A successful nonprofit event depends on clear, strategic communication. From promoting ticket sales to keeping attendees informed and ensuring volunteers feel prepared, thoughtful messaging can make all the difference.

With DonorSnap, nonprofits can easily manage event communications, ensuring that every message reaches the right people at the right time. By using segmentation, email automation, and text messaging, you can engage your audience, build excitement, and create a seamless event experience.

This article explores communication ideas to help you promote your events, keep your guests informed, raise more with your auctions, and build a solid rapport with your volunteers. 

1. Promote Your Event and Boost Ticket Sales

Getting people to register starts long before the event. The more you share, the more excitement you’ll generate. However, repetition won’t keep your audience engaged. A well-planned communication strategy ensures you stay top of mind without overwhelming potential attendees.

Outreach Tips to Help You Fill Seats at Nonprofit Events:

• Personalize messages by audience type
• Offer early bird deals and highlight limited ticket availability
• Share stories, photos, and quotes from past events

Consider tried and true marketing strategies to encourage people to register for your event. Personalization makes a big difference when sending targeted messages. Tailor your outreach to specific groups like past attendees, loyal donors, or VIPs to make your communication feel relevant and thoughtful. Creating a sense of urgency can also boost ticket sales. Mention early bird pricing or include a countdown of how many tickets remain to help drive faster decisions. Finally, social proof builds trust and interest. Share highlights from past events, such as fun photos, guest testimonials, or short recap videos, to help potential attendees picture themselves there and feel excited to join in.

2. Keep Attendees Informed & Engaged Before Event Day

Once someone registers, ongoing communication is key. A well-planned email sequence ensures attendees stay informed, excited, and prepared. You can send out a series of mass emails directly from DonorSnap to your attendee list. 

How to Keep Attendees Informed:

• Send a Welcome Email that immediately confirms registration with event details, location, and what to expect.
• Offer follow-up emails with key logistics like parking, check-in procedures, and schedules.
• Notify attendees of any last minute changes, such as weather adjustments or revised start times.

A well-informed guest is a happy guest. Answering common questions in advance builds credibility for your nonprofit and strengthens relationships with your supporters. In addition, when your guests are filled in on what to expect when they arrive, such as parking and where to check in, it makes for a smoother event from start to finish.

3. Build Excitement for Your Auction

If your event includes a fundraising auction, effective communication can help you build anticipation and increase participation before bidding even begins. A CRM like DonorSnap, integrated with AuctionSnap, can create a seamless communication flow to get people excited and ready to bid.

Ways to Boost Nonprofit Auction Engagement:

• Showcase featured auction items with photos, descriptions, and starting bids.
• Encourage early sign-ups for mobile bidding through AuctionSnap and send reminders leading up to the event.
• Share auction logistics such as how to use mobile bidding, so guests arrive prepared.

The more engaged your audience is before the event, the more successful your auction will be. With AuctionSnap you even have the option to open bidding before the event. This can help drive higher bids as guests have longer to participate in the auction.  

4. Ensure Volunteers Feel Prepared and Valued

Volunteers are critical to your event’s success. Keeping them informed before, during, and after ensures they feel confident in their roles and appreciated for their time.

How to Improve Volunteer Communication:

• Send clear guidelines, schedules, and expectations well in advance.
• Provide quick reminders before their shift with key details and check-in instructions.
• Show appreciation with a thank you email after the event – reinforcing a positive experience and encouraging future involvement.

Pro Tip: While emails provide detailed instructions, DonorSnap’s integration with Twilio for text message campaigns is perfect for last-minute volunteer reminders.

Final Thoughts

A successful nonprofit event starts with how you communicate with your guests. From the first ticket sale to the final thank-you message, thoughtful engagement keeps supporters informed, excited, and ready to participate.

With DonorSnap, you can streamline your event communications through email automation, segmentation, and text messaging, ensuring that every message reaches the right audience at the right time. Whether you’re promoting ticket sales, keeping attendees informed, driving auction participation, or supporting your volunteers, strong communication lays the foundation for a well-run event that maximizes fundraising potential.

By implementing these strategies, your nonprofit can create a smooth, engaging experience that not only makes your event a success but also strengthens long-term relationships with supporters.