Welcome back to Elevate Your Event!

We’ve hit triple digits—and we're celebrating big. In this 100th episode, Jeff and Mark reflect on the journey so far, revisit fan-favorite moments, and take you behind the scenes with hilarious stories, heartfelt lessons, and a brutally funny AI-generated roast of Handbid's own Jeff Porter.

In This Episode:

• A nostalgic look back at standout episodes and special guests
• An AI-written roast that pulls no punches (boots, bourbon, and all)
• What Chick-fil-A, Disney, and concert venues can teach us about arrival experiences
• Real event mishaps—from inebriated honorees to impromptu Heimlich maneuvers
• The evolution of check-in, mobile bidding, and creating frictionless guest experiences

Why It Matters:

100 episodes isn't just a number—it's a testament to the creativity, resilience, and humor required to thrive in the fundraising world. Whether you're planning your first gala or your 50th, the stories and insights in this episode are a reminder that the event must go on—and it can be awesome.

Key Takeaways:

• Arrival experiences start in the parking lot—plan accordingly
• You can’t prevent every hiccup, but you can be ready to adapt
• Tech empowers your team—especially when paired with good processes
• The best stories (and solutions) often come from the most chaotic moments

Final Thought:

Here’s to 100 episodes of elevating fundraising, solving real-world challenges, and laughing through the madness. Thanks for being on this journey with us—we can’t wait to bring you the next 100.