This book is intended to serve as a practical reference tool for advancement services professionals, illustrating the importance of special events as a way to communicate with and personalize contact between the higher education institution and donors, community leaders, students, elected officials, and others. Each chapter offers comprehensive checklists, useful hints, and cautionary warnings that help sponsors create well-planned events that support the institutional mission, help achieve specific goals, showcase unique resources, find friends or raise funds, build goodwill, support institutional image, and match available resources. Following a brief introduction, the 11 chapters cover planning ahead; spreading the word-invitations, tickets, and publicity; finding a facility for the event and making sure necessary equipment and adequate parking are available; using food and beverages; welcoming guests; providing entertainment and coordinating the program; working with volunteers; budgeting; having follow-up publicity; using checklists and planning a timeline; and learning basic formats for standard events such as recognition ceremonies, retirements, ribbon cuttings, etc. (CH)