Hey Nonprofits!

Why 3 Events in a Row Creates Lifelong Donors | Emily Preble

May 19, 2026·32 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Most nonprofits measure events by one number: how much they raised. Emily Preble thinks that's the wrong starting point.Emily is a fundraising consultant and professional auctioneer based in Austin, and in this episode she walks through the question she asks every client before planning an event — and it has nothing to do with the goal. Trevor and Emily get into why more attendees doesn't mean more money, how to turn corporate-table guests into lifelong donors, the post-event gratitude strategy most orgs skip, and the research-backed reason three consecutive events matter more than almost anything else you'll do.Chapters: 00:00 Intro00:37 Celebrating Tom: The Heart of Our Team03:37 Emily Preble: A Passion for Fundraising05:03 The Role of Consulting in Nonprofit Success07:05 Understanding Event Goals Beyond Fundraising09:01 Engaging New Attendees and Building Lasting Relationships14:08 Reviving Energy in Fundraising Events18:14 Importance of Community and Connection21:33 Long-Term Goals in Fundraising 24:25 Gratitude and Recognition27:00 Rapid Fire Insights on Fundraising30:45 Closing Thoughts and Future ConnectionsHave a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questions/🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗Book Emily for an event: https://www.emilyprebleauctions.com/Connect with Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilypreble/Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/Follow Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers: https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

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