Inside Spring 2026 Events: Looking at the Data

What you'll learn

• Know your real average gift. Pull the trimmed average. On BetterUnite, it is in the event analysis report. On another platform, cut the top and bottom 10% and recalculate. That middle number tells you how your broad base is actually performing.
• Redesign your paddle raise before anything else. This is the highest ROI move available. If participation is under 5%, look at structural changes: giving levels set to real capacity, conversations with high-level donors in advance, a match to build energy, and the timing and placement of the ask within your run of show.
• Build both a returning-donor strategy and an acquisition strategy. Segment everyone who gave at your last event. Returning donors should get personal outreach between now and the fall. First-time donors should get at least three meaningful, non-ask touches before another invitation.
• Audit your revenue mix and cut what isn't working. If the silent auction generated less than 5% of revenue, have an honest conversation about whether the effort earns its return, or at least run the exercise of redirecting that energy elsewhere.
• Identify your near-top-10% donors. Look just below the top tier, the donors who gave $500 or $1,000 but have the capacity and connection to grow. Build a specific, intentional cultivation effort for at least five or ten of them between now and your fall event.

Topics covered