Beyond the Gala: Rethinking Entertainment in Donor Engagement

In recent years, the charity sector has seen a quiet but powerful shift in how events are designed to engage donors. I recently conducted research as part of my MA in Creative Event Management exploring this transformation—specifically, the growing appeal of showcase events compared to traditional entertainment-based fundraising formats. The findings reveal a nuanced landscape where emotional connection, mission alignment, and donor experience are reshaping the future of charitable events.

🎟️ The Traditional Entertainment Format

Historically, fundraising events have leaned heavily on entertainment to attract donors. Gala dinners, tribute lunches, carol concerts, and sporting events have long been staples of the third sector’s event calendar. These formats offer fun, exclusivity, and often a touch of celebrity glamour—elements that continue to hold sway, especially for certain demographics.

Yet, while these events generate income and visibility, they can sometimes feel disconnected from the charity’s core mission. 

🔬 The Rise of Showcase Events

In contrast, showcase events place the charity’s work at the heart of the experience. Think lab tours, programme demonstrations, and awards evenings—formats that invite donors to witness impact firsthand. These events foster emotional resonance and deeper understanding, nurturing long-term commitment rather than one-off contributions.

This trend aligns with broader shifts in donor expectations. Post-pandemic, there’s a growing desire for “mission-aligned events”  and “engaged philanthropy” among younger audiences. Showcase events offer transformational experiences, where guests become co-creators of meaning.

🏏 Case Study: The Lord’s Taverners

The research focused on The Lord’s Taverners, a membership-based charity that blends both event styles. Through semi-structured interviews with attendees of both showcase and entertainment events, key themes emerged:

• Motivation to Attend: Enjoyment and fun remain strong motivators, especially for entertainment events. However, showcase events evoke deeper emotional responses and a sense of purpose.

• Experience Design: Storytelling, human connection, and opportunities to meet beneficiaries were cited as powerful elements of showcase formats.

• Engagement Outcomes: Showcase events were more likely to foster ongoing stewardship and donor loyalty, while entertainment events often served as entry points.

One participant reflected, “The opportunity to meet both participants and family members… to hear their stories… continues to make such a massive difference.”

🔄 A Complementary Strategy

Rather than choosing one format over the other, the research suggests that both styles have a role to play. Entertainment events can attract new supporters and offer visibility, while showcase events deepen relationships and reinforce mission. Together, they form a holistic stewardship journey.

As one interviewee put it, “I think there’s room for both styles… charities of size and ambition should shoulder both.”

💡 Final Reflections

Conducting this research was both professionally enriching and personally meaningful, I gained insight into the emotional drivers behind donor engagement and the evolving role of events in the third sector. The findings underscore the importance of designing experiences that not only entertain—but transform.

In a world where donors seek authenticity, connection, and impact, showcase events should play a key role in fundraising startegy.  

Through my work with chairties and this research, JTL Events is uniquely positioned to help charities design and deliver both showcase and entertainment-style events that deepen donor engagement, align with mission, and create lasting impact. Get in touch if you want to discuss this with me.