​4 Tips for Enhancing Content without Costs
With 127 years in combined marketing experience, countless marketing/communications degrees, and intense focus on the many changes in marketing that take place nearly weekly... our team is happy to share insider information with our clients. We enjoy educating you on ways to stretch your marketing dollar! Below is a FREE downloadable one-sheet with tips on how to enhance your content, without spending extra $$$!

The Big Deal Team is always researching and brainstorming on ways to improve upon events. Our recent research has shown some eye-opening ways to enhance the future of events. Download the free printable below.

Non-Profit Stakeholder Guide: Free Printable
 ​Every nonprofit has stakeholders—people and boards who care about your success and can impact your goals. Managing these relationships is very important. By knowing who they are, staying aware of what they’re up to, and keeping the conversation going, you boost your chances of success for a positive relationship that builds towards your nonprofits goals.

At BIG DEAL Company, with over 20 years of event planning experience, we know how valuable tip sheets, lists and guides can be. When plotting out seating arrangements, table sizes and linens, knowing what length to order and how it will look on a table can be tricky. Our team has put together a helpful guide that can be useful for any event and table arrangement (conferences, meetings, retreats, weddings, parties, picnics, etc)

Below is a free printable you can download and utilize as a guide to make sure you rent or buy linens the right size for your next event.
Should you need the help of event experts to help plan and execute your event, reach out to BIG DEAL Company!

BIG DEAL Company spends much of our time assisting clients and partners with recourses across the state. Northern Colorado has some fantastic conference space, meeting space and hotels! What we commonly find out of state guests, and clients booking large events, looking for is transportation options for groups.

Our team has compiled a thorough list of transportation companies serving Northern Colorado (Estes Park, Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Timnath, Berthoud, Windsor, Longmont, Boulder, Johnstown)  

Free downloadable printable below!

The events industry has undergone significant transformations in the past few years. In 2024, it is crucial to analyze emerging trends to adapt and thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. BIG DEAL Company put out 2 surveys to gage trends that industry experts are seeing, and event attendees. 

​The survey below gathered insights from 165 respondents who consider themselves frequent event guests, regarding changes in event attendance, RSVPs, support, ticket costs, and emerging trends. Additionally, it explored attendee preferences for elements of charity/non-profit events, focusing on both appreciations and areas of lesser importance. ​DOWNLOAD this free printable

Lean in…let’s be real here. Networking events can sometimes feel like diving into a sea of unfamiliar faces, but fear not! With the right icebreakers, you'll be making connections in no time.

The BIG DEAL team has been networking in the community for 18 years. If you are one of the many looking for the right words, download our free printable below with some great tips and questions you can borrow for your next networking event!

Here are seven tried-and-true conversation starters to help break the ice:

Free printable

​Sustainable Event Practices: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference; 10 Top Tips

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of events and gatherings. From conferences to weddings, our BIG DEAL clients are seeking ways to make their gatherings more sustainable. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple yet effective practices you can adopt to reduce your event’s carbon footprint.
 
Here are 10 easy sustainable event practices that you can implement to minimize environmental impact without compromising on the quality of your event.

Digital Invitations
 
E-invites’ moment started long before the recent push for green events. Convenient and cost-effective, digital invitations reduce waste and mailbox clutter. Not only do digital invitations significantly reduce paper waste, digital platforms allow for easier RSVP tracking and communication with guests.
 
Venue Selection
 
When shopping for venues, prioritize venues that have sustainability initiatives in place. Look for venues with LEED certification, renewable energy sources, or a commitment to waste reduction. By supporting sustainable venues, you're contributing to a larger movement towards environmental responsibility.
 
Reusable Decorations
 
Instead of purchasing disposable decorations, opt for reusable options that can be used for future events or repurposed in other ways. At BIG DEAL, we invite clients to “shop” our stock of complimentary rental decor items. Potted plants that can be sent home with guests or auctioned off, fabric banners, or LED lighting to create a festive atmosphere without generating unnecessary waste.
 
Green Transportation
 
When venue shopping, consider proximity to your public transportation options and minimize the distance guests will travel to attend. Encourage attendees to carpool, use public transportation, or bike to your event. Offer incentives such as preferred parking for carpoolers or bike racks for cyclists. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, you'll decrease carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation alternatives.
 
Zero Waste Catering
 
Work with catering companies that specialize in zero-waste practices. Opt for locally sourced, organic foods and beverages, and ensure that all serving materials are compostable or recyclable. By minimizing food waste and single-use plastics, you'll significantly reduce your event's environmental footprint.

​Provide Plant-Based Food Options
 
Using plant-based catering for events can significantly reduce the environmental impact by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with animal agriculture and minimizing water usage compared to traditional meat-based menus. Vegetarian and vegan guests appreciate having options to choose from at events, where they sometimes feel excluded.
 
Waste Disposal Stations
 
Set up clearly labeled recycling and compost bins throughout your event space to encourage proper waste disposal. Work with your venue or waste management company to ensure that waste is sorted correctly and diverted from landfills whenever possible.
 
Donate Leftovers
 
Coordinate with a local food bank or shelter to donate any leftover food from the event rather than letting it go to waste. Leftover decor can be reused at future events or auctioned off or sent home with guests to use and display at home. Local nursing homes and hospitals often appreciate donations of floral arrangements or live plants.
 
Sustainable Swag
 
If your event involves gift bags or other giveaways, opt for recycled, recyclable, and reusable items. Ideas we’ve used include:

• Reusable water bottles
• Tote bags made from recycled materials
• Seed packets
• Locally-sourced snacks from sustainable brands
• Aluminum water cups
• Printed wax wraps for food
• Swedish dish towels

 
End-to-End Mobile Solutions
 
By leveraging mobile apps for event planning, registration, and communication, organizers can eliminate the need for paper-based processes, such as printed agendas and tickets, thus reducing paper waste.
 
Mobile apps can also streamline logistics, allowing attendees to access event information, schedules, and updates in real-time, minimizing the need for printed materials and physical signage. Additionally, mobile ticketing and check-in solutions can streamline entry processes, reducing queuing times and minimizing the use of paper tickets or wristbands.
 
By implementing these 10 easy sustainable event practices, you can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your gatherings while creating memorable experiences for attendees – and even saving money. Whether you're planning a corporate conference, wedding, or community fundraiser, small changes can add up to make a big difference. BIG DEAL Company looks forward to working together to promote sustainability in the events industry and pave the way for a greener future.

Free downloadable:

​Planning an event – whether it's a corporate conference, a fundraiser, or a personal celebration –  requires attention to detail, expert coordination, and quick problem-solving. Hiring a skilled and experienced event planner can be the key to transforming your vision into a seamless and memorable reality, saving you time and money.
 
However, not all event planners are created equal. We’ve seen it before – and our team has even been called in last-minute to fix events that have gone off track. In this blog, we'll explore some essential steps to help you make an informed decision.
 
Short on time? Download our “How to Carefully Choose an Event Planner” cheat sheet.

Research
 
Utilize online platforms, recommendations from colleagues, and reviews to create a shortlist of professionals with a proven track record. Look for planners who have experience in organizing events similar to yours and have positive testimonials from satisfied clients.
 
Consider factors such as the number and scale of events they have organized, the types of events they specialize in, and their familiarity with your event's specific requirements.
 
Check References
 
Dig deeper into the experience and expertise of each potential event planner on your shortlist. Request and check references from past clients to gain a better understanding of the event planner's reliability and professionalism. Honest feedback from those who have previously worked with the planner can provide valuable insights into their communication skills, ability to handle challenges, and overall performance.

Look for Creativity and Innovation
 
Events require a creative touch to stand out and leave a lasting impression. Evaluate the event planner's creativity by reviewing their portfolio and asking about unique solutions they've implemented in the past.
 
A planner with a flair for innovation can bring fresh ideas to the table and elevate the overall experience of your event. Our team excels in this area – creativity, originality, and flexibility allowed us to grow our events business when the pandemic hit, while others scaled back.
A seasoned event planner like BIG DEAL Company will bring valuable insights and problem-solving skills to the table.
 
Communication Skills
 
Effective communication is paramount in event planning. Assess the event planner's communication skills, responsiveness, and ability to understand and articulate your vision. Clear and open communication fosters a collaborative relationship, ensuring that everyone is on the same page throughout the planning process. Emergencies will arise, so an attentive planner who responds promptly is a must.
 
Transparency and Integrity
 
Choose an event planner who operates with transparency and integrity. This includes providing detailed contracts, outlining fees and expenses clearly, having direct conversations about expectations, and being honest about potential challenges or limitations. A trustworthy event planner will draw on their experience to prioritize your best interests and ensure a successful event.
 
Your choice of event planner can significantly impact the success of your event. Remember, a well-chosen event planner not only executes logistical details but also adds a touch of magic to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests – this is our favorite part!
 
Download our How to Carefully Choose an Event Planner cheat sheet for reference as you navigate the event planner selection process.
 
Looking for fresh recommendations and new relationships? Reach out to BIG DEAL Company. For more industry tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
 

​Time for a Website Health Check
It's the face of your business - is it healthy? Use our free printable checklist (below) to evaluate your website. Too busy? Hire BIG DEAL to do it for you!

​The ‘health’ of your website is a crucial part of getting the word out about your business or organization.  It serves as your digital storefront and often represents the first point of contact with potential customers, donors, or partners. An updated website reflects professionalism, reliability, and relevance AND is more likely to rank higher in search engine results, enhancing online visibility. By creating an engaging, user-friendly, and current online experience, you will be better prepared to stand out in today's digital landscape.
Here are a few checks BIG DEAL Company recommends doing quarterly, biannually, or yearly.

Enjoy our free printable with an itemized list of how to review your website's health!