A benefit concert can be a great way to raise money for a worthy cause, and it also gives people a away to have some fun while doing good for the community. To host a successful benefit, you'll need to do some planning in advance. Here are a few things to take into consideration as you prepare to host a benefit concert.

Find A Venue

Finding a venue can sometimes be challenging, particularly if you don't know how many people will want to attend. In the summer, an outdoor music venue at a local park can be a great way to accommodate for unexpectedly large audiences. For an indoor concert, do a cost analysis to see how many tickets you will need to sell before you can turn a profit for your charity. The venue you choose should have access to public restrooms, a vending area, and a stage with sound and light equipment. The more amenities your venue has, the less equipment you will need to rent.

Contact Performers

If you don't already have a performer in mind, consider contacting local booking agencies for referrals to bands or soloists who are right for your intended audience. Remember that you should budget pay for the performers, as your benefit concert may be a fundraiser, but performing is their line of work. In some cases, a band may offer their services for free, but it's not something you should anticipate. Remember to create a contract for performers and include the time they will need to arrive, how long they will play for, and any other services that are expected. You can also ask that they help advertise your event on their social media pages. This can attract followers of the performers who might not have otherwise know about your benefit.

Assemble A Crew

To host a successful benefit, you'll need a host of volunteers to work it. This includes people to take tickets, check coats, serve refreshments, and operate audio/visual equipment. Send out an email to your organization's contacts asking for volunteers, and outline any special skills or talents that will be useful. Once you have your team set up, you can create a shift schedule for everyone to follow. Remember to allow time for your volunteers to also enjoy at least part of the show.

Create A Marketing Campaign

The key to a successful benefit concert is getting people to show up. Launch a marketing campaign that uses a multifaceted approach. Use email, social media, flyers, and even announcements at churches and schools to get people interested. You can also make tickets available for advanced purchase online and offer a slight discount to attract more people to the event.

You can also network with other charities to share the responsibilities of hosting a benefit concert. While this does mean your organization will get fewer donations, sharing the cost can mean you are able to book bigger acts and sell more tickets. For more information, contact establishments like Jerry Garcia Foundation.