What Susan Tanner’s Re-Election Means for Community Event Organisers
Susan Tanner was re-elected to the Tourism Alliance Board, and while that might seem distant from your local community centre’s events, there’s something every organiser can learn here. Tanner’s approach to collaboration, financial sustainability, and operational efficiency holds key lessons for small organisations running events on tight budgets. Let’s unpack why—and how you can apply these strategies to your own events.
Lesson 1: Collaboration Is Key
One of Tanner’s biggest strengths is her ability to bring diverse stakeholders together. Community event organisers need to do the same. Whether you’re running a cultural festival, a charity auction, or a club fundraiser, partnerships can amplify your reach while reducing costs. Collaboration isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity for small organisations working with limited resources.
Actionable Steps for Building Partnerships:
- Identify Local Stakeholders: Map out businesses, schools, religious organisations, and community groups in your area. Ask yourself: who has a vested interest in your event and its success?
- Offer Mutual Benefits: Partnerships work best when both sides gain value. For example:
- Local Businesses: Offer to feature their logos prominently on event materials or create a dedicated social media post thanking them.
- Schools: If borrowing tables or chairs, offer free admission for teachers or students.
- Formalise Agreements: Don’t rely on verbal promises. Draft simple one-page agreements outlining what both sides are providing and receiving.
Comparison of Collaboration Methods:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Agreements | Quick and informal | Risk of misunderstandings |
| Formal Written Agreements | Clear expectations and accountability | Time-consuming to draft and sign |
| Social Media Shoutouts | Easy to execute and public-facing | Limited to digital exposure |
Collaboration isn’t just about asking for freebies—it’s about creating mutually beneficial relationships. Tools like CommunityTix’s integrated blog CMS make it easier to showcase sponsors and partners, increasing their visibility while boosting your credibility.
Lesson 2: Money Matters—Every Penny Counts
Tourism boards, like small community organisations, often operate on razor-thin budgets. Tanner’s tenure has been marked by a focus on financial sustainability, and this is something every community organiser should emulate. Financial mismanagement can sink even the most well-intentioned events.
Practical Tips for Cutting Costs:
- Choose a Ticketing Platform Wisely: Eventbrite can take up to 10% of your ticket revenue. Platforms like CommunityTix offer zero platform fees, allowing you to keep 100% of ticket income. Only PayPal’s processing fees apply.
- Negotiate with Vendors: From caterers to equipment rental companies, many vendors are open to discounted rates for community events. Ask about nonprofit pricing or bulk order discounts.
- Track Every Expense: Use free budget management tools like Google Sheets or apps like Wave for small organisations. This helps ensure you don’t overspend on unnecessary items.
Cost Breakdown Example:
| Platform | Ticket Price | Attendees | Platform Fee (%) | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eventbrite | $20 | 300 | 10% | $600 |
| CommunityTix | $20 | 300 | 0% | $0 |
By choosing platforms like CommunityTix, small organisations can reinvest savings into event improvements, outreach, or future programming. Source: CommunityTix Blog.
Lesson 3: Flexibility Wins
One of the trends Tanner has championed in the Tourism Alliance is the idea of creating inclusive experiences that cater to different financial situations. Community organisers can benefit from embracing this flexibility, especially when planning events for diverse audiences.
How to Implement Flexible Pricing Models:
- Pay What You Can (PWYC): CommunityTix allows you to set up to three suggested price points while offering attendees the option to pay any custom amount. This ensures accessibility for all income levels.
- Tiered Pricing: Offer packages—such as general admission, VIP access, and donation-based tickets—to appeal to different audience segments.
- Early Bird Discounts: Reward attendees who commit early by offering lower-priced tickets for advance purchases.
Benefits of PWYC Pricing:
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Increased Accessibility | Ensures low-income attendees can participate |
| Higher Revenue Potential | Encourages generous contributions from supporters |
| Community Building | Fosters goodwill and inclusivity |
Example: A local arts group hosting a performance could offer tickets priced at $10, $20, and $50, along with a custom amount option. This model removes financial barriers while allowing attendees who can afford more to contribute.
Lesson 4: Centralisation Beats Chaos
One overlooked aspect of Tanner’s leadership is her emphasis on streamlined operations. Many community organisations still rely on outdated systems like spreadsheets and email chains to manage events. This creates inefficiencies, lost data, and unnecessary stress.
Steps to Centralise Event Management:
- Adopt an All-in-One Solution: Platforms like CommunityTix combine ticketing, RSVP management, member databases, and blogs into a single system. No more juggling multiple tools.
- Train Your Team: Even user-friendly platforms require basic training. Host a walk-through session for volunteers to ensure everyone knows how to access and use the system.
- Automate Repetitive Tasks: Use features like automated confirmation emails and payment tracking to save time.
Advantages of Centralisation:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Unified Dashboards | All data in one place |
| Automation Tools | Saves time on repetitive tasks |
| Accessible Anywhere | Cloud-based systems for remote work |
Centralisation reduces stress, improves accuracy, and frees up time for organisers to focus on delivering meaningful experiences.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Sponsors: Don’t just ask for money—make it a partnership. Offer tangible benefits like social media shoutouts, logo placement, or free admission.
- Overcomplicating Pricing: Keep it simple. Suggested price points or tiered packages work best.
- Data Silos: Avoid separate spreadsheets for members, payments, and RSVPs. Use centralised tools.
- Forgetting Follow-Ups: Automated confirmation emails can reduce manual effort and keep attendees informed.
- Underestimating Your Audience: People want to support your cause. Give them flexible ways to contribute.
FAQ
1. How do I set up a Pay What You Can pricing model?
CommunityTix allows you to create up to three suggested price points and include a custom amount field. You can set this up directly from the event creation dashboard.
2. What are zero platform fees?
Zero platform fees mean CommunityTix doesn’t take a cut of your ticket revenue. You only pay PayPal’s standard processing fees.
3. Can CommunityTix help with non-ticketed events?
Yes. You can create RSVP-only events to track attendance, manage capacity, and send automated confirmation emails.
4. How do I share my event sponsors on CommunityTix?
Use the integrated blog CMS and homepage carousel to showcase sponsor logos and write posts about their contributions.
5. What if I need help setting up my first event?
CommunityTix offers a free trial and step-by-step guides to help you get started. You can launch your first event in as little as 10 minutes.
Susan Tanner’s re-election to the Tourism Alliance Board is a timely reminder for community event organisers to focus on collaboration, financial sustainability, and operational efficiency. If these are challenges you’re facing, CommunityTix is here to help. Get started free →
