What would you do if you could give your biggest event a total signage, print, and marketing makeover? This year, AlphaGraphics had the opportunity to provide just that for three cause-focused organizations through our annual Make It Happen Event Makeovers.

The organizations who won our 2023 Make It Happen Event Makeover Contest were:

• Madelyn’s Fund’s Pink Bow Gala — After the loss of their infant daughter, the founders of Madelyn’s Fund built the organization to help families with costs related to NICU stays and funeral expenses for those who have experienced the tragedy of infant loss. The Pink Bow Gala is its largest fundraiser.

• American Humane’s Hero Dog Awards® Gala – The American Humane Hero Dog Awards® honors hero dogs who have accomplished feats like helping law enforcement keep communities safe, beating the odds after their adoption from a shelter, and providing help for humans with disabilities. The annual gala is its biggest fundraising event.

• Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Tennessee – Best Buddies in Tennessee offers one-to-one friendship, integrated employment, and leadership development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their Friendship Walk is free and open to the public, allowing them to reach a wider audience with awareness of their critical mission.

Defining the goals

Defining the organization's goals is the first step to any solid event strategy. We sat down with the leaders of Madelyn’s Fund, American Humane, and Best Buddies in Tennessee to define what they hoped to accomplish with these significant events. Madelyn’s Fund wanted to leverage the support and passion felt at their annual Pink Bow Gala to raise more donations. American Humane was hosting the Awards at a new venue and wanted to honor their Hero Dogs and their owners with the most elegant gala yet. Best Buddies in Tennessee wanted to engage their community and reach a wider audience with their mission.

Three tactics to make events more impactful

Each event was different, but three tactics were essential to help each organization reach its goals.s

1. Display The Mission

Creating a fun environment was important for each organization—after all, that’s true for almost any event. However, they also needed to remind attendees of the reason for the occasion—the powerful change these organizations are making for families, communities, and individuals with IDD. Signage and flags adorned each walkway and corner at the events. These signs shared testimonials, displayed the organization’s pillars, and provided history and in-depth information about the cause to enhance education, boost brand awareness, and spark conversation. Brochures with more details were available at each table so customers could take educational materials home, extending the event's impact long after it was over.

A mission-centric design grounded attendees, showing them the organization’s impact and providing regular reminders of the bigger picture. While the celebrations lasted only a day, the organizations work year-round to change lives for the better. Many attendees regularly support the cause, so it was essential to show them how their support extends beyond the venue’s doors into their communities and those in need. 

2. Make Signage Interactive

Signage doesn’t need to be static. When signage is moveable and modifiable, it encourages engagement with your attendees. That tactile, physical engagement inspires memories and connections between your cause and audience. These interactive elements can further educate about the work you do, encourage photo shoots (which means sharing on social media to enhance your reach!), and allow attendees to make their mark, helping them realize the impact their support makes.

3. Provide On-the-Spot Calls To Action

The saying, “Strike while the iron is hot,” holds true for garnering support at events. While your attendees are immersed in the cause, surrounded by stories of positive change, and can see and feel the impact of their support, this is the perfect time to ask for continued support or donations. Signage placed around your event with QR codes, or even as a centerpiece display, allows guests to donate at any point during the event that they are moved to do so.

When you include a visual representation of donations at the event (bonus points if attendees can modify it themselves!), guests can see how each donation, regardless of size, contributes to a goal and changes lives.

No matter your event goals, displaying your mission, making signage interactive, and providing on-the-spot calls to action will make your event more impactful for your non-profit, business, or bottom line. And when you choose quality materials, they can be reused in your office or at future events, supporting your green initiatives and sparing costs. 

How can you implement these three tactics into our next event? What signage would you create if you could have an event makeover? Contact us at AlphaGraphics for expert signage, print, and marketing guidance so your next event can power your organization.