Virtual fundraising engagement requires more than just turning on a camera. In Episode 41, Lindsay talks with Dana Snyder about reimagining donor connection in the digital space. From fighting Zoom fatigue to crafting interactive online events, Dana shares creative strategies to energize supporters and drive results.
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Everything You Need to Know to Create Impressive, Unexpected, and Engaging Virtual Events
“Always think about your attendees first. What’s in it for them? Be real. Go live. Don’t be afraid to mess up.... Have fun!” Share on X
From Gala Girl to Virtual Event Skeptic
Let’s be honest: not everyone misses rubber chicken dinners, but I loved them. I’m a social butterfly who enjoyed connecting with new and old friends, soaking in the sparkle of a well-orchestrated gala, and walking away inspired by the cause we all came to support.
So when shelter-in-place began, I did not enjoy the first wave of pre-recorded virtual events. They felt flat. Forced. Anything but fun.
Good News: Creativity Won
But wow—creativity wins again! The brilliance of the event world has proven me wrong. Virtual events can be captivating, dynamic, and… dare I say, fun.
The real innovators in entertainment and community engagement have stepped up. They’ve shown us that connection is still possible—even from the comfort of our PJs. And chances are, many of these fresh strategies will influence both in-person and hybrid events for years to come.
Meet Dana Snyder: Digital Strategy Powerhouse
On this episode of Creating Community for Good, I talk with the incredibly creative and contagious Dana Snyder. She’s a digital strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Positive Equation, where she helps nonprofits build online audiences of donors and advocates.
Dana has worked with organizations like Movember, Dress for Success, USTA, Honest Company, Global Foodbanking Network, and more. She’s also part of the Purpose Collaborative, a global group of changemakers passionate about social impact.
Virtual Events with Heart and Strategy
Whether you’re hosting a fundraiser, awareness campaign, or community rally, Dana believes that virtual events should feel like emotional experiences—not just another Zoom call.
In this episode, she shares her top tips for planning and executing unforgettable online events, including:
Creative strategies for engaging attendees
Must-have tools for small and large orgs alike
How to move people to take action, not just watch
Her Virtual Event Goal Setting Pyramid
Dana’s Virtual Event Goal Setting Pyramid
Set the Emotional Tone
Decide how you want attendees to feel—energized, inspired, moved. Design your event flow around these emotional touchpoints.Lead with Impact
Begin with a powerful story. Then, weave it throughout. Emotional investment leads to financial investment.Track Key Metrics
Use benchmarks like impressions, attendance, donor touchpoints, and calls to action to measure success.
Once these visioning steps are set, move into planning mode. And remember: what works in-person doesn’t always translate online. Be creative. Be bold. Reimagine what’s possible.
Extra Pro Tips from Dana
Hosting a late-night, adults-only event? Design for that vibe—music, cocktails, bold calls to action.
Expecting kids nearby during a daytime event? Include them! It’s a great opportunity to teach young people about giving and purpose.
Want to See a Dynamic Virtual Event in Action?
Join me for BUILD Fest—a 45-minute free virtual event showcasing mission delivery, breakout rooms, audience engagement, and live + pre-recorded content.
🗓️ Thursday, March 25 at 5:30pm PST / 8:30pm EST
🎟️ Click here to register — and don’t forget to put my name in the intake form for a little friendly competition. 😉
Key Takeaways:
00:59 – The importance of building strong foundations for an impactful digital social strategy.
05:52 – The hidden potential of the digital world: on Dana’s Virtual Event Goal Setting Pyramid.
11:54 – Best interactive spaces and platforms for events, how to keep attendees engaged and excited throughout your agenda, and Dana’s go-to resources for an unforgettable virtual event.
20:00 – Wrapping things up: How to call to action and build meaningful connections with attendees beyond the event.
24:18 – Why authenticity will guarantee a successful event, and Dana’s “What If Brainstorm” dynamic to activate, integrate and inspire your logistics team.
Connect with Dana
Follow Dana on Instagram
Join Missions to Movements: A Mastermind for Nonprofit Leaders
Get Dana’s Virtual Event Run of Show Template for Nonprofits
Episode Resources
Join the Nonprofit Social Media Marketers Facebook Group
Join the fun at ClubHouse
Incorporate Wheel of Names into your meetings!
Check out EP40: We Are For Good | Employee Giving Campaigns: From Staff to Ambassadors
Check out EP35: We are For Good | Making the Ask & the Five Fundamentals of Fundraising
In the world of philanthropy, everything adds up. These changing times have been consistently pushing nonprofits to keep evolving, adapting, and making the most out of the tools available to keep bringing their communities together for positive change. With that in mind, I planned this special episode with my friend, Dana Snyder, to have a really dynamic conversation around the art of making impactful virtual events happen.
