Article By Cindy Y. Lo

Let’s face reality — it’s 2009 and we’re in a slump, but the pressure is still there to host a successful fundraiser or have that client-appreciation dinner that everyone is talking about. Here are just a few concepts we’ve seen emerge as solutions to the current economy.

· No more formal galas. Instead, host a cocktail reception heavy on the hors d’oeuvres or fun-filled-activity evenings such as casino parties with a few donated prizes. If you do decide to go the formal dinner route, be sure to incorporate ways to encourage networking so that people can benefit from being in the company of great attendees; extravagant party favors aren’t necessary.

· If you really want to do something completely different, how about a “Gala in a Box”? GENAustin Inc. did just that and introduced this out-of-the-box idea (pardon the pun) in 2008, where 75 percent of the net proceeds would go back to charity. No need to shop for the perfect outfit, instead, a virtual gala in a box was shipped to your home to enjoy in your own privacy.

· With sponsorship dollars down this year, we have seen an increase in admission rates and opening up registration beyond the normal target market to make up for missing dollars.

· Rather than hiring professional speakers, clients are going back to their existing board of advisors to see who they can pull in to be the expert speaker. This cuts costs dramatically because there is usually no speaker fee, just travel-related expenses.

· For those with themed events, we have seen clients going back to common themes, which allow us to take advantage of existing props rather than produce new ones for the event. For example, the ’70s, casino and Western decor are all very common themes. Professional planners usually have existing inventory related to these themes.

The bottom line is, no matter how you choose to cut costs for your events, the key question to ask is, what are you trying to achieve with this event? Are you doing everything through entertainment, communication and food to reinforce this message? Stay on message, and eliminate the elements that do not reinforce the objectives.

Cindy Y. Lo is from Red Velvet Events in Austin, Texas and can be reached at 512/380-9688 or via Cindy@redvelvetevents.com.

See more event tips at www.EveryMeeting.com