Charity auctions can range from the mundane to the marvelous. Make sure your next event is one for the books with a guide for finding the best auction style.
Getting people interested in charity auctions can sometimes be a bit of a struggle. Unless you’re planning on putting together a neighborhood bake sale, charity auctions take time, dedication, and a flair for party planning. In order to get the necessary participation that will make your event a success, you have to peak the interest of the participants that matter most. Which isn’t always easy.
Successful charity auctions start with a successful auction platform. There are three basic types of auction platforms that are used most commonly by the biggest event planners. Of these three, two are the best if you’re hoping that your event really makes the right impression on the right people. The best auction is a smooth auction, an event worth going to. When considering the logistics of not only setting up the auction itself, but also planning the event, catering, and scheduling itineraries are sometimes best left to professionals. Companies in this business, like UK’s famous Superstars, have charity auction professionals that are a niche group of event
planners that have expertise in throwing a fantastic party, as well as understanding the heavily nuanced requirements of upscale auctions. It does help to choose companies that have previous expertise in these kinds of events, as they hold the success of your event entirely in their hands.
Silent Charity Auctions
Silent auctions are indeed perhaps the most historically appealing type of auction to have for your event. Demure and intriguing, this event allows for donated items and prizes to be displayed throughout the venue. While this format is excellent for fascinating and mid-level exclusivity of items, they’re not quite as ideal if you will be dealing in priceless artifacts or works of art, for obvious reasons. You can acquire glass or acrylic display cases for more unique items, however, creating almost a museum quality display for your attendees to admire.
Silent auctions can also encourage a bit of mingling between guests, making the whole event a bit more casual and far more entertaining. At silent auctions, it’s not unusual for a venue to provide hors d’oeuvres, drinks and even musical entertainment in conjunction with the auction itself. These auctions can also afford organizations the rare opportunity of getting to interact directly, and connect with their donors on a more personal level. As attendees browse items, they are encouraged to engage in casual conversation as the events have a less stringent itinerary than other types of auctions.
Traditionally, bids are placed on a sheet of paper next to the item on display. New mobile bidding technologies are now available that make streamlines the process and creates an even greater air of mystery and excitement.
Live Charity Auctions
A beloved classic, live charity auctions are incredibly exciting and are definitely considered the main event of any charity or fundraising party. These types of auctions are favorite yearly event for many prominent organizations because they are by far the most engaging and thrilling type of auction you can have.
Live charity auctions usually involve a bit tighter schedule than other types of auctions and traditionally involve some manner of formal dinner followed by drinks and downtime for conversation and networking between organizations and attendees. Generally, while these types of events are far more exciting, they can also be much more costly to create. So your event budget will weigh heavily on whether or not live auctions are the right format for your organization.
What makes live auctions so appealing is that the auction and the items are definitely the focus of the night. Patiently waiting to see what items will be available creates a sense of urgency and intrigue that isn’t seen in other formats. Even when an item list is provided, which is a common formality, attendees will know that they only have one chance to bid on, and possibly win, the items that catch their eye. This can also serve to create a bit of friendly competition between bidders which is both exciting and engrossing for everyone at the party. However, live auctions lack the anonymity of silent auctions, which can occasionally make some guests feel uncomfortable if they prefer not to bid against acquaintances.
Online Charity Auctions
Online charity auctions have their place in the world of charitable events to be sure, but they lack a bit of the necessary charisma that makes these types of get-togethers so beneficial. Online auctions generally lack the social element that is paramount to hosting a successful event. This element is crucial when it comes to raising awareness for your cause, and ensuring that the proper elbows are being rubbed, so to speak. Online auctions are fantastic for foundations that want to have an ongoing element that will draw in prospective donors over time, or that are large enough they would like to have a worldwide representative element.
However, if you’re planning on throwing a successful event, online charity auctions are not the best way to encourage participation.
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