Event Hosting
Event Hosting
A How To Guide
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Campaign Fundraisers
Campaign Fundraisers
Event Hosting Guide
These gatherings are one of the most meaningful ways to connect people to this work—bringing neighbors, friends, and community together to hear directly from the candidate and invest in what we’re building.
Hosting doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide walks you through the process in four simple phases, so you can focus on what matters most: creating a welcoming space and helping move this campaign forward.
Phase 1: The Basics
Keep it simple.
There’s no need to overproduce. Light snacks and drinks are more than enough. People are there to connect, ask questions, and support the campaign—not attend a catered event. Every dollar saved is a dollar that goes back into the work.
Create a space that feels personal.
Your home—whether it’s a living room, backyard, or shared space—is ideal. Smaller, more intimate settings create the kind of environment where people feel comfortable engaging, asking questions, and connecting to the campaign in a real way.
Phase 2: Invitations
Lead with personal connection.
Invites alone don’t fill a room—conversations do. The most effective approach is a quick phone call or personal text, followed by an email with the details. People are far more likely to say yes when they feel personally invited.
Every “no” is still an opportunity.
If someone can’t attend, that doesn’t mean they can’t support. Let them know they’re still part of this effort and invite them to contribute in lieu of attending. Many people are glad to help—they just need to be asked.
Phase 3: Event Setup
The Sign-In Table
Set up a sign-in table at the entrance—this is the anchor of your event. Every guest should check in as they arrive. This isn’t just helpful—it’s required for campaign finance reporting.
Make it welcoming and clear.
Have a volunteer or campaign team member at the table to greet guests, guide them through sign-in, and help with contributions.
Make giving easy and visible.
Have multiple ways for people to contribute:
Collect checks at the table
Help guests donate by card on their phones
Display QR codes clearly so people can give quickly and easily
Phase 4: The Event
Give people time to connect (20–30 minutes)
As guests arrive, let the room settle naturally. People grab a drink, catch up, and ease into the space. This time matters as it builds comfort and connection before the program begins.
Host Welcome (2 minutes)
Bring everyone together and keep it short.
Share a quick thank you for being there and, most importantly, why you personally support this campaign.
The Candidate (5–10 minutes)
The candidate will speak to their vision, what’s at stake, and why this moment matters—followed by a few questions from the group. This is the heart of the event, a chance for people to hear directly and engage.
The Ask
After Q&A, someone—either you as the host or someone from the hosting committee—should close with a straightforward ask.
Thank everyone for being there
Remind them why this race matters
Ask those who haven’t yet contributed to do so before they leave
Often, this is most powerful coming from the host. Your voice carries trust in the room, and a clear, confident ask makes it easy for others to step in and support.