What does it take successfully produce a multi-day gala that provides a five-star experience for guests and raises millions for the community it serves?

There is no better person to talk about this topic than today's guest, Lisa Juliano, Senior Vice President of the Naples Winter Wine Festival & Event Production.

This episode, the first in a three-part series behind the Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the top fundraising galas in the United States each year. Over three days, Lisa and her organization produce a spectacular, white-glove experience for several hundred guests, resulting in over $35 million raised for the Naples Children Foundation to provide a range of services for children in Collier County. Lisa shares smart (and fun) stories, knowledge, and wisdom on a range of topics, including tips on establishing a strong relationship with your event venue, successfully executing multiple events that occur simultaneously, managing talent, accommodating unexpected guest/donor requests, and so much more. This is one episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their event production game from the event leader of one of the most successful galas in the world.

What does it take host a fashion show luncheon or gala that is engaging, cost-effective, and most importantly fun?

There is no better person to talk about this topic than today's guest and someone I am proud to call my friend, iconic runway model and fashion show producer Jan Strimple.

After beginning her career in retail merchandising, Jan started her trajectory in the fashion industry, walking the runways of Paris and collaborating with top designers, including the iconic Bob Mackie. Jan then moved behind the runway and launched Jan Strimple Productions in Dallas, where she produced many top nonprofit fashion shows in North Texas, including the iconic House of DIFFA, which is Texas's answer to The Met Gala. Jan seamlessly shares fun stories, knowledge, and wisdom on a range of topics, including what organizations need to do to determine if a fashion show concept is the right thing for them, the importance of understanding your audience when selecting a designer or a collection to showcase, the differences between a daytime luncheon and nighttime gala fashion show, her favorite event moments over the years, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

What are the keys to successfully merchandising your nonprofit brand in a way that brings in revenue and is fun for guests and supporters?

In today’s episode, I talk with Catharine Recht, Director of Advancement at Frontiers of Flight Museum, to talk about the organization's new store inside the museum.

Frontiers of Flight Museum is a family-friendly space where kids of all ages can explore the wonders of aviation and space flight history through exhibits, programming, and STEM curriculum. For Catharine, the passion for flight comes through in our conversation; it is literally in her DNA to appreciate the awe and wonder of flight. Catharine shares his knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including how to successfully reimagine a space that grows revenue and enhances the guest experience, tips on successfully merchandising new items in your store, creating merchandising collaborations with other nonprofit organizations, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.