Fundraiser Silent Auctions

When it comes to silent auction design, the key is to help potential bidders find what they want — and fast. That means creating space around displays for guest flow and clear, informative signage. Grouping items by type — for example, ""entertainment"" and ""sports,"" — with large signs stating categories helps bidders locate their areas of interest. Good silent auction table setup design includes clear write-ups about what exactly is included with each item, including its value.

In general, experiential items tend to net bigger bids — especially activities that aren't available for purchase. For example, get a bank to donate its skybox for an evening or the local museum to sponsor an after-hours tour. Another strategy is to group donated items together for an experience. You could combine a piece of jewelry with a restaurant gift card and opera tickets for a full romantic anniversary experience.

Technology is another consideration in silent auction design. Auction software is making it easier to get guests checked in and register their payment information. Some auction technology utilizes tablets, while newer ones use apps accessible from each guest's mobile device, which allows for continued bidding once a seated meal or speaker has begun. Real-time updates on apps tend to drive bids higher as bidders compete for items. Regardless of your setup, PartySlate has silent auction designs to inspire your planning, as well as articles featuring helpful advice.