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Nonprofit CEOs Share Strategies for Events That Drive Mission and Impact

Nonprofit leaders gathered for the Chamber's Non-Profit CEO Roundtable to explore one of the most important aspects of nonprofit sustainability: planning and executing successful events. The discussion focused on strategies for strengthening board engagement, building meaningful sponsorship relationships, and creating events that advance organizational missions while delivering strong community impact.

Chaired by Anthony Roberts, Executive Director of Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the roundtable featured a panel with David Jacquez, Associate Board President of Isabel's House; Diane Winter Reidle, President of The Kitchen Foundation Board; and Sarah Abele, Director of Programming and Development at Springfield Regional Arts Council. Each panelist brought a unique perspective shaped by their organization's event portfolio and leadership experience, from signature fundraising galas to large-scale community festivals.


The Conversation

Mission-Driven Events

  • Abele encouraged attendees to think beyond attendance numbers and fundraising totals when evaluating success.
  • The most impactful events are those that remain connected to an organization's mission and community purpose.
  • "What makes the sponsor excited about your event that connects them to your organization?"

Board and Associate Board Engagement

  • A recurring theme was the importance of board and associate board engagement, with Jacquez reflecting on Isabel's House's efforts to rebuild its associate board and create meaningful opportunities for involvement.
  • Isabel's House introduced task forces that allow associate board members to take ownership of projects and contribute their creativity while staying connected to the mission.
  • "We keep the Associate Board connected to the mission by bringing members to the house to decorate for holidays and bake cookies with the children, so the 'why' behind their service never fades."

Sponsorships and Fundraising

  • Reidle stressed the importance of full board participation in sponsorship efforts and encouraged organizations to create a culture of accountability and engagement.
  • Abele challenged attendees to view sponsorships as partnerships rather than transactions, building relationships that connect sponsors to the mission year-round rather than only during event season.
  • Reidle also shared how The Kitchen's signature event, Eyes in Disguise, has evolved through a willingness to innovate and continuously improve the attendee experience.
  • "We're not afraid to try new things each year."

 

The Non-Profit CEO Roundtable continues to provide nonprofit leaders with opportunities to share best practices, learn from one another, and strengthen the organizations that serve our community. As panelists reflected on what they wish others better understood about nonprofit event planning, one thing was clear: the work, strategy, and collaboration required to pull off a successful event is significant, and the impact goes far beyond the bottom line.

 

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Thank you to our Non-Profit CEO Roundtable Presenting Sponsor, Hahn | DeBoef Government Relations

 

and to our Lunch Sponsor, Garbo's Pizzeria, for supporting this event.

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