The Show Must Go On: Disaster-Proofing Your Fundraising Events

Event, Peer-to-Peer & Auction Fundraising | 2025 |

Back to 2025 Raise On Demand

Nonprofits rely on fundraising events to fuel their missions, but what happens when disaster strikes? From natural disasters to economic downturns, leadership crises to global pandemics, unexpected disruptions can derail even the best-planned events. Without a solid contingency plan, organizations risk losing critical revenue, donor trust, and community engagement.

In this session, AJ Steinberg explore the essential steps to disaster-proofing your fundraising events, ensuring your organization can pivot quickly and effectively in times of crisis. You’ll learn how to create a risk management framework, develop flexible event structures, and implement communication strategies that keep stakeholders engaged, no matter the circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn how to identify potential risks, create contingency plans, and design flexible event structures that allow for quick pivots in response to unexpected disruptions.
  • Understand how to craft clear, transparent messaging for donors, sponsors, and attendees to maintain trust and engagement during times of crisis.
  • Explore strategies for mitigating financial losses, leveraging alternative fundraising methods, and keeping supporters invested in your mission when events face cancellation or significant changes.
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Speakers

With over 20 years’ experience as a nonprofit event producer and engagement strategist, A.J. Steinberg has worked on over 100 successful events and raised millions of dollars for organizations with her Los Angeles-based production company.

A.J.’s team has produced almost every type of fundraising event, including intimate high net-worth donor gatherings, galas, festivals, and fashion shows.

In 2015 A.J. launched Queen Bee Fundraising to share the art and science of nonprofit event planning, sponsorship acquisition, and engagement strategies with organizations worldwide. She is a recognized topic expert and trainer, and presents on subjects such as nonprofit event planning, event sponsorships, committee and volunteer leadership, generational giving, fundraising, and guest engagement.

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