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 SMC Success: Annual Awards Banquet
Holding an awards banquet at your SMC will provide recognition for your members, sponsorship opportunities, build membership, and raise your visibility within the Industry. But how do you go above and beyond? With creativity and effort, and successful planning and execution, you can raise the level of your awards by producing a gala event. Through dedicated staff and volunteers and a little imagination, you can create a must-attend event!
The SMC of the BIA of Central Ohio presented the idea of their successful awards dinner, “Bravo to the Stars,” at the SMC Workshop at Fall Board. Marianne McCarty, SMC Chair, and Linda Winrod, SMC Staff Contact, spoke of their successes in planning and executing a MAME Awards banquet with more than 350 attendees! A few of their keys to success are highlighted below.
Dedicated Staff and VolunteersThe SMC staff and volunteers must get excited for the event. Generate excitement from the top down by creating a strong team of leaders. Linda, Marianne, and Joyce Logan chaired the event and generated enthusiasm from volunteers through their dedication and support. After the event the SMC held a breakfast to thank all the volunteers and to get their feedback.
Pick a Theme
The SMC picked a theme — “Bravo to the Stars” — and carried the star theme throughout the program. Iridescent stars fell out of a bright red envelope when invitees opened the invitation. Small white lights hung from the ceiling to shimmer like stars in the sky. Volunteers also loved the theme and it helped, “everyone excel in their level of excitement for the evening and in promoting it to their member clients at the BIA,” said Linda.
The stars shine at the MAME Awards Dinner
Get on the PhoneReach out to your members one on one. Don’t rely on invitations or email communication only. By personally calling members, you can reach your attendance goals. Linda reminded members that the MAME Awards dinner is, “the party of the year and not to be missed.” Members will also appreciate the personal reminder.
Work with SponsorsRely on the generosity of your member companies and provide sponsorship opportunities that are meaningful and provide value for the sponsors. The SMC worked with Ohio Valley Supply Company to produce Corian centerpieces – a house with a candle on the roof. These centerpieces were placed on a mirror with lights and stars surrounding it, which added to the beautiful décor and provided recognition for the sponsor.
Go Beyond the EventTwo years ago the SMC added an “After Party” so the networking and merriment can continue. Not only is this fun and beneficial for attendees, but it also provides an additional sponsorship opportunity. Complete with a jazz band, the After Party was attended by more than 100 attendees.
What is your SMC Success story? Get recognized in eNews and SMI magazine. E-mail your stories to tblanchard@nahb.com.
For more great ideas for your SMC, don't miss the next SMC Workshop at the 2005 International Builders' Show. To attend the Workshop on Friday, January 14, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., please e-mail lnotaro@nahb.com.
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