<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Staar Entertainment]]></title><description><![CDATA[Entertainment, Fundraising, and Audio Visual experts]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:23:47 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.staarentertainment.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[The Gala Is Over: How to Maximize Your Fundraising Success After the Event]]></title><description><![CDATA[The ballroom is empty. The decorations have been packed away. The last auction item has been picked up. After months of planning and an unforgettable evening, it's tempting to take a well-earned break....and you should. Celebrate your team's accomplishment. Recognize your volunteers. Get some rest. But once you've caught your breath, there's one important truth every successful fundraising organization understands: The work isn't over when the gala ends. In many ways, what happens in the days...]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/the-gala-is-over-how-to-maximize-your-fundraising-success-after-the-event</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa2f0a45462f0629b99cfe0</guid><pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:19:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_3b7871f927aa4cc2aa758c76bed0669c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_941,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Event Day is Here: Your Gala Day-of-Checklist]]></title><description><![CDATA[After months of planning, countless committee meetings, sponsorship calls, auction item procurement, and logistics, the big day has finally arrived! With Staar Entertainment serving as your event production partner, everything that follows will already be in motion. Our team manages the production schedule, coordinates with vendors, oversees the audio/visual elements, works alongside your MC/auctioneer, and keeps the program running smoothly so your staff, board, and volunteers can focus on...]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/event-day-checklist</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a791226421979b2d9785704</guid><category><![CDATA[Getting Started]]></category><category><![CDATA[Event Planning]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:02:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_4695256bebbd40ca88bc86abdc8b8b92~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Final Countdown: Last-Minute Gala Details That Set the Stage for Success]]></title><description><![CDATA[The venue is booked. The auctioneer is secured. Sponsors are coming on board. Registration numbers are growing. After months of planning, your gala is almost here! This is often the point where excitement starts to outweigh anxiety. The big decisions have been made, and now it's time to focus on the details that transform a well-planned event into an exceptional guest experience. At Staar Entertainment, this is where our team shines! As your event production partner, we handle most—if not...]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/the-final-countdown-last-minute-gala-details-that-set-the-stage-for-success</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4a5586fa58f0a255d458d4</guid><pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2026 13:17:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_02703194ed5f422b8ec66cc3fc7d24fc~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Months Before Your Gala: the Foundation that Determines Your Fundraising Success]]></title><description><![CDATA[When most people think about planning a fundraising gala, they picture the final weeks before the event. They imagine selecting centerpieces, finalizing seating charts, choosing menu options, and preparing auction displays. Those details matter, but they are not what determines whether an event raises $50,000 or $500,000. The truth is that successful fundraising events are built months before guests ever walk through the doors. At Staar Entertainment, we often tell our clients that the event...]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/months-before-your-gala-the-foundation-that-determines-your-fundraising-success</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a36eb6b98bf123ab4b4e902</guid><pubDate>Sat, 20 Jun 2026 20:03:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_57ccfa1cdbf2462ebe3a209a20ddc1ad~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[​​The Key Roles You Need for a Smooth Fundraising Event]]></title><description><![CDATA[A smooth, engaging, and impactful fundraising event does not happen by accident. Behind every successful gala, benefit dinner, or community fundraiser is a team of people working together with clear roles and responsibilities. When these roles are defined and filled by experienced professionals, your event runs better, raises more money, and leaves guests feeling inspired. Below is a description of the key roles every successful fundraising event needs, what they do, and why each one is...]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/the-key-roles-you-need-for-a-smooth-fundraising-event</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d563cff2ad0bf9f6ff746b</guid><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:52:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_93fb15ba759441f9accec8eaa9c1a0c7~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_996,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Reasons Why Your Post-Event Meeting is So Important]]></title><description><![CDATA[You did it! The ballroom was full. The auction paddles were flying. The music hit at just the right moment. Your gala or fundraising event was a success! But here’s something many organizations don’t always account for: The event isn’t truly complete until the post-event meeting takes place. At Staar Entertainment, the post-event meeting is not a formality. It’s an opportunity to reflect, learn, and build on the momentum you’ve created. It’s one of the most valuable parts of the entire...]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/6-reasons-why-your-post-event-meeting-is-so-important</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c455ccd2e55f64fe0872a9</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:47:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_db003f2c522d401c9ec5c49ec12fe96d~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_996,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The First Steps Every Fundraising Committee Should Take]]></title><description><![CDATA[Planning a gala or fundraising event is exciting. It is also where many committees unintentionally lose revenue before tickets even go on sale. Too often, the first call is to a venue. The date is secured. The layout is selected. The décor vision begins. But here is the truth seasoned fundraising professionals understand: the first major booking should be your live auctioneer, even before the venue. If revenue is the priority, strategy must come first. And strategy begins with leadership at...]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/the-first-steps-every-fundraising-committee-should-take</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c18caab9d5370ce324384b</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:10:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_594b2d833ee9471c8370e1d4abd0c1ea~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_996,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is IMAG? The Big-Screen Upgrade Your Gala or Fundraiser Needs]]></title><description><![CDATA[When you’re hosting a gala, fundraiser, or charity auction, your goal is simple: keep guests engaged, connected, and inspired to give. One of the best ways to fully immerse your audience in all aspects of your event is to use IMAG, or image magnification. If you’ve ever seen a speaker, performer, auction items, or auctioneer displayed on tall screens during a live event, you’ve witnessed IMAG in action. Today, we’re breaking down what IMAG is, how it works, and why it’s a powerful tool for...]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/what-is-imag-the-big-screen-upgrade-your-gala-or-fundraiser-needs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69979b237b02767d8665ef9f</guid><category><![CDATA[Audio/Visual Production]]></category><category><![CDATA[Getting Started]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:30:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_92f5c2a2f67d482daf576a6a8484c6eb~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bid from the Heart: How Every Bid Showcases the Power of Generosity]]></title><description><![CDATA[The professionals at Staar Entertainment believe that fundraising events are not about pressure. They are about possibility. A well-run gala gives every attendee the chance to step into a role that matters: that of a supporter, a partner, a champion of change. And when we say bid from the heart, we mean creating opportunities for every guest to feel seen, moved, and empowered to give in a way that’s meaningful to them.]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/bid-from-the-heart-paddle-raise</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68828a78beae6f9e1aef3207</guid><category><![CDATA[Bidding Strategy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Auction Insights]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 19:56:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_0e77a64d56d641a1b119f90bd222129e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_996,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Unveiling the Role of Bid Spotters in Auctions]]></title><description><![CDATA[Live auctions benefit greatly from the use of Bid Spotters during their auctioneer sets.]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/unveiling-the-role-of-bid-spotters-in-auctions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6631624784c02b32f00d3d55</guid><category><![CDATA[Getting Started]]></category><category><![CDATA[Bidding Strategy]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 09 Feb 2025 00:24:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_461c1184387b407b9547bdb4258e6fa1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_658,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How We Help: Crafting Impactful Gala PowerPoints]]></title><description><![CDATA[One key component of any successful gala is a compelling PowerPoint presentation. This tool can effectively narrate your story, showcase ach]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/how-we-help-crafting-impactful-gala-powerpoints</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67870c1eba878606feb66ed4</guid><category><![CDATA[Event Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Audio/Visual Production]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jan 2025 01:30:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_df8982d596a04856b8cc6cf4ac3ab266~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_996,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Importance of Live Auctions for Benefit and Gala Success]]></title><description><![CDATA[By incorporating a live auction into the event, organizations create an atmosphere of excitement and competition.]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/why-should-i-choose-a-live-auction-at-my-fundraising-event</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5e8b496324aa8a0017557386</guid><category><![CDATA[Auction Insights]]></category><category><![CDATA[Live Auctioneer]]></category><category><![CDATA[Getting Started]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2024 21:29:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_163f35a1b6fb4afcb7e7fe6a0c03dce2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tricks of the Trade from the Best DJs]]></title><description><![CDATA[The role of a DJ is often shrouded in mystery, with their ability to create an electrifying atmosphere and keep the party going, seeming...]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/tricks-of-the-trade-from-the-best-djs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">670f0615723746d8f7446999</guid><category><![CDATA[DJs & Emcees]]></category><category><![CDATA[Audio/Visual Production]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:54:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_f64cc59f38f7478da9851294ebab722c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Ultimate Guide to Fundraisers, Galas, and Auctions: Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Right Event for Your Cause]]></title><description><![CDATA[Understanding the differences between Fundraisers, Galas, and Auctions.]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-fundraisers-galas-and-auctions-understanding-the-differences-and-choosing-t</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6625b374190ceeea076dc3cc</guid><category><![CDATA[Getting Started]]></category><category><![CDATA[Auction Insights]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2024 18:59:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_eb700dd24f474e29a3071392ac2427a6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Controlling Loud Auction Crowds with Podium Leadership/Scripting]]></title><description><![CDATA[Fundraisers and Galas can be exciting and fast-paced events that require expertise to get attendees attention, redirect their socializing.]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/controlling-loud-auction-crowds-with-podium-leadership-scripting</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6625b6e7cc3c6b4c2064a4eb</guid><category><![CDATA[Live Auctioneer]]></category><category><![CDATA[DJs & Emcees]]></category><category><![CDATA[Auction Insights]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2024 23:30:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_e71c9ef03ad14533aeab2fbe0ee0f2ef~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_996,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Keys to a Great Fundraiser MC]]></title><description><![CDATA[While there are many factors that contribute to the success of a fundraiser, one often overlooked, but essential element, is the MC.]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/keys-to-a-great-fundraiser-mc</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6563ff696fce96cf2515757c</guid><category><![CDATA[DJs & Emcees]]></category><category><![CDATA[Event Planning]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 05 Apr 2024 01:24:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_5ce477558691420bb84ed3c059bda126~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding a Solution: Making Sure Every Fundraiser Bid Gets Counted]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ensuring that every fundraising bid is accurately accounted for is crucial in maximizing the success of charitable endeavors.]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/making-sure-every-fundraiser-bid-gets-counted</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6563fb3bd921120c84c43769</guid><category><![CDATA[Bidding Strategy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Live Auctioneer]]></category><category><![CDATA[Auction Insights]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:15:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_d7ec5f9d3cdf45179c8c8d4920bc253a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Makes a Good DJ for Different Types of Events: A Comprehensive Guide]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to hosting a successful event, one of the key factors that can make or break the experience is the choice of a DJ. A skilled D]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/what-makes-a-good-dj-for-different-types-of-events-a-comprehensive-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">654d37ea2af9b8cafc2e17a0</guid><category><![CDATA[DJs & Emcees]]></category><category><![CDATA[Event Enhancements]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 20 Nov 2023 23:57:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_efe281c06a5f4a508d1e5646aa4103b6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_581,h_509,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Professional A/V Matters for Your Fundraiser]]></title><description><![CDATA[The most successful fundraising events have highly visible video and crystal-clear audio throughout the room. Immerse your audience in an experience that inspires bidding!]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/why-you-need-professional-audio-video-production</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5e8f96bc5e5d3f001745ada3</guid><category><![CDATA[Audio/Visual Production]]></category><category><![CDATA[Getting Started]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2020 21:47:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_cc0fd74c6c4f4244aad6d5bfb36651a9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enhancements for your Gala]]></title><description><![CDATA[Staar Entertainment provides an array of enhanced services that will take your Gala to a whole new and exciting level.]]></description><link>https://www.staarent.com/post/enhancements-for-your-gala</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5e7cf6848b1931002dab2fdc</guid><category><![CDATA[Event Enhancements]]></category><category><![CDATA[DJs & Emcees]]></category><category><![CDATA[Live Entertainment]]></category><category><![CDATA[Audio/Visual Production]]></category><category><![CDATA[Getting Started]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2020 19:18:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/460e10_9f47442787434dea9c36e891ee752c3b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John Wendelken</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>