The 90 Minute Rule: Why Your Banquet Shouldn’t Run Long

If you want to maximize impact at your fundraising banquet, here’s one of the simplest rules you can put in place:

👉 Keep the program to 90 minutes or less.

And let me be clear. That clock doesn’t start when the doors open, or when guests are still in line at the buffet. It starts the moment the last plate hits the table or the last person sits down with their food. From there, you’ve got 90 minutes to inspire, challenge, and invite generosity.

Why 90 Minutes?

1. Attention spans fade. Guests are excited to be there, but after an hour and a half, even the most committed supporters start checking their watches.

2. Energy drives generosity. A crisp, well-paced program creates momentum. Drag it out too long, and you’ll feel the room’s energy slipping away right before you ask for support.

3. Shorter is sharper. Tightening your program forces you to prioritize what matters most. Every element must earn its place, and that makes the whole night stronger.

How to Make It Work

Start food service early. If possible, have salads or desserts preset at tables, or run buffet lines efficiently. The faster you get to “everyone seated,” the sooner your 90 minute program can begin.

Cut the extras. Long announcements, multiple testimonies, and three rounds of special music may all be wonderful, but they drain focus. Choose the best stories, the clearest voices, and save the rest for another event.

Rehearse transitions. Most banquets don’t run long because of content, they run long because of awkward, slow transitions. Smooth handoffs between speakers and segments save time and keep energy up.

Watch the clock. Appoint someone to quietly signal the emcee if things are slipping. A simple hand signal can get a speaker to land the plane faster.

The Payoff

I’ve seen it time and again. Organizations that commit to a 90 minute program end the night with guests energized and inspired, and their giving reflects it.

Remember, your banquet is more than a nice dinner. It’s the launchpad for generosity. When you respect people’s time and deliver a powerful, well-paced evening, you create an atmosphere where your mission shines and support grows.

So here’s your challenge:👉 From the moment the last plate hits the table, run a tight, 90 minute program.

Your guests, and your fundraising totals, will thank you.

Extra Depth: Where the Time Really Matters

Inside that 90 minutes, the most important block of time is the keynote. Whether you bring in me, with comedy, a life-affirming story, and a super strong fundraising ask, or another speaker with a clear mission-centered message, the keynote should get about 45 minutes of the program.

Here’s why:

• It’s the centerpiece of the night. Everything else builds toward this moment. The speaker sets the emotional tone, ties the mission together, and makes the invitation clear.

• You need time for connection. Comedy disarms, stories connect, and the ask requires space to breathe. That can’t be done in 15 or 20 minutes without feeling rushed.

• Don’t dilute the impact. If the keynote is crammed between too many other elements, the audience’s focus scatters. Giving suffers when the message and the ask don’t have room to land.

  
  

In short, the banquet is about more than filling a program. It’s about creating a focused, powerful arc that points people straight to generosity. And that means protecting enough time for the voice that carries your mission home.