Here are a few factors that go into an event like this one:
We had a dedicated team of planners: Merove Heifetz of Earthwatch Institute (the outgoing convener of the Boston
The planners met several weeks in advance, to get acquainted in person, to brainstorm about desired outcomes, and to plan for the transition to a new convener. We then stayed in touch by email and conference call.
TechFoundation generously underwrote the cost of the venue, food, and drinks. Furthermore, Kathleen Sherwin, ably assisted by Colleen Higgins (also of TechFoundation), deployed her superlative skills as an event manager.
TechFoundation also generously underwrote my time as a consultant to bring various pieces of the puzzle together, and to do outreach to individuals and groups who may not have previously known about the Boston 501 Tech Club or considered attending one of its events.
The event was held outdoors at a time of year when most people crave a little fresh air and sunshine, and it didn't rain.
The venue was easily accessible by public transportation. (Parking was also available, which definitely counts for something in Harvard Square.)
The planners met several weeks in advance, to get acquainted in person, to brainstorm about desired outcomes, and to plan for the transition to a new convener. We then stayed in touch by email and conference call.
TechFoundation generously underwrote the cost of the venue, food, and drinks. Furthermore, Kathleen Sherwin, ably assisted by Colleen Higgins (also of TechFoundation), deployed her superlative skills as an event manager.
TechFoundation also generously underwrote my time as a consultant to bring various pieces of the puzzle together, and to do outreach to individuals and groups who may not have previously known about the Boston 501 Tech Club or considered attending one of its events.
The event was held outdoors at a time of year when most people crave a little fresh air and sunshine, and it didn't rain.
The venue was easily accessible by public transportation. (Parking was also available, which definitely counts for something in Harvard Square.)
I'd summarize the most important take-aways in this way:
If you feed them, they will come. This costs money.
Events of this sort are labor intensive.
Volunteers who have other full-time jobs can't be expected to do all
the work. Hiring professionals costs money.
It's important for potential attendees to receive personal invitations (or to hear about the event) from people they know.
It's also important not to overlook what we as
the planners could take for granted: our region can boast of a
first-rate talent pool of current and aspiring nonprofit techies. We have an abundance of philanthropic
spirit, utopian vision, and technological genius here in
Massachusetts. Rich in human capital, we desperately need the
financial and institutional resources to bring it all together to serve the nonprofit sector.
This new partnership between the Boston 501 Tech Club and TechFoundation may bring help to bring us to the tipping point.Go, team!
Related blog articles:
TechFoundation is Looking for Your Input
Harmonic Convergence with the 501 Tech Club
A Region's Nonprofit Digital Divide
501 Tech Clubs: Out of the Office and into the Cafe
Full disclosure of financial relationship: I used to serve as TechFoundation's national nonprofit liaison officer and director of its Boston TechConnect program, and am currently working with TF on a consulting basis.
