What does it take to successfully produce a multi-day gala that provides a five-star experience for guests and raises millions for the community it serves? There is no better person to talk about this topic than today's guest, Lisa Juliano, Senior Vice President of the Naples Winter Wine Festival & Event Production. This episode, the first in a three-part series behind the Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the top fundraising galas in the United States each year. Over three days, Lisa and her organization produce a spectacular, white-glove experience for several hundred guests, resulting in over $35 million raised for the Naples Children Foundation to provide a range of services for children in Collier County.Lisa shares smart (and fun) stories, knowledge, and wisdom on a range of topics, including tips on establishing a strong relationship with your event venue, successfully executing multiple events that occur simultaneously, managing talent, accommodating unexpected guest/donor requests, and so much more. This is one episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their event production game from the event leader of one of the most successful galas in the world.

What does it take host a fashion show luncheon or gala that is engaging, cost-effective, and most importantly fun? There is no better person to talk about this topic than today's guest and someone I am proud to call my friend, iconic runway model and fashion show producer Jan Strimple. After beginning her career in retail merchandising, Jan started her trajectory in the fashion industry, walking the runways of Paris and collaborating with top designers, including the iconic Bob Mackie. Jan then moved behind the runway and launched Jan Strimple Productions in Dallas, where she produced many top nonprofit fashion shows in North Texas, including the iconic House of DIFFA, which is Texas's answer to The Met Gala.Jan seamlessly shares fun stories, knowledge, and wisdom on a range of topics, including what organizations need to do to determine if a fashion show concept is the right thing for them, the importance of understanding your audience when selecting a designer or a collection to showcase, the differences between a daytime luncheon and nighttime gala fashion show, her favorite event moments over the years, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

What are the keys to successfully merchandising your nonprofit brand in a way that brings in revenue and is fun for guests and supporters? In today’s episode, I talk with Catharine Recht, Director of Advancement at Frontiers of Flight Museum, to talk about the organization's new store inside the museum. Frontiers of Flight Museum is a family-friendly space where kids of all ages can explore the wonders of aviation and space flight history through exhibits, programming, and STEM curriculum. For Catharine, the passion for flight comes through in our conversation; it is literally in her DNA to appreciate the awe and wonder of flight.Catharine shares his knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including how to successfully reimagine a space that grows revenue and enhances the guest experience, tips on successfully merchandising new items in your store, creating merchandising collaborations with other nonprofit organizations, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What are the keys to presenting your live auction items in a way that engages the crowd and increases your revenue? In today’s episode, I talk with auctioneer and presenter, Jamie McDonald to talk about how effective event emcees elevate the gala guest experience. After a successful decade as a financial services executive on Wall Street, Jamie's love for giving back took him to the next phase and career as an auctioneer and presenter. Jamie has successfully helmed auctions for leading nonprofits in the United States and Europe. Tapping into his skills as a presenter and emcee gives him a unique ability to quickly understand the dynamics of the room that compel donors to give more. Jamie shares his knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics including how to build a strong relationship with your auctioneer, tips on raising a rooms energy to attract peoples attention, the importance of understanding your audience to make your auctions more dynamic and successful, the ways auctions have changed since COVID, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What are the keys to effectively staffing your gala or signature fundraising event to elevate the guest experience? In today’s episode, I talk with Lauren Batterby, Founder and CEO of Life Event Staffing, to talk about the importance of event staffing to grow revenue and develop deeper relationships with your donors. Since its founding in 2021, Live Event Staffing has been a go-to resource for many of the top nonprofit fundraising galas around the United States, collaborating on over 4,000 events. She has fostered a company culture of employees and collaborators that lays an incredibly strong foundation for nonprofits to meet and exceed their fundraising goals.  Lauren shares her knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, how event staffing matters from the second guests walk in the door, collaborating with other parts of the event ecosystem to make your event more successful, ways to effectively use technology to boost fundraising results, event staffing trends, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What are the keys to finding an effective event emcee that keeps the audience entertained and generous? In today’s episode, I talk with event emcee and media presentation expert Lauren Petrowski, to talk about how effective event emcees elevate the gala guest experience. Over the years, Lauren has hosted many top galas and business events in Texas and beyond. Her ability to effectively emcee multiple types of events for different audiences gives her a unique and well-informed perspective on how to communicate and engage any type of audience. Lauren shares her knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, how great emcees set the tone and vibe you want for your event, effective ways to engage an audience to increase the rooms energy, the different types of events and what emcees bring to each of them, tips on engaging multiple types of onstage talent for your program, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does an organization host a successful signature fundraising event during the holiday season? In today’s episode, I talk with Karen Hughes, President & CEO of Vogel to talk about Day 1 DFW, one of the organization's signature fundraising events. Held on New Year's Day, Day 1 DFW draws hundreds of families from around North Texas for a day of family fun, with proceeds going towards fulfilling the organization's mission to provide services for children ages six weeks to 12 years who experience the trauma of homelessness. At Day 1 DFW, children and families have the opportunity to enjoy over two dozen fun experiences with everything from a Candyland Obstacle Course to balloon artists. Karen shares her knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including the similarities and differences between hosting a gala and a family-oriented event, tips on creating experiences that the whole family can enjoy,  how to end your event in a memorable way, and so much moreThis is one episode you will not want to miss.

How can an organization successfully align a board and leadership that drive revenue and impact for their annual gala? On this episode, sponsored by Frost Bank, I talk with Center for Child Protection Chief Executive Officer and Center for Child Protection Board Chair Shonnery Pettit, to discuss the upcoming Dancing with the Stars Austin. Over the past 19 years, Dancing with the Stars Austin has been one of Austin's hottest gala tickets in town. Inspired by the hit ABC show, Dancing with the Stars Austin features local (and national) celebrity dancers paired with professional partners. The result has been tens of millions raised through the event, with last year's event raising a phenomenal $2.8 million for the Center for Child Protection. Note: since the recording of this episode, Danny Amendola is unable to perform at this year's Dancing with the Stars Austin due to a schedule conflict. Michael and Shonnery share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including tips on finding strong event chairs that seamlessly align with the board and nonprofit, how to successfully ask high-profile individuals to get them to say "YES" to your event, how asking board chairs to make a two-year commitment drives stronger results long-term, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

How can the philanthropic arm of a business draw and engage sponsors for it's annual gala or signature fundraising event? In today’s episode, I talk with Emelda Douglas, Senior VP of Community Affairs for the Houston Astros and Executive Director of the Houston Astros Foundation, to talk about its annual signature event, the Diamond Dreams Gala. Celebrating its 10th year in 2025, the Diamond Dreams Gala has become one of the city's most anticipated, fun, and impactful signature fundraising events. Held in Daikin Park, the event allows attendees to experience the space in an exclusive and private way. This year's event will also include a concert by acclaimed musical artist Flo Rida. Emelda shares her knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including tips on collaborating with other nonprofits to expand your impact, engaging celebrities and high-profile individuals to say yes to your event, working with existing partners to support multiple parts of your organization, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How can an organization successfully create a multi-day signature fundraising event that is both fun and impactful? In today’s episode, I talk with Houston Ballet Chief Development Officer Angie Lane and Susan Binney Market co-chair of the upcoming Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market®. For over 40 years, Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market® has been one of the area's most successful and widely anticipated signature fundraising events. Over the course of five days, the event seamlessly blends fundraising, commerce, and philanthropy thorugh a series of events including a gala, multiple fashion shows and a multi-day Christmas Market that draws top brands in the area. Angie and Susan share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including tips on creating distinct experiences while maintaining a consistent feel at multiple events, selecting the right event chairs for specific events to drive event buzz, creating a VIP event series that allows top donors to experience impact, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How can an organization host a signature fundraising event that allows patrons innovative ways to connect with an organization's mission? In today’s episode, I talk with Chantel Boudreaux, Senior Director of Events and Operations for the Perot Museum to talk about the organization's signature fundraising event, A Night at the Museum. The Perot Museum is one of the nation's top museums promoting STEM and the mystery of science. One of the top and most fun fundraisers in the Dallas area each year, A Night at the Museum allows patrons to explore the museum in innovative ways to highlight the museum's mission, exhibits, and impact. Chantel share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics on what it takes to host an effective signature fundraising event, including tips on collaborating with outside event producers to elevate your event, innovative ways to serve food to patrons at your event, creating an after-party that have your guests stying the whole night and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How can an organization host a fundraising gala that reflects the tapestry of the communities they serve? In today’s episode, I talk with IM Houston's CEO Sheroo Mukhitar and Chief Development Officer Maria Magee, about the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event, The Tapestry Gala. The Tapestry Gala has long been known for drawing various parts of the Houston community together which aligns with the IM Houston's mission of bringing diverse faith traditions together for dialogue, collaboration and service while creating a gala that is a fun experience for their guests. Sheroo and Maria share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including how galas are an important vehicle for stewarding relationships with major donors, creating a large, devoted following for your signature fundraising event, the keys to creating strong relationships between a nonprofit and an event committe, and so much more.

How can an organization effectively use pre-events to sell out their gala well in advance of the event date? In today’s episode, I talk with Anna Caitlyn Butler and Madeline Meyer, co-chairs of the upcoming Twilight on the Trail benefiting The Trail Conservancy. The Trail Conservancy protects, enhances, and connects the Roy and Ann Butler Trail, the beloved nature path along Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. Its signature fundraiser, Twilight on the Trail, is one of Austin’s most anticipated annual events, held al fresco at The Four Seasons, right on the Roy and Ann Butler Trail. Anna Caitlyn and Madeline share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including tips on how to use pre-events as a mechanism to sell tables, attracting a youthful and engaged crowd to your gala, seamlessly incorporating different seating options for guests, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What are the keys to giving your signature fundraising event a local feel, even if it is a national organization? In today’s episode, I talk with Cattle Baron's Ball Dallas co-chairs Courtney Derderian MD and Nina Sasche to talk about this iconic event benefiting American Cancer Society. For the past 52 years, Cattle Baron's Ball has been the gold standard in creating a highly successful fundraiser that blends unique locations, fashion, music, and philanthropy. The event is now the largest single night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in the United States each year. Courtney and Nina share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including tips on how to announce hosting a musical headliner to generate major buzz for your event, tips on getting high-profile individuals to say yes and be a part of your event, evolving your event and the talent behind it to build a devoted following that spans generations, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How do does an organization effectively blend commerce and fundraising in a way that brings the community together? In today’s episode, I talk with The Family Place CEO Tiffany Tate and Margette Hepfner to talk about one of the organization's signature fundraising events: Partners Card. For many years, many top retailers in North Texas have taken part in this unique and highly effective fundraiser. The premise is simple: patrons purchase a card from The Family Place and are able to get a discount at hundreds of retailers in the Dallas area. It raises money for a great cause and allows people to save on restrauant, apparel, and other retail outlets. Tiffany and Margette share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics including tips on hosting successful kickoff events that create buzz, how to approach retailers, developing a strong relationship between an event chair and a nonprofit, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How do you create an impactful statement moment at your event where guests carry the moment with them long after the event has ended? In today’s episode, I talk with AVDA CEO Maisha Colter and AVDA Board Chair Vanessa Ames to talk about the organization's signature fundraising event: the Home Safe Home Gala. For over 40 years, AVDA has provided services in it's mission to end domestic violence by advocating for the safety and self-determination of victims, promoting accountability for abusers, and fostering a community response to abuse. Over the past few years, the Home Safe Home Gala has become increasingly successful due to a strong program with impactful event moments such as the Be the Light moment where each guest holds a candle to help bring domestic violence out of the shadows. Maisha and Vanessa share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including tips on consistently and successfully growing your event year after year, creating a strong selection process in selecting an honoree, how a strong relationship between executive leadership and a board contributes to an events success and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What does it take for an organization to host a successful fundraising event in a one-of-a-kind urban green space? In today's episode, I talk with Kit Sawers, President & CEO of Klyde Warren Park, to talk about their upcoming signature fundraising event, Party in the Park. Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park is a modern city oasis. A 5.4-acre park over a suspended 8-lane highway, the world-class green space draws over 1.5 million visitors per year.  Kit share a wealth of valuable insights on a range of topics including using a gala to create deeper relationships with key donors, establishing a strong and active board, how an organization successfully evolves with a changing city and so much more. This is one episode you won’t want to miss.

What does it take for an organization to host a successful fundraising event when the logistics are anything but simple? In today's episode, I talk with Austin Parks Foundation Vice President of Marketing and Communications Katie Kennedy, and Events Manager Caitlyn Denham to talk about the upcoming Party for the Parks. Held on the grounds of Zilker Park, one of the green spaces supported by the Austin Parks Foundation, Party for the Parks takes place between the two weekends of the Austin City Limits Music Festival. This exclusive event offers a rare opportunity to experience the expansive festival grounds in a private, after-hours setting, alongside just 400 fellow attendees. Katie and Caitlyn share a wealth of valuable insights on everything from creating a seamless guest experience in a large venue, to crafting effective messaging for a unique event that both retains and attracts donors. They also dive into the process of booking high-profile musicians and much more. This is one episode you won’t want to miss.

What are the keys to highlighting artistic talents throughout a successful gala or signature fundraising event? In today’s episode, I talk with Dallas Symphony Orchestra Chief Artistic Officer Katie McGuiness and Vanessa Cain, event chair for the upcoming Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala. Celebrating it's 125th anniversary, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra is one of the world's top artistic organizations. The annual Dallas Symphony Orchestra space makes full use of the world-class Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center with spaces and experiences that enchant guests, including a five-star dinner, a concert featuring world-class musical talent, and one of Texas's best gala after parties. Vanessa and Katie share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including tips for evolving your organization as your city grows and changes, strategies for effectively incorporating talent that reflects your organization’s mission throughout the night, and building a loyal following that spans generations. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Having a vision isn't enough. How do you lead your community to get behind a transformative vision that will be felt for generations to come? In today’s episode, I talk with Lynn and Tom Meredith, co-chairs—along with several of their children and spouses—of the upcoming Glow in the Park benefiting the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. Lynn and Tom’s leadership and vision has been instrumental in transforming Downtown Austin’s Waterloo Greenway into a world-class urban greenspace. Each fall, the organization hosts Glow in the Park at Moody Amphitheater, celebrating completed milestones and the ongoing transformation of the 1.5-mile, 35-acre greenspace. Lynn and Tom share their knowledge and expertise on a range of topics including how to get involved in a community as a new resident, what nonprofits and startups have in common, how nonprofits can successfully evolve with a growing city, overcoming the naysayers who say your vision can't be achieved, and so much more. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with two transformative leaders.