Special Events & The Board

Later this week, I’ll be presenting twice at the Nonprofit Leaders Conference East in Spokane — one session on special events and another on board engagement and giving. So today, I’ve been thinking about where those two topics intersect: how we engage our board members at special events.

Most organizations invite their board members to events. Some expect them to attend, sponsor, or serve as table hosts. All of that is fine — but it misses a big opportunity.

If we invite board members and then treat them like any other guest, we’re not capitalizing on the fact that they’re board members. Their presence can strengthen the impact of the event, if we give them meaningful roles that align with their purpose.

A few ways to do that:

• Ask board members to greet and thank sponsors. This can be as simple as giving them a list of sponsor names and table locations. You can assign sponsors ahead of time so every board member knows exactly who they’re responsible for thanking.

• Introduce board members to sponsors. Staff can facilitate the introduction, and the board member can take it from there — offering a genuine thank‑you and reinforcing why the mission matters.

• Invite board members to share their experience. I’m cautious about having board members speak “just because.” But when their comments help move the agenda forward — welcoming guests, encouraging giving, or briefly sharing why they personally support the mission — it adds authenticity and momentum.

• Position board members as event hosts. They don’t need to run check‑in tables or set up chairs. They also shouldn’t simply attend, enjoy the program, and head home. The sweet spot is having them present and visible: welcoming guests, helping people connect, and sharing their personal connection to the mission whenever it’s natural.

Board members don’t need to be content experts. They don’t need a script, an elevator pitch, or a list of talking points. What resonates most is their personal reason for caring. That authenticity is what engages guests and deepens the sense of community in the room.

Your board members are supercharged volunteers — people who have chosen to give because the mission matters to them. Give them a chance to share that passion and those stories with your event attendees.

How are you utilizing board members at your special events? Comment below and let me know!