The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) is a nonprofit that helps communities and enriches lives by uniting the collective strengths of the insurance industry in providing grants, volunteer service and leadership. Based in Chicago, the Midwest Division has held an annual Blazing the Trail event to raise money to support local nonprofit and charitable organizations focused on education, safety, and health. This year, the IICF Midwest Division turned to NiKnack Marketing to reimagine their in-person gala and help take their headline event virtual.

How did we pull off another flawless virtual event while helping the IICF Midwest celebrate their 10th anniversary? Check it out!

A Virtual Swag Bag was created

where attendees could find great info from sponsors, along with the opportunity to plant a tree in their name.

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An interactive, digital program was developed

highlighting the event, IICF Midwest Board and Founders, grant recipients, and sponsors.

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Custom Speaker Packs were shipped

to ensure all presenters had the tools they needed to look and sound their best on camera from Ring Lights to microphones and stands.

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Treat Boxes were provided

to thank top sponsors and their attendees.

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The live streaming event went off without a hitch!

Attendees were kept engaged through entertainment including Battle of the Bands, an award-winning bartender mixing a 10th anniversary cocktail, previous grant Spotlight videos, a CEO panel, and even a paddle raise with an auctioneer to help promote donations.

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The Results...

- Expectations were exceeded by surpassing net income as compared to the prior year

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- The event hosted on YouTube with constant live feed drew significantly more viewers than any other event hosted by the IICF as a whole

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- Event featured the work of 3 Nonprofit Partners: DuPagePads, Stepstone Academy and Youth Guidance

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Virtual events are amazing opportunities, given you have the right content, attendee engagement, and data. However, hosting a virtual event can be a challenging prospect for the unfamiliar. Thought about delivering an unforgettable virtual event and don't know where to start? Get in touch with NiKnack and our experienced team would love to talk to you about how to create the perfect virtual setting from content, engagement and interactivity, capturing feedback, and more!