By Mary Klett, ASA Communications Team

Organizations and in specific, ASA Chapters, are always trying to come up with ways to raise funds for activities, their operating needs, etc., that help supplement dues income. I initially reached out to both ASA Mississippi and Arkansas chapters, since they both organize crawfish festivals. But then Lloyd Spivey of Mississippi said, “Yes, our crawfish boil is great, but what you REALLY need to hear about is our Mardi Gras Festival.” 

Below are two of the largest construction-related networking events in each state – and growing larger each year. Take note!

Mardi Gras in Mississippi 

First the numbers: 

• 1,000 tickets sold
• 6 years running
• $50,000 profit this year and growing
• $50,000 expenses
• $10,000 cash prize

This Gala is a night for celebration! Networking is awesome with ASA, AGC (Associated General Contractors), and ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) members as well as architects & engineers from across the state in attendance. Through sponsorships, ticket sales, drinks, live and silent auctions – MSU swag, Mississippi Construction Education Foundation scholarships, quail hunting, gift cards, Hermes bracelet, etc. – this is the event of the season. 

And who’s up for a chance to win $10,000 through a drawdown, where ticket numbers are announced throughout the evening, eliminating potential winners (you can always buy additional chances to win) until there’s one left…who goes home with a big check. Smiles and fun abound for everyone. Sure, it’s a lot of work, but even the volunteers have fun! 

Crawfish Boil in Arkansas

Some Numbers: 

• 800 attendees
• 10 years running
• $40,000-$50, 000 raised
• 1,600 pounds of crawfish consumed

Each April, the regional construction industry gathers in Little Rock to celebrate and relax with their friends and family from ASA, ABC, AGC, as well as ASPE (Association of Professional Engineers) and CFMA (Construction Financial Management Association) members. The goal is threefold – raise needed funds for the chapter, create a major networking opportunity, and most importantly, fund endowments and cash scholarships for construction trades.

While originally taking place in downtown Little Rock, this crawfish extravaganza has since moved to the War Memorial Stadium, creating a spacious and fun experience for everyone (how many times have YOU been enjoying crawfish on the field of a 54,000 seat stadium?!) With sponsorships, ticket sales, drinks, vendors, silent and live auctions which include trips, razorback gear, and partnering with like minded groups, it’s a blast for everyone…except the crawfish. There’s a new marketing group working and promoting the 2023 event, so there are even bigger things coming!

The lessons from both? 

1. Use an event people already enjoy
2. Bring in others to help
3. Broaden your thinking

These events take an extraordinary amount of time, dedication, and people talent. Luckily ASA is loaded with people who know how to get things done. Lloyd has already shared his budget, planning, and “how I do this” with other ASA chapter directors. So will it be crawfish, mardi gras beads or a fish fry?