Event Name: American Cancer Society Discovery Ball 2009
Event Date: April 25, 2009
Event Location: Civic Opera House, Chicago, IL
# of years held: 3
# of guests & volunteers: 1,200 
Guest profile: Business and philanthropic leaders from throughout the Chicagoland area
# of auction items: 265 silent auction items, 10 live auction items
Raising Hope: Mission fundraising was managed with paddles

We were thrilled to learn about the IML bidding devices through Rich Daniels of the City Lights Orchestra. It turned out to be a wonderful recommendation and caused our auction to be more financially successful and quite frankly, more fun!

In the past, we had used a traditional silent auction set-up with items displayed on tables and bid sheets in front of each item. Our auction contains over 250 items, on average, and with so many items, the auction tables were becoming very crowded, making viewing each item difficult for guests. The IML system allowed us to eliminate bid sheets thereby creating a more streamlined look to the auction display areas. Guests were able to mingle and bid from any point in the room, including the VIP Reception area on the second floor of the venue. This created a more relaxed flow to the cocktail and silent auction reception.

We were able to keep our silent auction open two hours longer than previous years when it closed as guests entered the ballroom for dinner. This year, guests were able to bid on auction items throughout dinner and during the program. The IML system allowed us to display “real-time” bidding on all of our items. Guests could see if they were the lead bidder and they could instantly place higher bids, all from their ballroom tables. These factors resulted in a more competitive and lively auction with more bids being placed on items than ever before.

To assist guests with their devices, the IML staff team trained a group of our volunteers, and in turn, our volunteers were able to easily show our guests how to use the device. This volunteer group, in conjunction with the IML team, proved to be a successful and winning combination.

Our presenting sponsor and our event guests were also pleased that the IML handhelds allowed our organization to drastically reduce the amount of paper used at the event, allowing us to keep with our eco-friendly theme.

There was certainly a “buzz” about the IML handhelds, and we’ve been strongly encouraged by both guests and sponsors to continue using the devices at our next ACS Discovery Ball and other American Cancer Society events. Guests truly enjoyed the ease, functionality and innovation the IML handheld brought to the auction.