How do we keep our gala from feeling like every other gala in town?

Your patrons attend every black-tie event in the city. When your live auction catalog looks like last month's hospital gala, it's hard to make the night feel like your institution. Museums, arts organizations, and theaters need a catalog with a point of view, one that reflects the culture your room already values.

Your development team runs polished events. But when the live auction relies on the same local restaurant certificates or signed memorabilia as every other charity, the room can feel interchangeable. Artists tire of donation requests, and your own tickets and passes can't anchor the bidding. A culture-forward travel catalog gives your patrons something that fits the institution's identity.

There is no cost to reserve experiences. You set a reserve, and you only pay for what sells. Keep everything above that cost. If an item does not sell, you owe nothing. A recommended starting bid is 15 to 20 percent above cost, so you profit from the first bid. You can sell the same package more than once if the bidding gets hot. The number of items depends on your crowd; Giveback XP helps you decide.

Browse over 140 experiences and reserve what fits your room for free. You will get marketing materials for each item, a one-page PDF with photos and details, and guidance on what works for your audience. Items can be added even the day of your event. Call Giveback XP to talk through a catalog that matches your institution.

Your live auction feels like part of the program, not a detour. Patrons bid on trips to Costa Rica, Ireland, or European wine regions. The room remembers a catalog that matched your identity, and your development team has a new tool that did not cost anything upfront.

Other questions about live auctions for museums, arts & theaters