# What's the biggest mistake schools make when running their first gala?

First time events are exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. A few patterns show up again and again:

Underestimating setup time. Skipping a mobile bidding test run. Not promoting the auction in advance so guests arrive ready to bid. Relying on one volunteer who knows how everything works.

If you've been through it, what do you wish you'd known before your first event?

##### Post Metadata
- Posted at: 4 months ago
- Author title: CEO and Founder @ HelloFund, Inc. | Helping Nonprofits Raise $46M+ with High-Touch Fundraising Technology
- Net upvotes: 1


## Comments
### Comment 1

The one we see most often: waiting too long to promote the auction to attendees before the event. Guests who know what's up for bid before they walk in bid earlier and bid more. We coach our clients to send item previews via email in the week leading up to the event. It consistently drives higher engagement.

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: 4 months ago
- Author title: CEO and Founder @ HelloFund, Inc. | Helping Nonprofits Raise $46M+ with High-Touch Fundraising Technology




## Related Product
[HelloFund](https://www.g2.com/products/hellofund/reviews)

## Related Category
[Auction](https://www.g2.com/categories/auction-software)

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