Hosted by: Leya Simmons
CEO and Co-Founder, Betterunite
In this dynamic and long-overdue conversation, Leya Simmons opens with her signature warmth and insight, diving into a topic that nonprofits rarely discuss but absolutely should: strategic messaging and event marketing. Joined by her guest, Leya unpacks how organizations can move beyond the basics of event planning and create experiences that truly connect and convert.
Featuring: Peter Georgariou
Founder & CEO, Karma Dharma
Peter is a marketing and messaging expert who works exclusively with mission-driven organizations across the U.S. and Canada. Since launching Karma Dharma in 2017, he’s helped nonprofits craft meaningful campaigns that align with their missions and goals. In this session, Peter brings his bold, strategic perspective and a wealth of practical wisdom to the table.
Start Strategic Planning Early
Peter encourages nonprofits to start building their messaging and marketing plans 9 -12 months ahead of their event. Just like securing a venue or lining up sponsors, your communications strategy should be baked in from the beginning.
Clarity is the Cornerstone
Before you send a single save-the-date, get crystal clear on two things:
Why you’re hosting the event
Who you’re trying to reach
Whether it’s donor acquisition, donor retention, community awareness, or simply saying thank you, the clearer your purpose, the better your results.
Pick a Primary Goal and Optimize
Most events have multiple objectives, but Peter advises nonprofits to optimize for one. That “bullseye” will guide everything, from messaging tone to event structure to KPIs. Trying to hit every target at once? That’s how strategy turns into spaghetti.
Misalignment Kills Momentum
Events often involve many voices: staff, board members, volunteers, even donors. And that’s great, until no one can agree on the event’s purpose. Peter offers practical tools for aligning internal stakeholders around a single vision so you’re rowing in the same direction.
Your Event Should Feel Like Your Brand
Leya and Peter both emphasized this: your event shouldn’t feel like an outlier. When messaging is disconnected from your mission, it’s a missed opportunity. Instead, design events that deepen the emotional connection with your community and reflect the impact you’re creating.
This webinar is a must-watch for any nonprofit professional responsible for event planning, communications, or fundraising strategy.
Whether you’re hosting a gala, fun run, peer-to-peer campaign, or intimate donor dinner, strategic messaging can be the difference between a forgettable night and a transformational experience.
Peter and Leya deliver real talk with real takeaways — and your next event will thank you for it.