The event schedule is starting up again. Are you ready? Events are a great way to raise your organization’s profile and the energy and interest of your donors and associates. They are also labour intensive and a drain on precious staff and volunteer resources. By the time the event comes, you may be tempted to turn on your auto pilot, hide in the corner looking busy, or sip a few glasses of wine before you get the courage to try your Elaine from Seinfeld dance impression.

Please don’t. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your event:

View the event as an opportunity to forge connections. Assign a team of people who will be responsible for this.

Review the attendance list beforehand and get to know as much as you can about the people attending, particularly your prospects and special guests. For example, profession, involvement with your and other organizations, interests.

Assign a host for each of your important prospects. The host’s role is to greet the guest at the door, ensure they are comfortable, and make introductions. Look comfortable doing this: standing in a long line at the door is intimidating for guests as they arrive.

During the event, your goal is not to probe and pester, it is to make them feel welcome, and to introduce them to other donors, board members and staff who share their interests. Do not shadow them, introduce them and move on. Check in again later.

There is no such thing as a free lunch. No matter how wonderful the buffet looks, remember you are there to work and this is not the time for you and your coworkers to catch up over dinner and drinks. You can do that later.

Look the part. You want to represent your organization in as positive and professional a light as possible. Avoid the bar, eat sparingly, mind your manners and carry dental floss and a Tide to Go stain pen.

After the event, ideally the same day, regroup and make note of any new information gathered and any new contacts gained. Ensure this is added to your database. It surprises me how much of this information can be forgotten and lost.

Take the time to celebrate your success - after it’s over. Some of the best team-building occurs on a high from an event well done. Have a special lunch the next day.

Follow up soon after the event if anyone expressed interest in volunteering or getting involved with something specific. Strike while the iron is hot!

Ensure your contact list is up to date and the past attendees are the first invited next time around.