JAMES S. ARMSTRONG, CFRE, a management expert with more than thirty years experience in politics, business and nonprofit agencies, is vice president and director of the Children's Hospital Foundation in Oakland, California. TIMOTHY L. SEILER is director of the Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy. He was formerly vice president of Indiana University Foundation and has been a faculty member of The Fund Raising School since 1986. He has authored and edited several issues of New Directions in Philanthropic Fundraising.

"For special events knowing all the right answers is not asimportant as asking the right questions . . . . questions whichtackle all the critical components for success. This book is aninvaluable resource, a roadmap which systematically guidesprofessional and volunteer alike toward adventures that willrealize their bold dreams. A great tool that creates all-importantconfidence and optimism." (Gary Wolff, CFRE, consultant tophilanthrophy, Santa Fe, New Mexico) "The novice and seasoned professional alike will find PlanningSpecial Events an essential desktop companion. This practical,easy-to-use guide contains everything you need to know to createand manage enjoyable, profitable special events." (John M. Vigo,director of development, Saint Mary's College High School,Berkeley, California) "Not only is this book good for professionals, I would recommend itto my nonprofit (and some corporate) clients. Understanding all theelements required to produce a successful event is as important forthe client as it is for the professional. In my twenty years ofproducing events, I have not found a book until now that outlinesall the practical steps required for a successful event. It's allclearly spelled out here." (Marinda Freeman, event design &production, MF Productions) "Drawing on thirty years of experience, Jim Armstrong presents avery readable, step-by-step on how to organize a successful fundraising event. I like his approach to accomplish this task."(Edward T. Scholl, executive director of development, PassionistMonastery, Chicago, Illinois)

• Introduction: Designing and Producing Successful SpecialEvents. Understanding the Four Phases of Event Management. Designing Your Special-Event Timeline. Learning from Your Organization's Past Performance. Preparing Needs Assessment and Your Case for Support. Planning and Managing to Achieve Your Goals. Selecting the Right Event. Creating Your Budget. Building Effective Teams. Revising the Timeline to Stay on Track. Constructing and Managing Your Marketing and CommunicationsPlans. Creating Compelling Promotional Materials. Managing the Necessary Paperwork. Managing the Details. Handling Surprises and Contingencies. Thanking, Acknowledging, and Reporting. Conclusion: Applying Your Newly Gained Experience. Resources.