Nonprofit Auction Software Updates: AES Suite 12.0 Brings Smarter Event Management

When it comes to hosting a successful gala, golf tournament, or silent auction, every minute counts. Your staff and volunteers need nonprofit auction software that works with them — not against them — to ensure a seamless guest experience from the moment doors open to the final checkout.

Auction & Event Solutions (AES) is proud to announce the release of AES Software Suite 12.0. This landmark update focuses on automation, better data quality, and streamlined workflows to help your organization focus on what matters most: your mission.

What is New in AES Software Suite 12.0?

The AES Suite 12.0 update introduces powerful new tools to our nonprofit event management software, designed specifically to eliminate manual tasks and reduce registration lines.

Key features of the 12.0 release include:

• Household Management: Consolidates bidding, billing, and receipts for couples and families.
• Automated Guest Invites: Sends automated RSVPs and reminders to table guests via email and text.
• Household-Enabled Check-In: Allows staff to check in entire families simultaneously with a single click.
• Flexible Bid Paddle Printing: Offers options to print one paddle per person or one per household.
• Automated Household Charging: Automatically processes unpaid balances after the event concludes.

Households Replace Associations

Managing couples and families who want to bid and pay together is now easier than ever. AES Suite 12.0 introduces the Household system, which replaces the previous method for associating bidder numbers.

Benefits of the new Household system:

• Consolidated Billing: Each household receives a single invoice showing the primary billing contact and a complete list of all purchases.
• Flexible Bidding: Household members can choose to share the same bidder number or maintain individual numbers.
• Easy Updates: Event staff can instantly change the primary billing contact directly in the Event Manager checkout screen.
• Better Reporting: The Custom Report Generator now includes columns for Household Name, Is Billing, and Group Name for precise post-event analysis.

Automated Guest Invites and RSVPs

Managing table hosts who purchase multiple tickets for their guests is a common logistical challenge. AES Suite 12.0 addresses this with a fully automated ticket assignment and RSVP system.

How the automated RSVP system works:

• Instant Notifications: Once a host purchases tickets, the software immediately texts and emails the guests.
• Profile Completion: Guests are prompted to accept their invitations and complete their profiles before arriving at the event.
• Recurring Reminders: The system automatically follows up with guests who miss the first notification.
• Host Control: Table hosts retain full flexibility to edit guest names and send ticket invitations on their own schedule.

This approach dramatically improves data quality ahead of event night and significantly reduces the check-in workload for your volunteers.

Streamlined Event Check-In Software

First impressions shape the donor experience. AES Suite 12.0 brings household-enabled capabilities directly to our event check-in software, making the arrival process faster and more accurate.

• Express Check-In: Self-service kiosks now fully support the Household system, allowing couples to check in together in a single interaction.
• Staffed Check-In: The redesigned Event Manager screen allows volunteers to check in entire households simultaneously with a single click, eliminating the need to process each family member individually.

Automated Household Charging

Chasing down unpaid invoices after an event is time-consuming. AES Suite 12.0 introduces Automated Household Charging to capture every dollar raised.

Once the event concludes, the software automatically creates pending charges for contributors with unpaid balances. It intelligently selects one preferred credit card per individual or household. Your team simply reviews the pending charges and processes them, eliminating the manual effort of tracking down early departures or guests who forgot to self-check out.

Also in This Release: AES Suite 11.6 Highlights

If you missed our previous update, AES Suite 11.6 (released late 2025) introduced several foundational improvements that work hand-in-hand with the 12.0 launch. The standout feature is Bidder Lookup Mode in the mobile bidding app, which allows staff to search for contributors by name, company, or group — eliminating the need for guests to remember their bidder number during golf tournaments and multi-day events. The 11.6 update also added Simplified Device-Specific Package Selection for easier tablet configuration, and Company Name Display in public-facing areas to ensure corporate sponsors are properly recognized in bidding histories and slideshows.

Why Nonprofits Trust AES

For over 35 years, Auction & Event Solutions has built auction software for nonprofits that reflects the real-world needs of development teams. Our three-part solution — software, equipment, and trained on-site staff — means you are never navigating event night alone. 

Ready to see these features in action? Contact us today to schedule a personalized demo and discover how AES can transform your next fundraiser.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best nonprofit auction software with household management?

AES Software Suite 12.0 is a leading choice for nonprofits that manage couples and families at fundraising events. The Household system consolidates bidding, billing, and receipts into a single, streamlined experience for both guests and administrators.

Does AES support automated guest check-in for fundraising events?

Yes. As part of our comprehensive nonprofit event management software, AES Suite 12.0 offers household-enabled Express Check-In for self-service kiosks and a redesigned Staffed Check-In screen that allows volunteers to register entire households simultaneously.

Can I automate ticket distribution to table guests for a nonprofit event?

Yes. The new automated RSVP system in AES Suite 12.0 sends immediate and recurring email and text notifications to guests, encouraging them to accept their tickets and complete their profiles before the event.

Does AES charge a percentage of auction proceeds?

No. Auction & Event Solutions operates on a flat-fee pricing structure based on the size and scope of your event. We believe nonprofits should never be penalized for their fundraising success.