Baltimore Events

The struggling economy is affecting meetings and events in all sectors, and non-profits are no exception. Last week, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, for example, announced it was canceling its annual gala Zoomerang! after 25 years.

In a statement, Interim President and CEO Don Hutchinson said, "Zoomerang! has been a tremendous amount of fun for the Zoo and our supporters over the past 25 years. However, it is a very expensive event to stage and we felt that, in this economy, it was time to give Zoomerang! a rest after many wonderful years."

In many cases, budget hardships don't mean you have to close the doors to your fundraising events this year. Consider the following tips:

• Offer a pre- or post-gala event. If hosting a gala-type event is still in your budget, that's great. But if you want to cater to your event attendees' fluctuating finances, then consider hosting a smaller reception before the gala or an after party. Attendees who can't afford a pricey ticket can still get a chance to participate in your event.

• Go back to basics. Paring down your events doesn't mean you'll be hosting a black-tie affair in an empty warehouse and serving beer from buckets. There certainly many ways to scale back the size—and thus the price—of your fundraiser without sacrificing quality. Check out some of our cost-saving tips on everything from decor to menus for meetings and events of all types.

• Think small. One big annual black-tie gala may the be your traditional fundraising option, but it's certainly not the only one. Consider hosting several smaller meetings throughout the year instead. Not only will smaller meetings be lighter on the purse strings, but they'll offer a more direct, intimate way to connect with donors.