festiveWant easy, ready-made trivia ideas they can adapt for their own ev...

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