The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber's August 2022 Nonprofit Newsletter |
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The Nonprofit Committee brings you a newsletter once a month that focuses specifically on the issues confronting nonprofit organizations including an educational article and an article highlighting a Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber member nonprofit. |
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Let Us Help You Get the Word Out!
Is your organization having a Gala? Fundraiser? Volunteer Recruitment Day?
so we can publicize your event in this newsletter.
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How Accurate Are
Event Trends?
by Chereese Jervis-Hill
Many of us follow trend predictions, and towards the end of the year, all the talk is about the upcoming trends. I love reading about trends, I must admit; I stay on top of industry trends, so I’m ahead of the curve for my clients. What about you? Do you follow the event trends to implement what you see and hear in your non-profit events?
We had so many event trends in 2021; I thought it would be fun to look back now that we are coming to the end of the summer (I’m sorry to say this, but it’s true, the fall will be here before we know it), and see if some of those trend predictions were pretty on point.
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Here are some of the top 5 event trends, join the fun, see below…
- The trend of learning online - YES, this one trend was spot on point. This virus is still with us, I won’t say its name, and many of us have hosted workshops, virtual events, and everything in between. The quality of event technology has gotten so much better and has helped. This trend to spot on, we all took advantage of this trend in 2021, and it’s still going strong in 2022.
- The trend of shifting to virtual or hybrid events - YES, this one trend was also spot on. All of our Spring galas were in person this year, but they all tied in a hybrid model, so those guests who were not ready to venture out were able to watch and enjoy at home and still felt like they were a part of the gala.
- The Trend of Contactless Event Registration - I would give this trend a 7 out of 10. I have seen ways our clients and partners have strived for completely contactless event registration, like online ticketing with a website or app and online payment with the use of Digital tickets and QR codes. Still, we did see the return of printed and mailed invitations (which I’m a fan of, it helps set you apart, in my opinion) in place of digital-only invitations sent via email or social media. I do think it’s important to share your digital event invitation via email, and sharing on social is essential. Still, I like the mailed invitation, and many others agree, and we’ve seen a significant shift in doing this.
- The Trend of Overall Safety First at Events - I agree with his trend, but I don’t think it was a significant concern for many like the trends figured it would be. At the beginning of the year, it was believed that all events would have a Health-check booth for testing, spreading awareness on ticketing websites, and checking vaccinations at every event. Once NYS dropped the mandates, many organizations left this responsibility to the individuals.
- The Trend of Venue Safety - I would give this trend a 5 out of 10. I feel like many venues are trying to incorporate safety measures where they can, but not as strong as the trends predicted for this year. Here are a few examples:
- Open and outdoor spaces for larger audiences and try to build social distancing where they can;
- Venue Sanitization Stations throughout;
- Health check-up booth to check vaccination status;
- Encouraging clients to use an online event management app and QR scanner for contact-free registration;
- Seating arrangements with social distancing;
- Providing awareness posters around the venue, for example.
The Trends for 2023 should be pretty interesting, and I’ll be watching, and I hope you will too. I hope you enjoyed reading this, and if I can answer any additional questions about trends or events, please connect with me below and follow us on social.
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Chereese Jervis-Hill is a member of the Chamber’s Nonprofit Committee and is President and Founder of Events To Remember. Read more about her services at: www.EventsRemember.com.
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Featured Organization: Tompkins Corners Cultural Center
by Lynn Amos
Formed in 2014, the Tompkins Corners Cultural Center is housed in the historic Tompkins Corners Methodist Church in Putnam Valley, NY. Their mission is to preserve the historic Tompkins Corners Church and to promote and develop community and cultural interest through the arts and cultural activities which are open to the general public.
Unique cultural events happen at the TCCC, including concerts, play readings, historical talks, family events, Poets’ Corner, Open Mics, visual arts exhibits and art classes. Their Farmer's Market takes place all summer long from 3-6:30 pm on Fridays.
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Events such as the annual Pete Seeger Fest and Harvest Fest provide opportunities for local performers and artists to showcase their talents. Opportunities always exist for the community to become involved as volunteers.
The facility is available for private use – for meetings, weddings, memorial services, and as a location for film and photo shoots.
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The organization is comprised of two part-time staff members and a seven-member Board. Linda Thornton, Director of Administration and Programs, says, “Our by-laws provide up to eleven members, and we are always interested in talking with people who would like to get involved as volunteers, serve on committees, and eventually become Board members.”
One of the biggest challenges TCCC faces is attracting younger audiences and volunteers. As the average age of the Board members increases, the organization is looking to the younger generations to carry on the mission of this wonderful community resource. This year TCCC revisited their strategic plan and updated their action steps to proceed more efficiently. Though the COVID pandemic was disruptive, Linda notes that they handled it quite well, adding an outdoor stage so that programs could be presented in a safer environment and offering programs on Zoom until in-person events could take place again.
Tompkins Corners Cultural Center’s advice to other nonprofits? Get to know your community and encourage them to become involved as participants, donors, volunteers and Board members. This is where the future of your organization lies.
Visit the Tompkins Corners Cultural Center’s website to see upcoming events, donate or volunteer:
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Lynn Amos is Principal of Fyne Lyne Ventures, a Westchester-based website and graphic design studio and is President of Top of Mynd Cards, e-cards for businesspeople. She serves on the Nonprofit Committee and is Co-Chair of the Marketing Committee of the Chamber.
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To request that your nonprofit be featured in this newsletter, please contact Lynn Amos at lynn@fynelyne.com.
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Tuesday October 18, 2022
Mary Lee of
Innovative Microsystems Consulting, Inc.
Protect Yourself from E-mail Phishing
12-1:30pm
Chamber office
1 South Division Street
Peekskill, NY 10566
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Tuesday November 15, 2022
Rick Misrok of
Ace Pension Solutions, LLC
Retirement Benefit Options for Nonprofit Organizations
12-1:30pm
Hosted by
The Extended Family
352 US-202, Somers, NY 10589
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Would you like to host an event for your nonprofit colleagues at your facility once COVID restrictions are lifted?
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Do you have expertise to share with other nonprofits? Ask us about writing an educational article for this newsletter!
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Follow the Chamber's Nonprofit Committee on Facebook:
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The Chamber’s Nonprofit Committee provides meaningful opportunities for nonprofit staff, managers and board members to come together to collaborate, and embrace the importance of growth and sustainability. The Committee serves as a resource for ongoing professional development and as a forum for sharing best practices.
Committee Chairperson
Lucille Geraci-Miranda
Committee Members
Tim Warn, Civic Member
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