Transformational Experiences Convert Event Attendees

A successful strategy for converting attendees at in-person events into long-term supporters is creating meaningful, mission centered opportunities that go beyond a single evening. For Helping Kids Round First–a non-profit based in Flandreau, South Dakota that is committed to improving the lives of people in Nicaragua through sustainable projects in sports, farming, education and healthcare–this has meant inviting attendees not just to give, but to go and experience the mission firsthand.

Looking at Maguire, they started as an attendee at the inaugural Helping Kids Round First Dinner fundraiser nine (9) years ago and began having conversations about a long-term partnership with the organization. Because of their annual commitment to Helping Kids Round First, they are now the presenting sponsor for the event. Their support has grown from monetary support to a deep, ongoing partnership. By connecting them to the heart of the organization’s work in Nicaragua (and recently Chad and Sudan, Africa), Maguire has been able to see the tangible impact of their support. They truly have boots-on-the-ground in Helping Kids Round First’s mission and has turned into a long-term investment, both emotionally and financially. Today, Maguire sends team members to Nicaragua, provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in resources, and support Helping Kids Round First’s mission year-round.

The key strategy in all of this? Moving from a transactional event to an transformational experience. Invite your attendees to become part of the story, not just guests at the table.

Makenzie Stensrud, Event Designer, The Event Company

Read the full Eleven8 article HERE