Is An Event The Right Lever? Event Readiness Assessment Time!
Sometimes the organizational leaders who reach out to us already have all the pieces in place — board investment, fundraising strategy, internal alignment, and a team ready to invest in an event as a strategic lever.
But not always.
And honestly, I relish the challenge of those earlier-stage conversations. It gives me the opportunity to work alongside leaders to build the business case behind the event — how it connects to their broader organizational goals, and whether it’s actually the right lever to pull in the first place.
I’ve worked with enough organizations at this point to recognize when an event is the right lever — and how to pull it well. So much of this phase is drawing on that experience to help shape clarity before momentum begins.
Some of my favorite projects — and many of our longest-standing client relationships — started right here. Sitting with Executive Directors and Boards, discerning together whether the organization is truly ready. That’s our Event Readiness Intensive.
We ask questions like:
Is there a real need?
Do they need to grow their community of donors, partners, or supporters? Have 1:1 meetings, coffees, webinars, and other engagement strategies taken them as far as they reasonably can?
Do they have activators?
At least a handful of champions who are deeply connected to the communities they hope to reach — and who love the organization enough to actively open doors and invite others in?
Do they have internal capacity?
To conduct the outreach that fills the room, follow up afterward to capture momentum, shape messaging, and steward sponsors and guests? (Any of this can be supplemented with external support — with us or others — but ownership still matters.)
Can they fund it?
Through organizational investment or sponsorship relationships already in motion. Sponsors don’t need to be secured yet, but the relational groundwork should exist.
It’s not overly complicated and focused in the ways that truly matter in setting our clients up for success.
Despite how deeply I believe in the power of gatherings, I will never guide an organization toward an event they aren’t positioned to succeed with — not just succeed, but truly knock out of the park.
These questions anchor our work.
When they’re answered honestly, the path forward becomes clear. That’s the moment an event shifts from a vague idea — we should do something — into a strategic decision with real momentum behind it.
Interested in diving into your own Event Readiness Intensive? Let’s talk.
✨ Planning a gathering - or looking to make your next event more intentional? We’d love to help you bring it to life. Let's talk.
All the best,
Rhiannon
Rhiannon O’Leary (she/her)
Founder + Executive Producer