Good A/V does more than just broadcast sound and images, good A/V sets an emotional tone and inspires your crowd to support your cause more deeply. If you are accustomed to thinking of your A/V as simply speakers and screens, it's time to discover how a production partner can help you create the moments that move people to give.

Find out what questions you should be asking every A/V company before you hire them for your fundraising auction. Learn how the latest advancements in lighting and production technology can help you engage your crowd to help raise more money - without breaking your budget.

Come along with us as event production expert Jared Villareal of The Lux Productions joins host Greg Quiroga for "Inside the Industry," an in-depth look at the world of fundraising auctions from the perspective of an event professional. Jared shares his insights on how he and his team help produce successful fundraising events, from location analysis and equipment recommendations to content creation and editing.

You can read more about The Lux Productions at: https://www.thelux.com/

Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: Consignment travel for charity auctions, done right: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/

Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions: https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/

Where do you draw the line? When planning a fundraising auction, what is your absolute, deal-breaker, "has to be done this way or I'm out" element?

In this episode of Black Tie and Tales, fundraising auctioneers Devon Bell and Greg Quiroga discuss those moments when they've had to lay down the law (or had the law laid down on them). Join them for a journey into My Way, or the Highway.

Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: Consignment travel for charity auctions, done right: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/

Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions with two auctioneers who have seen it all. https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/

Where does the line between reality and irrational philanthropy exist? How do you get your guests to focus on the value of the cause instead of the value of the auction items?

In this episode of Black Tie and Tales, fundraising auctioneers Greg Quiroga and Devon Bell discuss what it looks like when reality rears its ugly head during a fundraising auction, and how to avoid rational thinking at your next fundraising event.

Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: Consignment travel for charity auctions, done right: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/

Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions with two auctioneers who have seen it all. https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/

What are the four keys to choosing a venue for your next fundraiser? How important is registration and check-out to your attendees? How many bidders does it take to make a live auction successful?

Fundraising event planner Beth Sandefur joins host Greg Quiroga for "Inside the Industry," an in-depth look at the world of fundraising auctions from the perspective of an event professional. Founder of Beth Sandefur Events, Beth is a data-driven event planner who specializes in creating fun, mission-focused events that raise significant funds for non-profits across the US.

Beth works with events of all sizes, and has guidance that will help any organization create a better guest experience.

You can read more about Beth *and* schedule a time to chat with her on her website: https://www.bethsandefur.com/

And see her newest venture, Gala Toolbox: https://www.galatoolbox.com/

Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: Consignment travel for charity auctions, done right: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/

Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions: https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/

What happens when Jay Leno mocks your biggest bidder? What do you do when your emcee calls in arrested and in jail?

In this episode of Black Tie and Tales, fundraising auctioneers Greg Quiroga and Devon Bell are joined by special guest Kelly Russell of Artisan Auctions to discuss what happens when an event hits that turning point, and suddenly everything changes. From an A-list celebrity mocking big bidders to the event chair passing out in the back of the room, these three have seen it all and they are here to tell the tale.

Accompanying blog post here: https://www.stellarsf.com/blog/2025/7/31/and-thats-where-it-all-went

Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: Consignment travel for charity auctions, done right: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/

Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions with two auctioneers who have seen it all. https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/

What happens when you get three fundraising auctioneers with mild ADHD on the mic at the same time?

In this episode of Black Tie and Tales, fundraising auctioneers Greg Quiroga and Devon Bell are joined by special guest Bobby D. Ehlert of Call To Auction Fundraising to discuss all the benefits of Professionals vs. Volunteers. Is your cocktail hour costing you more than just the drinks? How much money are you really paying a volunteer auctioneer? And Bobby D. suggests that the for some crowds, the gala is dead (long live the un-gala!).

Click here to register for Bobby D.'s webinar: https://tinyurl.com/bttguestlink

Accompanying blog post here: https://www.stellarsf.com/blog/2025/7/17/professionals-vs-volunteers

Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: Consignment travel for charity auctions, done right: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/

Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions with two auctioneers who have seen it all. https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/

What's the best way to get a ground floor room at the Ritz Carlton? Why do bidders love building relationships with chefs? What have you done with Greg's notebook?

In this episode of Black Tie and Tales, fundraising auctioneers Greg Quiroga and Devon Bell trip their way into summer, covering a hodge-podge of topics and stories. From whining about the cost of wi-fi at the Ritz Carlton, to attempting to bribe the front desk clerk, these two fundraising auctioneers show that what they lack in shame they make up for in onstage performance.

Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: Consignment travel for charity auctions, done right: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/

Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions with two auctioneers who have seen it all. https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/

When the auction is over and it's time to go home, how much gas is left in your tank? Did you leave your crowd wanting to do more, or were they tapping out 45 minutes ago?

In this episode of Black Tie and Tales, fundraising auctioneers Greg Quiroga and Devon Bell discuss the shared experience of fundraising auctions, and what it means for everyone in the room. Devo takes center stage for a 30-plus lot wine auction, Greg recounts his first 75-lot wine auction, and they sweat the details of summer events.

Read the accompanying blog post to this episode on our blog: https://www.stellarsf.com/2025/6/11/leaving-it-all-on-the-table

Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: Consignment travel for charity auctions, done right: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/

Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions with two auctioneers who have seen it all. https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/