What I’ve Learned (and What You Need to Know!)
Lessons From 17 Years in Marketing & Event Planning:
Over the last 17 years of marketing, business ownership, and event planning, I’ve learned a lot of lessons the hard way—lessons that can save you time, money, and even your nonprofit status. From Ohio’s tricky raffle rules to copyright law and liquor permits, here are some of the biggest surprises I’ve encountered and what every small business or nonprofit should know.
1. Bingo & Raffles: Not as Simple as Selling Tickets
Hosting a “fun little bingo night” or a 50/50 drawing sounds easy, but Ohio law is strict:
Only qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits can conduct bingo, raffles, or other “games of chance.”
A charitable bingo license from the Ohio Attorney General is required for any kind of bingo—even bakery bingo!
Even if a for-profit business plans to donate all proceeds to charity, it still cannot legally run a raffle or 50/50.
Sources: Ohio Attorney General – Charitable Gaming & Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules
2. Liquor at Events: Temporary Permits Aren’t for Everyone
If your fundraiser or client event includes alcohol, here’s what’s critical in Ohio liquor law:
Only a nonprofit organization can apply for a temporary F-class liquor permit to sell or serve alcohol at a special event.
Businesses cannot simply “borrow” a nonprofit’s permit or serve alcohol under their own business license without the correct permit.
Failing to follow these rules can result in hefty fines or loss of nonprofit status.
Sources: Ohio Department of Commerce - Temporary Permit Info
3. Copyright & Branding: Protect Your Creativity (and Respect Others’)
In the world of marketing and design, copying is costly:
You cannot legally use someone else’s logo, photo, or brand element without permission, even if altered or “just for social media.”
Song lyrics and famous slogans are protected by copyright and trademark laws. A catchy line from a favorite song may feel perfect for a campaign, but using it without a license is a violation.
Stock photos must be properly licensed, and free images often come with usage restrictions.
Sources: U.S. Copyright Office; Copyright Basics PDF
4. Other Key Lessons From the Field
Contracts matter. Whether it’s a venue, vendor, or marketing collaborator, always get agreements in writing.
Insurance saves headaches. General liability and event insurance protect you from the unexpected.
Consistency builds trust. A strong brand guide with fonts, colors, and logo rules avoids chaos and keeps your brand recognizable.
Nervous about your event or brand? Now what?
These rules aren’t meant to scare you, they’re here to protect your business, your mission, and the communities you serve. I’ve built Whirlwind Productions to be aggressively helpful, which means I’d rather help you plan correctly now than see you heavily fined or lose nonprofit status later.
If you’re planning an event, starting a nonprofit, or refreshing your brand, let’s talk. I can help you:
Navigate Ohio’s raffle, bingo, and liquor-permit requirements
Build copyright-safe marketing campaigns
Create a brand guide and marketing plan that keep you compliant and consistent
