From traditional development tools such as direct marketing, in-person asks, online fundraising portals, and customer-relationship management platforms to techniques and technologies like social media that were barely known even fifteen years ago — it must seem like there are too many options. Many development professionals are indeed concerned, yet what remains as true today as ever is the effectiveness of a face-to-face experience. There are few things as powerful as an event program that engages your audience and allows you to interact personally with each individual donor.
This building dedication and campaign recognition event is just the type of program that allowed donors and constituents to see, feel, and interact with an institution while at the same time shaping its mission. This event was designed to unveil new buildings and recognize significant contributions to support key organizational initiatives. By all reports it was a success.
AVFX was selected to provide full audio visual production quality for this special evening event. Key donors and VIPs were invited in to showcase the capabilities of the new spaces.
The initial experience began as the donors approached the new entrance which included projection mapping and theatrical lighting on the exterior of the new building. As visitors entered they were drawn into a cocktail reception/tour with live and recorded audio and moving lights.
The reception was followed by a dramatic trumpet salute and raising of the shades, unveiling of the new atrium where dinner was served. During the reception, we projected key words relating to the initiatives on those same curtains. As guests entered the atrium they were surrounded by moving lights, music, and presentations from the 29-foot-wide LED screen-backed stage. Everything was coordinated and appropriate to the goals of the evening. Robotic lights were even programmed to shine on key donors as they were recognized.
Following a celebratory dinner and donor recognition, guests were invited to exit through a rotunda for a final experiential activity. They were invited to cast their vote in support of future initiatives. Each exit survey vote triggered a lighting display that many described as an art installation. Photos by Tom Fitzsimmons.
We were honored to support this event and we appreciate the positive reactions we received.