Spike that eggnog, Sparky, grab your favorite moose mug, and play BIG DEAL Company’s Christmas Vacation drinking game!  (free printable below)
***Disclosure: Please don’t drive after drinking to put up with your family.

What you will need: Any beer, eggnog, wine, or drink of your choice; a Santa hat; and a single shot of your choice (perhaps a lime Jell-O shot topped with cat food).
 
DRINKING RULES:
Take one drink every time…
●       Ellen calls Clark "Sparky"
●       Someone is wearing an ugly holiday sweater
●       There is singing or bells shaking
●       The swimming pool is referenced
●       Clark is wearing a sports team article of clothing
 
Additional rules…
●       The entire group takes a drink whenever an advent calendar door is opened.
●       You must yell “Shitter’s Full!” any time you leave to use the restroom, otherwise you must finish your beer when you return.
●       The first person to say “Get me somebody! And get me somebody while I'm waiting!” when Frank Shirley appears on screen for the first time chooses a person to finish their drink.
●       The first person to stand up & fully complete the “knock on the door, peek in…” correctly WITH hand gestures during that scene gives two drinks.
●       At any point in the movie, you can point to someone & yell "RUSS!" If they do not respond with "Right here, dad" they must take a drink (max once per person, this could get out of control).
●       Anytime someone misquotes a line in the movie, they have to wear the Santa hat until it gets passed to the next person.
●       When the movie is over, the last person wearing the Santa hat has to shotgun a beer & finish by saying “Ahh, It’s good, It’s good. It’s good.”
 
BIG DEAL Company is a creative collective of women here to bring you joy! We offer a variety of downloadable resources, tips and ideas to make any gathering a success. Follow us on social media - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest - and sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest event trends.

Free Downloadable checklist:

At BIG DEAL Company, we know that successful events are built on careful
planning and meticulous communication. These templates save time, maintain a professional tone, and help your events stand out from the crowd. Plus, when you’re calm, cool, and organized, your clients will notice.
Use our free checklist below for your next event.

Social media isn’t one-size-fits-all. Selecting the right platform starts with knowing your audience, defining your goals, and understanding what each channel offers.
BIG DEAL Company has compiled a guide that can help you navigate social media platform basics.

Download the free guide below.

Let’s face it, conferences aren’t just about name tags and breakout sessions anymore. Today’s destination conferences are all about blending purpose with experience, turning what used to be a work trip into something people genuinely look forward to.
The good news? That shift brings fresh energy to corporate events.

Download our free printable below.

​You've planned for months. You've double-checked the seating chart. You've taste-tested twelve mini desserts (for research, obviously). But now, it's go time. The doors are opening. The guests are arriving. And suddenly, panic sets in. Don't worry. BIG DEAL Company has got your back with a 1-minute sanity-saving checklist to run through right before your event begins.

*Download our FREE printable checklist below.
 
✅ 1. Mic Check (literally)
Grab that mic and say a few words. "Testing, testing!" Ensure all AV equipment is working, and have a contact name on hand in case of any issues.  Have a contact name within reach just in case.
 
✅ 2. The Emergency Kit
Band-aids, a stain-removal pen, phone chargers, breath mints, safety pins, tape, and aspirin.
 
✅ 3. The Who-Do-I-Call List
Have a printed or digital list of key contacts, including the venue manager, caterer, DJ, florist, and magician—whoever is part of your dream team. It's a bonus if you list who's in charge of what.
 
✅ 4. Food Flow Check
Buffet tables stocked? Appetizers ready? Water stations full? Hungry guests are guests who complain. Avoid a snackcident.
 
✅ 5. Bathroom Blitz
It isn’t always top of mind, but check that the bathrooms are clean and stocked. The little things can make or break a guest's experience.
 
✅ 6. The Vibe Check
Step into the space like a guest. Is the lighting set? Is music playing? Is the signage clear? If something feels off to you, it will to your guests, too.
 
✅ 7. Delegate and Breathe
You can't be everywhere at once. Hand off the final tweaks to your trusted team or coordinator. This can be the hardest thing on your list.  Take a breath and enjoy the moment.
 
Event panic is real, but the panic doesn’t have to win. Print the below detailed list, keep it handy, and your event will run smoother than a signature cocktail being poured at an open bar.  You’ve got this.
 
🎤 AUDIO / TECH CHECK

• Microphone(s) tested
• Music playing or queued
• Projector/screens working
• Back-up cords, batteries, or adapters on-site
• Someone knows how to fix tech issues quickl

 
🧰 EMERGENCY KIT

• Band-aids
• Stain remover pen
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, etc.)
• Breath mints or gum
• Safety pins
• Tape (gaffer, duct, and/or clear)
• Phone chargers / power bank
• Hand sanitizer

 
📞 KEY CONTACTS

• Printed or digital list of vendor contact info
• Assign point person(s) for major categories (catering, AV, venue, etc.)
• Group text or walkie-talkies ready for on-site team

 
🍽 FOOD & DRINK

• Food is on schedule / ready to serve
• Water stations filled and easily accessible
• Trash and recycling bins in place
• Dietary restrictions accounted for

 
🚻 RESTROOMS

• Restrooms checked and clean
• Fully stocked with TP, soap, and paper towels
• Clear signage if restrooms are hard to find

 
✨ ATMOSPHERE CHECK

• Lights set to desired mood
• Music on and at the right volume
• Signage is clear and properly placed
• Guest flow feels intuitive (no bottlenecks!)
• Entrance is welcoming and staff/volunteers are ready

 
🧘‍♀️ FINAL MOMENT

• Delegate last-minute tasks
• Take 3 deep breaths
• Smile—you’ve got this!

 
At BIG DEAL Company, we know that a great event isn't just about logistics—it's about creating an experience your clients will rave about. From concept to execution, our full-service marketing and event planning team can take your event from good to unforgettable. Let's make your next event a BIG DEAL!

*****FREE Printable*****

Email and SMS marketing aren’t going anywhere—in fact, they’re
getting smarter and more personalized, thanks to AI and automation.
Businesses that tap into hyper-personalization are seeing more opens,
stronger customer connections, and better results.
See BIG DEAL's free printable for more information!

Is your marketing strategy truly engaging, or is it just another voice in a sea of digital noise? Traditional advertising is losing its impact in today’s noisy and crowded world. Audiences are bombarded with thousands of daily ads. This leads to consumer fatigue and dwindling engagement. Businesses need something more - something immersive, memorable, and emotionally powerful. That is where LIVE EVENTS come in!
 
Live events and experiences aren’t just “attention grabbers” - they create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences. Studies show that 91% of consumers develop more positive feelings toward a brand after participating in an event experience.
That’s a level of engagement digital ads can’t match!
 
At Big Deal Company, we specialize in crafting high-ROI live experiences that drive real business results. Whether you’re looking to build brand awareness, generate leads, or strengthen customer loyalty - investing in live events is one of the smartest movies your business can make!

The Power of Experiential Marketing

People remember experiences - not ads.
Think about the last time you saw an online ad. Can you recall the brand?
Now - think about the last great live event that you attended.
Chances are, the memory is still fresh, and so is the brand that created the experience.
 
Experiential marketing taps into emotion and engagement - two key factors in brand recall. A study by Freeman Research found that 77% of consumers say their trust increased somewhat or a lot following their interaction with a brand at a live event.  An increase in trust often leads to an increase in sales!
  
Live events allow people to interact with a brand in a multi-sensory way:

• Touch & Feel - Product demonstrations and hands-on activities
• See & Hear - Engaging visuals, speakers, and performances
• Experience Together - Shared moments create emotional brand connections

This level of engagement can translate into real business results. This makes live events one of the most effective marketing strategies available today.
 
Tangible Business Benefits of Live EventsIf you’re wondering, “Do events actually drive business growth?” - the answer is a resounding YES. Here is why:

Increased Brand Awareness
Events generate buzz. Whether through social media shares, press coverage, or word-of-mouth marketing, live experiences amplify your brand in ways that traditional ads can’t. People love sharing their experiences, and when attendees post about your event, you gain authentic exposure. It’s like having a paid influencer promote your brand, but this type of exposure is organic and free!

High-Quality Lead Generation
Did you know that 81% of event attendees have buying authority? That means that your event isn’t just bringing in random visitors - it’s attracting the decision makers who are ready to invest.
 
 Live events allow businesses to:

• Collect attendee data through sign-ups and interactions.
• Build face-to-face relationships with potential clients.
• Move a prospective client further down the sales funnel at a faster rate than digital-only campaigns.

 
Stronger Customer Loyalty              
Customers who experience your brand in person feel a stronger emotional connection. That’s why events are powerful for customer retention. A study by EventTrack found that 98% of consumers feel more inclined to purchase after attending a live event.
A great event can turn visitors and one-time customers into brand advocates. It does this by fostering a community around your brand, making the attendees feel valued and engaged. Investing in events isn’t just about short-term engagement - it’s about building long-term relationships that will drive loyalty and in-turn, revenue.

​Measuring Event ROI & Common Myths About Live Events 
We’ve covered the “why” behind live events. Now, let's take a look at how businesses can measure event ROI and debunk common myths about event investments.
 
ROI Breakdown - What Do Businesses Get In Return?
One looming question around live events is, “How do we measure success?”. The answer: Event ROI is highly measurable, and when done right, the returns are undeniable.

Sales and Revenue Impact.
Live events are one of the most profitable marketing channels. According to Freeman Research, businesses can see an average of 5:1 ROI from events - meaning for every dollar invested, they make five in return.
In a recent case study, B2B companies that incorporated live experiences into their marketing were found to generate twice as many leads as those relying solely on digital efforts.

Social Media & PR Value
Experiential events generate high-value user-generated content (UGC). This can boost a brand’s reach without incurring extra ad spend.
When attendees share event moments, they are providing organic promotion for the business. Think of this as free advertising with build-in trust.
This is evident in post-event stats. In general, events generate 20x more social media engagement than traditional digital ads.

Data & Consumer Insights
Live events offer a goldmine of real-time customer data. Through events, a business can track attendee engagement and interest levels in real-time. They can collect customer contact and lead information through email sign-ups and participation forms. Ultimately, companies can harness post-event surveys to refine future marketing strategies. With the right follow-up strategy, these insights can help turn attendees into long-term customers.
 
Common Myths About Event ROI (And Why They’re Wrong) 
There are a plethora of misconceptions when it comes to event marketing:
 
Myth: Live events are too expensive.
Truth: When factoring in long-term brand awareness, customer engagement, and direct sales, events provide one of the highest ROIs in marketing. Smart budgeting, sponsorships, and hybrid options make them cost-effective.

Myth: Virtual events will replace live experiences.
Truth: While virtual and hybrid events are valuable, in-person experiences drive deeper emotional connections.
A study by Bizzabo found that 95% of marketers believe live events create stronger brand engagement than virtual-only activations.
 
Myth: Event impact is short-lived.
Truth: A well-executed event continues to deliver returns long after it ends.
Follow-up email campaigns, content repurposing, and retargeting attendees can extend engagement for months.
The bottom line: If done right, events can pay for themselves many times over.

How to Maximize ROI from Your Events
Now that we’ve established that live events are worth the investment, let’s talk strategy. Here’s how to make sure your event delivers maximum impact:

Set Clear Objectives               
What’s your goal? Is it lead generation? Brand awareness? Sales conversions?
Defining success upfront helps ensure that every dollar spent is optimized for impact.

Design for Engagement
The more interactive your event, the higher the return:

• Consider using gamification as a way to engage attendees. This can include contests, giveaways, and other interactive experiences.
• Harness influencer partnerships. You can leverage industry leaders to expand your reach!
• Tailor your event experiences to your attendees’ preferences.

Post-Event Strategy Matters
The event isn’t over when attendees leave. Keep the engagement going through email follow ups and retargeting ads that nurture leads with post-event content.
Investing in a strong post-event strategy ensures that your event ROI continues to grow!
 
Future Trends in Experiential Events + Free Download
The event landscape is evolving fast, and businesses that stay ahead of these trends will maximize their ROI in 2025 and beyond.
 
Here are the top innovations shaping live event experiences:
Immersive Tech

• Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR): Many brands are using AR/VR to create interactive brand experiences that transport attendees into digital worlds. Note - AR-powered experiences can increase attendee engagement by 70%.
• AI-Powered Personalization: We are seeing many events leverage AI to customize attendee experiences in real time, from networking recommendations to personalized content.

 
Sustainability is a must.

• Consumers are increasingly conscious of eco-friendly practices, and events are following suit.
• Sustainable materials: Eco-friendly swag and reusable decor are all the rage.
• Carbon-neutral events: More brands are measuring and offsetting their carbon footprints, and choosing to share this information during their events.

 
The Power of Hyper-Personalization

• Forget the one-size fits all event. Businesses are now using data-driven personalization to craft experiences tailored to individual preferences.
• Examples of personalized event activities include:
  • AI-powered matchmaking for networking
  • Personalized event schedules based on an attendee’s interests
  • Real-time event content recommendations

Big Deal Company keeps a finger on the pulse of all things in event trends. When we meet with our event and marketing clients, we come armed with statistics and event ideations that support these trends. Our team of experts have put together a free resource to help businesses stay ahead of the competition in the world of live events. In this guide, you’ll discover the latest trends in experiential events and ideas to boost your own event ROI. ​

The evidence is clear - Live events are one of the most powerful marketing investments a business can make. They drive brand awareness, lead generation, and customer loyalty. Events create highly shareable moments that amplify reach, and they provide measurable ROI, making them a smart business decision all the way around.
 
At Big Deal Company, we specialize in high-impact event experiences that deliver real business results. Whether you’re planning a corporate summit, a product launch, or an interactive brand activation, we’re here to help you make it unforgettable.
 
For more information on what we do, visit our capabilities webpage. You can also keep up with all of our events and campaigns via our social media channels - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
 
 
Reference List

• Event Marketing Institute. (2023). EventTrack: The Power of Live Brand Experiences.
• Bizzabo. (2023). Event Marketing Statistics Report: Insights into the Future of Events. Retrieved from https://www.bizzabo.com/blog/event-marketing-statistics
• Freeman. (2023) The Impact of Live Events on Business Growth. Retrieved from https://www.freeman.com
• EventMB. (2023). The State of Experiential Marketing: How Events Drive Engagement. Retrieved from https://www.eventmanagerblog.com
• EventMB. (2022). The Rise of Immersive Experiences in Event Marketing. Retrieved from https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/immersive-experiences

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