Mastering Fundraising Events: Timing and Engagement With Dan Lyles and Mark Schustrin

Hey Nonprofits is the ONLY podcast specifically focused on event fundraising and auction strategy — because someone has to stand up for the gala.This is Part 2 of the Timed to Perfection Series — a 6-part webinar series built entirely around the #1 question we get from nonprofit event fundraisers:"How do we nail the timing of our event?"In this episode, we go deeper into the strategies that separate good fundraising events from great ones — covering everything from donor psychology and technology to the sensory details that make your room feel like a movement.Spoiler: It's not just about raising money. It's about making donors feel something they want to feel again next year.🔑 *What You'll Learn:*✅ Why timing is still the #1 lever in fundraising — and how to protect it✅ The audience engagement techniques that consistently unlock more donations✅ Why lengthy speeches are quietly killing your golden hour (and what to do instead)✅ How to use technology to elevate the donor experience — not distract from it✅ The peer pressure principle: how the room influences individual giving decisions✅ How to engineer a sensory experience that builds community and keeps donors coming back✅ Why audience development has to start months before your event — not weeks✅ The right way to deploy a matching gift so it creates momentum instead of confusion✅ How to read your audience and adjust your approach in real time✅ The post-event follow-up strategy that turns one-time donors into long-term supportersThis is the event fundraising conversation your board, your ED, and your auctioneer all need to hear.*Connect with Trevor Nelson:*💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167🌐 Website: https://hgafundraising.com*Connect with Mark Schustrin:*💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markschustrin/🌐 Website: https://mrkauctions.com/*Connect with Dan Lyles:*💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lyles/🌐 Website: https://danlylesauctions.com/💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING*HGA helps nonprofit event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable — and mission-focused — consignment auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization raise more money.🔗 Explore auction items: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/🔗 Free fundraising coaching: https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/