My organization does an annual special event; this year it's bigger and more complex than ever and has a higher goal. For the first time, we have a dedicated, skilled staff member running it, but I and our development associate are still heavily involved.

We're pretty sure it will be a monetary success and a 'friend maker' leading to ever more success in future years. We expect to exceed last year' net and achieve the goal (revenue minus expenses, but not by much.

But how do you think about staff time, especially ED time in relation to events? I'd say a third to half my time is going into it for the three months prior, our DOD is spending 80% time for four months, and our associate is spending half time.

If you compare these salaries with the expected net, we are losing money. On the other hand, we'd have some of these salaries anyway, special events do bring attention to the organization, and it IS unrestricted cash.

Does anyone have benchmarks for ED time vis a vis events? Any interesting ways to think about this topic?

Best

Deborah Strauss
Executive Director
IT Resource Center
Chicago