Start your Summit experience with exclusive Early Bird Sessions led by our Million Dollar Events on March 10th. These optional sessions will highlight the strategies, ideas, and best practices that have driven record-breaking success and unforgettable event experiences.
Jessica Wright (Northern Colorado CBB) and Tara Graves (Permian Basin CBB)
Success doesn’t depend on zip code—it depends on strategy. Explore how to elevate your event in a smaller market by optimizing what you do have and cutting what you don’t need. Perfect for anyone ready to reimagine what’s possible in their community.
Kathleen Magistro (Babes Against Cancer), Rebecca Zavala (Chicago Select), and Esther Scheele (Chicago Discovery Ball)
In this session, we’ll explore how to manage and nurture the many layers of volunteer relationships that power our events. We’ll look at how a personalized, intentional approach strengthens engagement with relationships and how effective day-of coaching for volunteers creates a seamless, mission-centered experience for everyone involved.
Caitlin Doepfner Clay, Mary Martin France, and Jo Carden (Dallas CBB)
This session explores creative strategies to extend engagement, deepen connections, and amplify your gala’s impact beyond the main event. Learn how these moments can boost networking, donor loyalty, and overall event ROI.
Cara Dickerson (VP Client Success + Account Management, GiveSmart) and Erin Obermayer (Senior Manager of Client Success, GiveSmart)
Across thousands of events on GiveSmart, trends are emerging in how participants engage and give. This session will share high-level event trend observations alongside the GiveSmart features organizations are incorporating into their event experiences. We’ll explore how teams are adapting and experimenting with GiveSmart platform tools to support engagement, fundraising, and mission impact.
Kathy Fritz (St. Louis Champions of Hope) and Mercedes McGinthy (Richmond Cattle Barons Ball)
Hear directly from seasoned staff who’ve led long-running events through major shifts. They’ll share the hard-earned lessons, the unexpected wins, and the pivotal decisions that reshaped their programs. This peer-driven session offers real examples, practical wisdom, and the kind of insights you only gain through years of experience.
Addie Thompson and Kristine Scull (San Francisco Discovery Ball)
This session explores how adopting a true growth mindset can unlock sustained year-over-year success. We’ll dig into multiyear strategy, building powerhouse volunteer leadership, using recruitment events to expand influence, and elevating pre-commit paddle raise conversations to drive transformational revenue.
Chanel McGregor (Naples Bucket List Bash) and Adrienne Rich (Richmond CBB)
Take your events from memorable to extraordinary by mastering the art of guest experience. In this session, you’ll uncover innovative strategies, creative enhancements, and practical tips to surprise and delight attendees at every touchpoint. Learn how to create moments that resonate long after the event ends, driving deeper engagement and lasting impact.
Cara Dickerson (VP Client Success + Account Management, GiveSmart) & Erin Obermayer (Senior Manager of Client Success, GiveSmart)
Across thousands of events on GiveSmart, trends are emerging in how participants engage and give. This session will share high-level event trend observations alongside the GiveSmart features organizations are incorporating into their event experiences. We’ll explore how teams are adapting and experimenting with GiveSmart platform tools to support engagement, fundraising, and mission impact.
