I have two upcoming event promotion scenarios for separate nonprofits that I plan to suggest as topics for discussion at the SocialDevCamp East (Nov 1) unconference:

1. The individual participant scenario:  Coming up on November 15th I'm participating in the Meals on Wheels Serving Central Virginia 12th Annual Hunger Strike Bowl-A-Thon.  As an individual, I need to put together a team of 3-4 others, which ideally should raise $100-$150 each. (anyone interested?)

2. The event organizer scenario: On January 16, 2009 the Henrico CASA will be holding their 3rd Annual Crossroads Art Auction.  I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to volunteer on the board of the Henrico CASA, and am working as a member of the planning committee to put together the event.

For the Meals on Wheels event, I'm planning to broadcast to my Facebook, Twitter, and personal email contacts, inviting them to my Bowler Page on the MOW website to learn more and consider supporting my team.

For the second event, I'm planning on setting up a Facebook page well in advance of the event, and inviting my contacts to not only sign up, but to spread the word as well.  As the planning progresses and we have more auction items, confirmed sponsors, etc., I'll be posting regular updates to the page.  I'm also going to try to get local bloggers and Twitter users to cover the event.

For both events though, I'm sure there are more things that can be done to bring them to the attention of people via social media / networking methods (take live bids on an auction item via Ustream is one thing that has been suggested).

I'd like to propose a roundtable discussion at SocialDevCamp East to discuss how organizations can get the word out about their events and work to make them as successful as possible and reach their full capacity.

Thoughts on this?  Comment below...