BIG DEAL Company was extatic to be selected as the retreat planning partner for Edgewise Therapeutics and their all company retreat, held in Fort Lauderdale, FL - January 2025.
After months and months of careful planning, our client enjoyed multiple onsite training and break out sessions, countless activities and memorable experiences. Our guests stayed at the beautiful Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club.

175 guests explored the expansive property and took part in pickleball, yoga, a painting class. go kart races, a heated pool, welcome party on the beach, shopping, nightlife and a privately catered cruise on a private yacht!

BIG DEAL worked with the hotel, offsite vendors, rentals, lighting, A/V, catering, and all activity providers to give the Edgewise team an enjoyable time together in Fort Lauderdale!

Congratulations to the BizWest team for a successful 2025 Economic Forecast event! A tremendous amount of information, and outlooks for the upcoming year.
Renowned economist Dr. Rich Wobbekind provided insights into where the economy has been and where it’s going at this highly popular luncheon, attended by over 500 people.

BIG DEAL Company is the proud planning company of BizWest.

In today’s fast-paced world, getting customers to walk through your doors is no small feat.  You know that once a person is in your location you’ve got a captive audience, but how do you get them in in the first place?  Whether you’ve got a café, a boutique, or a wellness studio, standing out in the crowd takes creativity and strategy. Before you say you simply don’t have time to build a plan, check out these easy and effective marketing tips to help boost foot traffic—and keep customers coming back for more.
 
Create an Irresistible Offer
People love a good deal, so why not give them one? Limited-time promotions, BOGO (buy one, get one) offers, or discounts for first-time customers can entice people to visit your business. Make the offer clear, and easy to understand, and put it on social media, your website, and even on a sandwich board outside your store.  Don’t forget to add a call to action like one of these:

• Claim Your Discount Today!
• Be Part of the Fun—Register Now!
• See What Everyone’s Talking About—Shop Now!

Lean Into Local Events 
Get out there and partner with community events or host your own. That’s right, get to know your neighbors.  Activities like a pop-up shop, a workshop, or a fun seasonal event like a holiday market can attract loyal customers and new faces. Bonus: collaborating with other local businesses can expand your reach.
 
Step Up Your Curb Appeal 
Your storefront is like a first impression—it needs to wow! Clean windows, colorful signage, and eye-catching displays make all the difference. A chalkboard with a quirky message or your daily specials can grab the attention of passersby (or even go viral on social media).  The ‘vibe’ of your location should be easily understood just by standing out front.
 
Engage on Social Media
Consistency is key when it comes to social media. Your followers want to know that you’re staying current and love to hear about new arrivals, upcoming sales, or behind-the-scenes content. Be real and interactive and respond to comments and messages promptly. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to include your location and hours in your bio to make it easy for people to find you.  You wouldn’t believe how often this is looked over.
 
Use Email Marketing
Email marketing might not sound flashy, but it works. Create a simple, engaging newsletter to keep your customers in the know about promotions, events, and new products. Make it worth their while by including exclusive deals, hot tips, or sneak peeks.
 
Encourage Word-of-Mouth 
Happy customers are your best advertisement!  Again, happy customers are your best advertisement.  Yes, it’s worth repeating because they are valuable and often underused.  Encourage them to share their experiences by offering referral discounts or running a review contest. The more buzz, the better!
 
Get Listed Online 
Make sure your business is easy to find by updating your Google Business profile and being listed on Yelp, TripAdvisor, or other platforms relevant to your industry. Include accurate information, great photos, and a few glowing reviews.  More and more people are turning to various niche apps to find what they are looking for from restaurants to spas.  Get listed!
 
Make It Personal
Finally, remember that marketing isn’t just about tactics—it’s about relationships. All of these tips may help to bring people in, but then it’s in your court to get them to come back. Personalized touches can turn a one-time visitor into a lifelong fan.  Here are just a few ways to make their experience special:

• Greet Them by Name
• Remember Their Preferences
• Celebrate Special Occasions
• Offer Tailored Recommendations
• Provide Flexible Options
• Be Attentive and Engaged
• Offer Exclusive Perks
• Make It Easy

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  Just start small by selecting a few of the tips to focus on and stay consistent. The key is to experiment, track what works, and refine your strategy over time. With a little creativity and effort, you’ll have customers streaming through your doors in no time!
 
Whether you’re just starting or growing your business, BIG DEAL is here to bring your marketing out of black and white and into full color, helping you thrive. We understand small businesses because we are one too!

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**  

BIG DEAL Company Announces Promotion of Carrie Kaufman to Chief Communications Officer

Loveland, CO — November 20, 2024 —  BIG DEAL Company is pleased to announce the promotion of Carrie Kaufman to Chief Communications Officer (CCO), marking a significant milestone in her 10-year tenure with the company. Throughout her time at BIG DEAL, Carrie has been instrumental in driving growth, diversifying service offerings, and successfully launching BIG DEAL's rebranding initiative.
​
With extensive experience in non-profit development, marketing, advertising, and events management, combined with her continued professional development and industry expertise, Carrie brings valuable leadership to this new role. Working alongside CEO Christine Forster, she will focus on key initiatives including process optimization, enhanced client engagement, team development, and strategic business growth.
​
"We're thrilled to have Carrie step into this pivotal leadership role," said Christine Forster. "Her decade-long commitment to BIG DEAL, focus on community and relationships, and proven track record make her the ideal leader to help guide our company into its next chapter of success."

About BIG DEAL Company
Big Deal Company specializes in comprehensive event planning and marketing communications, offering services like website design, social media management, advertising, PR, logo design, and more. With over 20 years of experience, they focus on supporting small to mid-sized businesses, non-profits, and B2B clients. Their work has significantly impacted businesses, helping raise over $1 million for non-profits annually 2021-2024 and managing 100+ events a year, client websites, and full-circle marketing campaigns.

​When it comes to corporate meetings, it’s no longer enough to just get everyone in a room (or on Zoom) and run through a basic (and often boring) agenda. You want your meeting to be effective and engaging and leave people thinking about what they’ve heard. Whether you’re organizing a company-wide summit or a smaller departmental meeting, here are the top must-have elements to help you create a successful and enjoyable event:
 
Clear Objectives – The foundation of any great meeting is having a clear sense of purpose. Set specific goals so everyone knows why they’re there and what outcomes you’re aiming for. Is it to brainstorm new ideas or solidify a business strategy? Just make sure your objectives are communicated upfront.
 
Engaging Content – Keep the content fresh and relevant. Ditch long, monotonous presentations in favor of shorter, interactive segments. Use multimedia like videos, real-time demos, or dynamic visuals to keep everyone’s attention focused and the energy high. Remember, people remember stories and experiences more than bullet points.
Inspiring Speakers – The right speaker can make or break a meeting. Bring in experts who can inspire, motivate, and challenge the team’s thinking. Whether it’s an internal leader with a strong message or an external guest with fresh insights, a great speaker will leave a lasting impression.
 
Fun Team-Building Activities – Meetings don’t have to be all business. Incorporating team-building activities breaks up the monotony and helps build relationships. Icebreakers, problem-solving challenges, or quick group games create connections and get people thinking creatively.  BIG DEAL Company has published several blogs with great tips for these activities!
 
Tasty Treats – Never underestimate the power of good food! Snacks, coffee, and even a full meal can energize your team and keep everyone happy. Offer a variety of options to accommodate dietary preferences, and consider seasonal or topic themes to make it more memorable.
 
Interactive Technology – Use technology to increase engagement, whether your meeting is in-person, virtual, or hybrid. We can’t stress the importance of this enough.  Incorporate live polls, real-time Q&A sessions, or even gamified learning tools to make the experience interactive. These tools can also provide valuable feedback on the spot!
 
The Right Atmosphere – The meeting environment matters more than you think. Choose a venue (or virtual setting) that reflects the tone of your meeting. A creative brainstorming session might thrive in a more casual, open environment, while a strategy session may benefit from a more formal, focused setting.  Hey, who knows some of the best venues in Northern Colorado?  Oh yeah, BIG DEAL Company!
 
By combining these elements, your corporate meeting will be more than just a check-the-box gathering. Instead, it will leave people inspired, connected, and ready to take action. 
 
Looking for more ways to make your corporate meetings unforgettable?
Visit BigDealCompany.com for expert tips and tricks!
 

---Top 8 Luxe, Kid-Free Escapes in Colorado Worth Booking NOW---
Each year, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains undergo a breathtaking transformation as summer heat gives way to crisp autumn air, bringing out the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall – particularly in our nationally-renowned mountain aspen groves. It can also be a hectic time for couples, as school begins, the days shorten, and holiday preparations begin. This year, our team recommends you treat yourself to an opulent, adults-only escape at one of these luxury Colorado resorts.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch | Avon, CO
 
Consistently recognized as one of North America’s top hotels and Colorado’s premier luxury ski resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is nestled among the majestic Rocky Mountains. This year-round mountain resort combines the comfort of Colorado luxury hotel with the finest outdoor adventures. The resort offers access to the finest Vail Valley and Beaver Creek golf courses, and a luxurious 21,000 square-foot spa and fitness center with 19 treatment rooms, a co-ed rock-lined grotto, an integrated wellness program, and both Pilates and yoga studios.
 
Amenities:
 

• 21,000-square-foot spa
• Access to Vail Valley and Beaver Creek golf courses
• Elevated mountain-inspired accommodations
• Six on-site dining experiences, from sushi to to Michelin-recommended WYLD featuring local flavors
• Outdoor pool and hot tub
• Convenience store & gift shop
• Fly fishing, hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, train rides, bowling, tennis, paddle boarding, zip lining, horseback riding, Jeep tours, and more

Dunton Hot Springs | Dolores, CO
 
Dunton Hot Springs is a small, exclusive resort nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies. This perfectly restored ghost town boasts hand-hewn log cabins exquisitely furnished, a life-worn saloon serving food of startling quality, challenging trails followed by pampering massages, and sensuous hot springs. For a luxury glamping experience, book a stay at sister property Dunton River Camp.
 
Amenities:
 

• Natural hot springs
• Luxury cabins or glamping “tents”
• Gourmet meals with locally-sourced ingredients
• Guided activities, including fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting, and archaeological day tours

 
The Broadmoor | Colorado Springs, CO
 
The Broadmoor is a legendary destination resort at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, with picturesque views, luxurious accommodations, and unmatched amenities. The resort has held its five-star rating for 63 consecutive years, the longest of any five-star resort worldwide. It is ideal for couples, with seasonal romantic lodging packages, high-end dining and spas, and unique off-site excursions.
 
Amenities:
 

• Luxury accommodations
• 20 on-site dining options – indulge in the Eagles Nest Wagyu beef raised exclusively for the Broadmoor
• On-site movie theater
• Forbes five-star rated spa
• Two championship golf courses
• Three swimming pools and hot tubs
• Five tennis courts
• On-site florist
• Salon
• Seasonal adventures, including fly fishing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, falconry, white water rafting, axe-throwing, archery, and shooting
• 20 retail shops

The Little Nell | Aspen, CO
 
Aspen's only Five-Star, Five-Diamond hotel features luxurious amenities, personalized service, breathtaking mountain views, world-renowned dining and spacious accommodations. In the fall, view stunning golden aspen trees in the town named for them. The Little Nell has an exclusive U.S. partnership with French fashion house Dior’s interiors brand, French Maison Dior, for a full spa residency. Visitors can enjoy the top-flight Dior Spa treatment program created exclusively for the resort.
 
Amenities:
 

• Dior Spa
• Luxury rooms and suites
• Four on-site dining options
• Award-winning wine program with wine cellar experiences
• Complimentary Audi Experience for hotel guests
• Excursions including the fall Aspen foliage tour, fly fishing, river floating, and outdoor movies
• Transportation services
• Boutique
• Pool and hot tub
• Personal shopping service
• On-call physicians
• Luxury pet amenities

Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa | Gateway, CO
 
Indulgence meets adventure at this resort in far-west Colorado, with richly-appointed, Western-inspired rooms, suites, and private casitas. Immerse yourself in nature and have the adventure of a lifetime with the security of modern amenities. Special experience: starting your day on a private terrace in the secluded Unaweep Canyon.
 
Amenities:
 

• Spa
• Grotto-style pool and hot tub
• Private terraces
• Tesla charging stations
• Palisade Ranch 1800s ranching experience
• Hiking, mountain biking, off-road touring
• Access to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Four Corners Monument, and Grand Mesa National Forest
• Sustainably-constructed, energy-efficient lodging

C Lazy U Ranch | Granby, CO
 
If you thought “luxury dude ranch” was an oxymoron, C Lazy U hopes to prove you wrong. This all-inclusive resort is kid-friendly, but offers plenty of opportunities for privacy and seclusion. Enjoy rustic luxury lodging, an onsite vineyard, endless activities, and seasonal menus created by the resort’s chef and sommelier.
 
Amenities:
 

• Vineyard
• Gourmet dining
• Rustic luxury cabins
• Onsite photographer
• Use of game room, fishing rods, tennis rackets and balls, basketballs, volleyballs, cross-country skis, snowshoes, poles, and ice skates
• Spa
• Horseback riding, fly fishing, archery, bee hive tours, cattle pushing, guided hiking, wine tasting, hatchet throwing, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and more
• Outdoor pool and hot tub
• Yoga and horsemanship classes
• “Glamping” lodging options

The Springs Resort & Spa | Pagosa Springs, CO
 
The Springs Resort is built around a mineral-rich, geothermal hot spring on the banks of the San Juan River. Comfortable rooms and suites are just steps from the hot springs and include unlimited access to over a dozen wellness activities designed to rejuvenate your mind and body. The Romance Package is ideal for couples.
 
Amenities:
 

• Natural hot springs
• Spa
• Complimentary wellness activities, including sound immersion and guided meditation
• Custom fitness classes
• Four onsite dining options, from the springs-side Canteen to evening-only Atrium Lounge
• Poolside food and drink service
• Private cabana rentals
• Live music
• Horse-drawn carriage rides, horseback riding, ATV trails, rock climbing, hiking, train rides, fly fishing, and wildlife viewing

​ 
Viceroy Snowmass | Snowmass Village, CO
 
Experience modern mountain luxury with on- and off-mountain adventures year round, plus a 7,000-square-foot sanctuary spa and outdoor pools when you’re ready to unwind. The newly-renovated Viceroy Lounge transforms from a modern café by day to a sophisticated bar and lounge in the evening. During the fall, the resort is surrounded by golden aspen trees against mountain backdrops.
 
Amenities:
 

• Full-service spa
• Onsite dining
• All-season heated pool, spas, and terrace
• E-bike rental
• Electric car charging stations
• Dog-friendly accommodations
• Concierge-organized activities including hot air balloon tours, Jeep tours, luxury vehicle rental, mountain biking, fly fishing, golf & tennis, hiking, horseback riding, paragliding, paintball, water sports, and more

 
When you need an adults-only getaway this fall (we know we do!) each of these resorts offers a memorable experience to leave you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the new year.
 
For resort venue recommendations, event planning, retreat coordination, and more, reach out to our BIG DEAL team. Crafting memorable experiences is our specialty!
 
For event and retreat tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
 

BIG DEAL simply loves supporting Premier Skin Clinic, based in Fort Collins, with their marketing and event needs. Supporting fellow female business owners in building their dreams is an absolute joy. Chrissy and the PSC team hosted over 100 guests for their 8th Anniversary Open House. Their industry experts featured products and services that improve our health inside and out.

Guests enjoyed educational demonstrations, lovely food and drink, specials and over $20,000 in giveaways! An event NOT to be missed! Interested in attending next year? Sign up for their newsletter to get all of the insider information!

NoCo's Premier Med Spa and Wellness Clinic
Call to schedule a consultation today. (970) 221-1285
Real people. Expertly trained. Real results.
PremierSkinClinic.com

BIG DEAL is honored to be the event planning partner for a team of EVENT PLANNERS! Our client, Slate360 is constantly bringing joy to their clients through thoughtful trade show event booth designs. They have BIG jobs and deserve time together to connect and take a break from planning. For the 3rd year, we have supported them with full-service event planning for their annual retreat. This year, they selected Savannah, GA as their destination.

The team enjoyed a fun version of Slate360 Jeopardy, a Tiki Boat ride, a thoughtful 'future focus' activity, planning meetings, meals in historic buildings, a piano bar, privately rented cove by the hotel pool, a penthouse suite for team time, shopping along the cobblestone streets and more!

Our host hotel was The Alida Hotel. The staff was WONDERFUL. The sales and event teams were exceptionally easy to work with, friendly and knowledgeable. We highly recommend staying with them.

Services Provided by BIG DEAL Company:

• Fact finding calls with Slate360 team
• Compile a comprehensive venue RFP that includes all itemized requests
• Research venues across the country
• Send RFP to list of venues that fit qualifications
• Negotiate concessions with venues
• Narrow venues down to top list and present overviews of each to the Slate360 team
• Research (vendors, venues, transportation, activities, dining)
• Collaborate with the team to finalize top activity and dining choices
• Itinerary creation
• Bi-weekly check-ins with updates
• Close collaboration with hotel sales team
• Rooming list finalization
• Flight travel tracking
• Vendor and activity booking
• Transportation scheduling to/from airport
• Transportation management around town
• Hotel/resort staff communication
• Destination activity and dining guide suggestions for team
• Rooming list, travel list and allergy list assistance
• Itinerary beautification/design for team dissemination
• Webpage for itinerary access
• Planner travel (1 person) to/from destination for onsite assistance
• Runner/assistance for any staff needs onsite
• Peace of mind

​At Big Deal Company, we are dedicated to bringing “Joy to the Job”. We believe that enhancing employee engagement and cultivating a strong company culture through events and team-building activities are crucial for both inspiring joy and overall success. A thriving workplace should be built on a foundation of engaged employees who are passionate about their work and connected to their colleagues. 

We’ve pulled together a list of actionable strategies to help your business create a strong and thriving culture of success:
 
Foster Open Communication
Best practices include encouraging open communication channels within your entire organization. Make sure to regularly solicit feedback from your employees and create opportunities where they can share their thoughts freely.
ACTION ITEM: Implement regular “town hall” meetings, Q&A sessions, and anonymous suggestion boxes to ensure that every voice is being heard.
 
Recognize and Reward Achievements
​Recognition can be a powerful motivator. Celebrate both individual and team success to boost morale and encourage a culture of appreciation.
ACTION ITEM: Establish an employee recognition program with monthly awards, public acknowledgments, and tangible rewards like gift cards or extra days off.
At Big Deal Company, we’ve implemented our own system of recognition with monthly “Woot, Woots” for exemplary work, “BIG Brags” on social media, and our yearly “Biggie Awards” (think Dundee’s from The Office).

Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance
A healthy work-life balance is crucial for employee well-being. Ensure your policies support employees in balancing their professional and personal lives.
ACTION ITEM: Offer flexible working hours, and remote work options, and promote the use of vacation days to help employees refresh and recharge.
 
Invest in Professional Development
Providing opportunities for growth shows employees that you value their long-term commitment and success.
ACTION ITEM: Create a professional development program that includes workshops, online courses, and mentoring opportunities.
 
Organize Engaging Events and Team-Building Activities
Fun and carefully thought out events and team-building activities are excellent ways to foster camaraderie and a sense of belonging.
At Big Deal Company, we gather together as a team, every quarter. We call it Big Deal Bites & Beverages. It’s a fun, and informal way to stay connected.
ACTION ITEM: Plan regular team outings, workshops, and socials! Consider activities like escape rooms, cooking classes, or volunteer days that require teamwork and collaboration.

Create and Build a Positive Work Environment
If your team works on-site, creating a positive work environment can greatly impact employee satisfaction and increase productivity.
ACTION ITEM: Enhance the physical workspace with comfortable furniture, calming lighting, plants, and art. Encourage a culture of kindness and support through team-building exercises and positive reinforcement.
 
Encourage Employee Involvement in Decision-Making
Involving your employees in both large and small decisions will increase their investment in the company’s success. People feel valued when they are heard.
ACTION ITEM: Form committees and focus groups where employees can contribute to company decisions. Actively include them in important strategic planning work.
 
Support Health and Wellness Programs              
Investing in health and wellness programs and gym discounts show your employees that you care about their overall well-being.
ACTION ITEM: Investigate discounted gym memberships for your team. Offer free
Mental health days, and workshops on stress management and healthy living.
 
Enhance Onboarding and Orientation Programs
Strong onboarding programs can set the ton for a new employee. They help them integrate smoothly into company culture and sets them up for success!
ACTION ITEM: Develop a comprehensive and thorough onboarding process that includes mentorships, detailed training, and a robust welcome from the entire team.
 
Technology is Engagement’s Friend!
There are so many tools, apps, and programs out there! Use technology to keep employees connected, especially in remote or hybrid work settings.
ACTION ITEM: Utilize tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Asana to facilitate consistent communication and keep up on project tasks.

Boosting employee engagement and building a strong company culture requires a plan and a multi-channel approach. By modeling and utilizing these action items for fostering open communication, recognizing achievements, professional development, organizing engaging events, and more, you can create a workplace where employees thrive and feel valued.
 
At Big Deal Company, we’re committed to helping organizations achieve these goals through expert-led events and team building activities. Let’s work together to create an environment where your employees can shine!
 
For more insights and tailored solutions, feel free to contact us at Big Deal Company. Let’s make every workday an engaging and fulfilling experience!

At BIG DEAL Company, we manage client websites, social media, newsletters and the like. One of the most effective SEO supports can be a blog on your website. We commonly get asked if there is a recommended number of blogs a business should post per month. The frequency of your blog posts is crucial for maximizing SEO performance, but there’s no one-size-fits- all answer.